Danbury Theft Lawyer

No matter the circumstances that led to an arrest and charge for theft, being accused of stealing someone else’s property can have serious consequences, including a lengthy stay in jail or even state prison. Effectively fighting against an accusation like this can be a deceptively complicated and challenging process, especially if you try to do it without legal counsel.

If you want a fair shot at getting a positive result from your larceny case, contacting a Danbury theft lawyer should be one of your top priorities. From negotiating with court authorities on your behalf to building a comprehensive defense strategy tailored to your unique situation, a defense lawyer at Ruane Attorneys could be an invaluable ally throughout your legal proceedings.

The Legal Definition of Theft

One of the biggest reasons theft charges can make for complex criminal cases is that there are many ways a person could commit theft—or “larceny,” as defined in the Connecticut Penal Code. Connecticut General Statute §53a-119 broadly defines larceny as wrongfully taking, withholding, or otherwise obtaining property belonging to someone else intending to benefit from the property personally or deprive the rightful owner(s) of its benefits. The statute lists no fewer than 18 actions that qualify as a form of larceny.

Regardless of the specific theft offense, what matters to the prosecution is proving that every key element of the charge is present in the defendant’s actions. This means that by establishing one or more elements were absent, a Danbury theft attorney could defeat the allegations and prevent a criminal conviction. For instance, legal counsel might present the defendant’s good-faith reason to believe they had the authority to possess the property in question.

Different Degrees of Larceny in Danbury

The Connecticut Penal Code categorizes larceny offenses into one of six “classes” of severity, usually based on the financial value of goods or services allegedly taken:

• Larceny in the sixth degree – a Class C misdemeanor involving theft of less than $500
• Larceny in the fifth degree – a Class B misdemeanor involving theft of between $500 and $1,000
• Larceny in the fourth degree – a Class A misdemeanor involving theft of between $1,000 and $2,000
• Larceny in the third degree – a Class D felony involving theft of between $2,000 and $10,000
• Larceny in the second degree – a Class C felony involving theft of between $10,000 and $20,000
• Larceny in the second degree – a Class B felony involving theft of over $20,000

As our local lawyers could explain, the Penal Code categorizes certain types of theft by specific degrees, regardless of the financial value allegedly involved in the offense. For instance, larceny committed via extortion of any kind is always considered first-degree larceny.

Talk to a Danbury Theft Attorney About Your Legal Options

No two theft cases are exactly alike, and the same degree of larceny charges could involve entirely different circumstances. Whether you have experience with the legal system or have never faced criminal allegations, getting a favorable case result will require representation from an attorney.

A conversation with a Danbury theft lawyer could be an essential first step toward effectively protecting your rights and best interests. Schedule a meeting by calling Ruane Attorneys today and get the legal guidance you need.