Iredell County, NC Theft Lawyer

Iredell County, NC Theft Attorney

Being charged with theft can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when you think about the potential consequences. The penalties range widely from fines to jail time to community service, not to mention a public record that will follow you around for a long time. If you or someone you know has been charged with theft, you can fight it, and an Iredell County, NC theft lawyer at The Law Office of Michael D. Cleaves, PLLC can help.

Theft Laws in North Carolina

According to FBI data, there were 392 thefts in Iredell County, NC, in 2023, and the courthouse in Statesville, NC, reports that their crime numbers have decreased since 2013. Larceny cases in North Carolina are usually classified into these different categories:

• Class 1 misdemeanor: If the property is worth less than $1,000, then it will be classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor. The most common type of misdemeanor was theft from a vehicle, which comprised 38,874 of the larceny cases in 2023, or 25% of the misdemeanors in North Carolina. The punishment for this type of misdemeanor can include jail time and fines that range from $200 for a Class 3 misdemeanor to $1000 for a Class 2 misdemeanor.
• Class H felony: If someone steals property worth over $1,000, they will receive a Class H felony charge, which is subject to the same criminal procedures as other felony charges.

Types of Larceny Charges

In 2023, 17,750 people were arrested on larceny charges in North Carolina. The state has defined a long list of different types of possible larceny charges. Some of these charges are:

• Receiving or possessing stolen goods
• Employee theft
• Receiving or transferring stolen vehicles
• Motor fuel theft
• Animal theft
• Chop-shop activity theft penalties
• Motor vehicle parts theft. This type of theft occurred 8,764 times in North Carolina in 2023. It is seen as a Class I felony charge and could be subject to 3 to 24 months in prison.
• Stealing from a merchant: In 2023, 37,569 thefts involved shoplifting. This type of theft is when someone steals directly from a merchant.

Many factors go into making the decision about penalties for larceny, including intent to commit the crime, criminal record, whether it is your first offense, and how your case is classified.

• Misdemeanor larceny. If the property you’ve stolen is worth less than $1,000, then the charge will fall into this category. Penalties can include jail time for up to 120 days, fines, restitution, and potentially community service. Generally, first-time offenders receive community service and suspended jail time.
• Class H felony. If the property is worth more than $1,000 or involves other circumstances, like the theft of firearms, for example, then it would fall under a Class H felony. The potential penalty for this type of crime could be imprisonment for 4 to 25 months.

How a Theft Lawyer Can Help You

Navigating these charges requires a detailed and knowledgeable strategy. Because any type of larceny charge can result in jail time and damage your reputation, your career, and even your family life, contacting an Iredell County, NC theft lawyer is vital.

The Law Office of Michael D. Cleaves, PLLC, in Iredell County, North Carolina, will protect your rights and represent you with integrity and clarity. Since we are located in Iredell, we’ll be able to provide you with legal advice according to North Carolina and Iredell County law.

FAQs

Q: How Do You Beat a Theft Case?

A: To beat a theft case, hire a theft lawyer who understands the ins and outs of the law, your rights, and how to defend someone accused of theft. An Iredell County, NC theft lawyer will provide you with possible defenses, such as the right to own the property, intoxication, returning of the property, entrapment, or the fact that you received consent to take the item. An attorney will help determine the most realistic defense for your case and fight for you.

Q: What Amount of Theft Is a Felony in NC?

A: Theft of anything over $1,000 constitutes a felony in Iredell County, NC, but there are other types of theft that fall under this category regardless of the dollar amount, including:

• Whether the property is taken directly from someone’s person.
• Whether the property is a firearm, explosive, or other dangerous device.
• Whether the property was stolen via burglary or breaking and entering.
• Whether the accused has been charged with larceny four times or more.

Q: How Serious Is Theft by Deception?

A: If someone knowingly deceives someone in order to commit larceny, known as theft by deception, then it is a type of fraud. Depending on the dollar amount involved, it can be serious. Over $100,000 is considered a Class C felony. Theft by deception can involve:

• Using false forms of identification
• Obtaining signatures under false pretenses (such as forgery)
• Receiving an advance with a promise but not following through
• Using a worthless check or money order

Q: How Do I File a Theft by Deception Charge?

A: In order to file a theft by deception charge, you must be able to provide evidence that the person in question intended to deceive you. Then, you must contact law enforcement at the Iredell Sheriff’s Department and provide that evidence, including details of the event, witnesses, and supporting documentation. If formal charges are given, then a prosecutor will get involved and decide whether to proceed with the charges. If they do, then the case will move to court.

Contact The Law Office of Michael D. Cleaves, PLLC, Today

Being charged with theft can significantly impact your ability to be hired in the future, so it is imperative that you receive outstanding representation. Safeguard your future by working with the team at The Law Office of Michael D. Cleaves, PLLC, to utilize over two decades of experience and knowledge of the NC legal system. We will help fight your charges and potentially lessen your penalties and consequences. Contact us today and schedule a consultation.

See Related Posts:

• How Long Does a Criminal Conviction Stay on Your Record in North Carolina?
• North Carolina Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences [2025 Explained]