Being accused of theft charges in Oklahoma City can have serious repercussions. There are all sorts of charges, including possession of stolen vehicles, burglary, larceny, and possession of stolen property. These are serious crimes that may be charged as misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances. Convictions could mean jail time or hefty fines, and there is no time to waste. If you have been charged with theft, you should contact an OKC criminal defense lawyer without any delay. Here are some essential details worth knowing.
Know the penalties
For a petty larceny charge in Oklahoma, you could face a maximum of six months in a county jail with fines up to $500. That essentially means that even shoplifting a small item could mean spending time in jail, even if the product itself was less than $1,000. First-degree burglary could mean up to 20 years in prison. For the unversed, first-degree burglary means breaking to a house with the intention to commit the crime with a weapon. There is also third-degree burglary, which can result in jail time of up to five years. The fines and penalties may vary on other factors too.
Reasons to worry about a criminal conviction
A criminal conviction is not just about the fine you pay but also about curtailing your freedom. No matter how small the crime, a conviction may impact your ability to get hired for a job, especially when you have been accused of theft. For instance, even the role of a bagboy may not be your choice if you were previously convicted of shoplifting from the store. The same is true about finding a home or rental. Most landlords do a background check and will want to avoid tenants who have a record of criminal acts. Many property owners are more wary of those convicted of burglary or robbery because they assume such people will be violent. In some situations, a convicted felon may lose their right to sit on a jury or have to give up voting rights for a time. Other consequences include the inability to have a firearm.
Should you consider a plea deal?
The answer depends on your circumstances. If you hire a criminal defense lawyer, they will check everything before they consider a plea deal. The process involves checking the state’s evidence, and if that aspect is questionable, your lawyer may fight to get the charges dismissed. Before you even think of a plea deal, let your attorney do the due investigation and review the case in detail.
Is it worth spending on a public defender?
Ideally, hiring a public defender isn’t the ideal choice. Public defenders have a huge caseload, which means they are often juggling numerous cases at the same time and are unlikely to have the scope to dedicate many hours to your case. An attorney specializing in criminal defense may sound like an expensive option, but you still have expertise on your side and can expect to get the best outcome.
How to find a criminal lawyer for theft cases?
We recommend choosing someone who is based in Oklahoma City, primarily because they are more well-versed with how local courts work and know the judges and prosecutors. That gives them the edge to work on the case and focus on your defense in a way that may avoid unwanted consequences. A competent attorney knows how prosecutors behave in such situations and how to counter their arguments. You can also review law firms based on ratings and online reviews.
Get a criminal law expert in Oklahoma City immediately after you are charged with burglary or your arrest. That will ensure you don’t compromise on your rights and make common mistakes.
