Mooresville Theft Lawyer

Mooresville Theft Attorney

Being accused of thievery can be an incredibly stressful experience, leaving you feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Hiring a Mooresville theft lawyer at The Law Office of Michael D. Cleaves, PLLC, however, can mean getting the support, clarity, and guidance you need to pursue your desired outcomes.

Theft Laws in North Carolina

Before you look into hiring a Mooresville theft lawyer, you may benefit from learning more about what North Carolina considers theft, the classes of criminal charges, and how hiring the right lawyer can improve the likelihood of your case’s success.

Theft covers a broad array of criminal categorizations, but the most common examples of this illegal activity include the following:

• Burglary: Burglary is typically a non-violent crime that involves breaking in and then entering a place illegally. It can, however, turn violent if someone is inside the abode or location at the time of the burglary. This can result in more serious charges and, in the event of conviction, more severe penalties. In 2024, 16.5% of property crime in North Carolina was connected to burglaries.
• Embezzlement: When someone is charged with embezzlement, it means that legal authorities suspect the employee of committing larceny in the workplace. This can be done by hiding or withholding funds and often falls under the category of white-collar criminal activity.
• Larceny: In 2024, larceny and theft accounted for 70.6% of all property crime in North Carolina. This means that the majority of property crimes involved a wide variety of thefts, such as shoplifting or even felony-level crimes.
• Motor vehicle theft: Motor vehicle theft contributed 12.9% of all property crime in North Carolina in 2024.
• Robbery: Even though North Carolina’s 2024 violent crime rate was 5% greater than the United States average, robbery offenses have actually declined over the past decade. Still, it accounted for 13.3% of all violent crime in North Carolina that year. Robbery is one example of when theft becomes a violent crime, as it involves threats and/or acts of violence to steal property from a place or even a person.

Theft Penalties

Larceny penalties in North Carolina depend on whether the offense is charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. A suspected thief may be charged with misdemeanor larceny if the stolen property’s value is under $1,000. There are three main levels of misdemeanor larceny, with Class 1 being the most severe and Class 3 being the least. Here are some examples of each, as well as potential penalties: 

• Class 1: Ranking as the most severe misdemeanor larceny charge a person can receive, Class 1 convictions can result in being sentenced to 120 days in jail, as well as lofty fines.
• Class 2: Class 2 charges are often the result of the alleged thief having committed the offense more than once in a certain amount of time. You could end up being sentenced to 60 days in jail if found guilty, as well as being made to pay fines.
• Class 3: This is the lowest level misdemeanor larceny charge a person can receive. It typically involves a first-time occurrence of shoplifting, and if you are convicted, you could be spending a maximum of 20 days in jail. It is also common to be required to pay a fine.

Felonies are typically viewed as more severe charges, including the following examples:

• Class H felonies: If the stolen property has a value of over $1,000, the theft is typically considered a Class H felony, and if you are found guilty, you could be facing a maximum of 39 months in jail.
• Embezzlement: If you are found guilty of embezzling $100,000 or more, you could end up serving up to 231 months in jail in the event of a conviction.

Why Should I Hire a Theft Lawyer in North Carolina?

There are many reasons you may want to hire a theft lawyer, but chief among them is the clarity and preparation a lawyer can bring to your case. Theft cases in Iredell County are generally carried out at ​​the Government Center South at 610 E. Center Ave., Mooresville, NC 28115, where your lawyer can defend you and your rights, presenting your case on your behalf.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Theft Lawyer in North Carolina?

In the state of North Carolina, the cost of hiring a theft lawyer tends to vary case by case, due to the unique influence specific variables can have on your case and overall price. Some examples of these variables include the amount of time your case requires, the severity of your charges, the law firm you hire to represent you, and the level of complexity your case presents.

What Kind of Evidence Can Be Used in a Theft Case in North Carolina?

There is a wide variety of forms that usable evidence can take in Mooresville, North Carolina, such as witness testimonies, video recordings, security footage, recorded phone calls, texts, emails, professional input, and any other form of documentation that is both relevant to the case and was legally obtained. If the evidence was acquired improperly, such as without a warrant or under a warrant that did not include certain details, it can be dismissed, regardless of how vital it may seem.

Can I Represent Myself in My Theft Case in North Carolina?

Yes, it is perfectly legal for a defendant to represent themselves in a criminal theft case in the state of North Carolina, but many individuals have found that hiring a theft lawyer can prove to be incredibly beneficial. Not only can your lawyer help prevent unnecessary confusion, but they can also defend your rights and advocate on your behalf, building and presenting your case in a criminal court of law.

How Long Does My Theft Case Take to Resolve?

Similarly to the cost of hiring a theft lawyer, the amount of time theft cases need in the state of North Carolina tends to be influenced by different outside factors. This can include the schedule of your local courthouse, the availability of all other parties involved, the complexity of your case, and whether you have legal representation. Hiring a theft lawyer can help you avoid unwanted setbacks and unnecessary mistakes that can influence the duration of your case.

Why Should I Choose The Law Office of Michael D. Cleaves, PLLC, to Represent Me?

With 20 years of helping clients just like you, Michael D. Cleaves has the knowledge, resources, and dedication needed to take on your charges and pursue your desired outcomes. Find out why so many clients are satisfied with their experience.

Contact The Law Office of Michael D. Cleaves, PLLC, today to schedule a consultation.

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