A theft charge in Mount Pleasant could lower your standing in the community and negatively impact your career. Theft crimes also encompass a wide variety of acts, including robbery, burglary, and shoplifting.
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.
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.
Speak with a Mount Pleasant Theft Attorney Today
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.
