A theft allegation can follow you around long before anything is proven in court. It can affect how others see you, and in some cases, it can begin to interfere with your work or daily routine almost immediately. If you are dealing with that kind of situation, speaking with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer can help you get a clearer sense of what you are up against and build a defense.
At Adams & Bischoff, we look carefully at what actually happened. Theft charges often hinge on intent and circumstances, which are not always obvious from a police report alone. Taking the time to understand the evidence and intent can make a difference in how your case is approached.
Because a conviction could result in incarceration and a criminal record, it is important to retain a skilled defense attorney as soon as possible if you are facing charges. An experienced Mount Pleasant theft lawyer may be well-versed in situations similar to yours and could build an effective defense to the allegations.
Alleged Burglary or Robbery in Mount Pleasant
Burglary is the unauthorized entry into a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime therein. It may be charged by degree, depending on the circumstances. Per the South Carolina Code of Laws §16-11-311, a person might be found guilty of first-degree burglary if they enter a dwelling without permission with the intent to commit a crime, and any of the following apply:
- A participant was armed with a deadly weapon or explosive
- One of the accused caused physical injury to a victim
- A dangerous instrument, knife, or firearm was displayed or used
- One of the participants had prior burglary convictions
- The alleged event occurred at night
First-degree burglary is punishable by 15 years to life imprisonment. Under Mount Pleasant law, life incarceration means until death. Thus, persons who are charged with first-degree burglary may do well in retaining a skilled Mount Pleasant theft attorney to assist with all stages of this adversarial process.
Robbery may be classified as a felony per S.C. Code Ann. §16-11-325. In Mount Pleasant, the statute follows the common law definition of robbery. Robbery within this meaning may be charged if a person is accused of taking and carrying away the property of another via the use of force or fear. If someone allegedly used a deadly weapon during the course of the crime, they might face an elevated charge with a harsher penalty.
Even with these laws in place, the line between different charges can be unclear in practice. What one person describes as force, another can see as a misunderstanding. The same goes for intent. It is one thing to allege that someone meant to commit a crime, and another to actually prove it.
A Mount Pleasant theft defense attorney can spend time working through how those charges and evidence are being presented. That can involve comparing statements, reviewing timelines, or checking to see if the facts support the conclusion that is being drawn. In some cases, a closer look can reveal that key assumptions were made too quickly.
Shoplifting Charges in Mount Pleasant
An individual in Mount Pleasant might be charged with shoplifting under several circumstances. Frequently, a person might be accused of this offense if they are alleged to have taken and carried away goods with the intent to deprive the merchant of the property without payment.
Additionally, per S.C. Code Ann. §16-13-110, persons who switch the price tags on items for sale or alter the indicated price might also face an accusation of shoplifting. Similarly, removing an item from packaging and carrying it out of a store could also result in a theft charge.
If the value of the stolen goods exceeds $2,000, shoplifting may be penalized as a felony offense, but if the stolen items are worth less than $2,000, a misdemeanor may apply. A conviction for felony shoplifting of products valued at between $2,000 and $10,000 may result in a $1,000 fine, as well as five years of imprisonment.
Shoplifting Cases Are Complex
Shoplifting allegations can sometimes arise from situations that are not as clear-cut as they seem. Stores can rely on surveillance footage or employee observations, but that does not always tell the full story. Something as simple as a distraction or misunderstanding can be interpreted as intentional conduct.
Looking closely at how an accusation developed can be important. A Mount Pleasant defense attorney can review whether the evidence actually supports the claim that there was an intent to deprive the store of property. When that is unclear, it can affect how the case proceeds.
What Can Influence a Theft Charge?
Several factors can shape how a theft case is handled, including:
- The value of the property involved
- Whether force or threats were alleged during the incident
- How intent is interpreted based on the available evidence
- The reliability of witness accounts or surveillance footage
Sometimes one factor stands out. Other times, it is the combination of several smaller details that ends up making the difference. Taking the time to sort through those details is crucial for our theft defense attorneys in Mount Pleasant to understand the case as a whole.
Speak with a Mount Pleasant Theft Attorney Today
If you are facing theft allegations, speaking with a defense attorney can help you better understand how to approach the situation. At Adams & Bischoff, we focus on working through the details rather than relying on assumptions.
A conviction for theft can be devastating. You might face jail time, as well as heavy fines. Therefore, if you are being investigated for theft, it may be best to consult with a learned attorney as soon as possible. Contact an informed Mount Pleasant theft lawyer today to talk about building an effective defense.
