Criminal Lawyer Duties & Responsibilities: Criminal lawyers represent defendants facing criminal charges in state, federal and appellate courts. Their scope of practice includes bail bond hearings, plea bargains, trial, revocation hearings (parole or probation), appeals and post-conviction remedies. As part of the lawyer's job functions, a criminal lawyer will:
• Investigate the case and interview witnesses
• Research case law, statutes, crimes codes, and procedural law
• Build a defense and develop a case strategy
• Negotiate with the prosecution to plea bargain to lesser charges
• Draft, file and argue motions such as motions to dismiss and motions to suppress
• Advocate for the defendant at trial
• Draft, file and argue appeals
We have experience navigating identity theft cases and work tirelessly to hold identity thieves and other parties accountable for their actions. Our attorneys have a history of success helping consumers restore their good names, reputation, and credit after their identities were stolen.
If you have had your identity stolen, contact an identity theft attorney as soon as possible. Our attorneys may be able to help to recover financial losses and remedy other injuries you have suffered as a result. To learn more about how our attorneys may be able to help you.
Theft is considered a “wobbler†crime, which means a crime can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. Whether a crime is considered felony theft may depend on the value of the stolen property and the severity of the theft when other factors are considered. Each state will have laws setting out this amount.
Simply put, theft refers to taking someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of that property. However, under the law there are many different levels of theft and distinct crimes that carry a range of penalties. Theft can also be classified as either a felony or misdemeanor depending on the situation.
The level of punishment will depend on the severity of the specific theft charges. For example, stealing a low value item from a retail store will result in lesser charges and penalties than stealing someone’s vehicle. When someone uses weapons or force while perpetrating theft, this will also be classified as a more serious crime.
If you are facing theft charges, then it is important to know the potential penalties and any defenses you may have. This will depend on your state’s laws and the specific theft crime that you were charged with. Also be aware that many states use the term “larceny†instead of theft.
Theft offenses are considered crimes of moral turpitude, which means the conduct is dishonest in nature and shows a lack of good morals. Crimes of moral turpitude could have severe repercussions, and negatively affect immigration status, educational opportunities, and employment prospects.
If you are convicted of a theft offense in Columbus, Ohio, you could face additional consequences, including jail time, fines, probation, embarrassment and possible civil penalties. A few of the most common Columbus theft and property offenses are:
• Robbery
• Burglary
• Petty Theft / Shoplifting
• Grand Theft
• Receiving Stolen Property
• Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle
• Automobile Burglary
On the other hand Shoplifting is referred to in the Michigan Penal Code as retail fraud and can be handled in the court of law as a far more serious offense than some people might suspect. A shoplifting conviction could saddle you with a criminal record, loss of freedom, and difficulty getting a job.
Before admitting guilt or-if possible-even discussing the situation with a business operator, store loss prevention staff, or police, you may want to have a seasoned criminal attorney present to protect your legal rights. A Troy shoplifting lawyer could also help you avoid self-incrimination during any ensuing investigation.
In most cases, a person cannot legally be forced to talk to police or store security without legal counsel present. Likewise, someone who is accused of shoplifting has the right to be represented Theft Lawyers by a Troy shoplifting lawyer, and refusing to speak without one’s counsel should not be considered evidence of guilt.
Shoplifting does not have to occur inside the store itself. For example, if there was property left on a landing dock that was delivered but not actually brought into the store, and someone stole it, they may still be in violation of the shoplifting laws in Michigan. The prosecutor must prove the value of the property in question, and the penalties of a conviction depend on the value of the stolen goods.
Theft crimes are really determined by several factors, including where the property was taken from, whether force or threat of force or a weapon was used, and the type and amount of the property that was taken. Shoplifting occurs when merchandise is stolen in or around a retail establishment that is open to the public.
