Theft Defense Attorney in Shreveport, LA

Louisiana laws enumerate many different types of theft. Ultimately, theft involves the taking of something of value belonging to another person or entity, without the consent of that other party or by means of fraud, with intent to permanently deprive that party of that thing of value.

Theft crimes under Louisiana law include some of the following offenses:

• Misdemeanor and felony theft: Louisiana Revised Statute 14:67 defines theft as the misappropriation or taking of anything of value which belongs to another, either without the consent of the other or through fraud, with intent to permanently deprive the other.
• Robbery: Louisiana Revised Statute 14:65 defines simple robbery ias the taking of anything of value belonging to another from their person or immediate control, by use of force or intimidation. Robbery also has higher grades of severity for when the offender intentionally inflicts serious bodily injury during the robbery, uses a firearm or dangerous weapon (even just to intimidate the victim), or leads the victim to believe the offender has a firearm or dangerous weapon.
• Carjacking: Louisiana Revised Statute 14:64.2 defines carjacking as the intentional taking of a motor vehicle belonging to another person, in the presence of that person, another person in lawful possession of the vehicle, or a passenger, by use of force or intimidation.
• Bank fraud: Louisiana Revised Statute 14:71.1 defines bank fraud as including defraud of a financial institution and/or obtaining money or other property under the custody or control of a financial institution by fraud.
• Forgery: Louisiana Revised Statute 14:72 defines forgery as counterfeiting or altering, with intent to defraud, any signature, or as issuing, transferring, or possessing with intent to defraud a writing known to be forged.
• Identity theft: Louisiana Revised Statute 14:67.16 defines identity theft as intentional use of any personal identifying information of another person to obtain, possess, or transfer credit, money, goods, services, or anything of value without the authorization or consent of the other person.
• Issuing bad checks: Louisiana Revised Statute 14:71 defines issuing worthless checks as the issuance, in exchange for something of value with intent to defraud, of any check or money order, with knowledge that one does not have sufficient funds for payment.
• Theft of a motor vehicle: According to Louisiana Revised Statute 14:67.26, theft of a motor vehicle involves taking of a motor vehicle belonging to another without the owner's consent or by means of fraudulent conduct, with intent to permanently deprive.
• Illegal possession of stolen goods: Louisiana Revised Statute 14:69 defines illegal possession of stolen things as intentional possession, procuring, receiving, or concealing of goods that are the subject of a robbery or theft, with knowledge or reason to believe the goods were the subject of a robbery or theft.

The possible penalties for a conviction of a theft crime have a wide range and are usually directly related to the value of the things taken. For example, a conviction for theft can result in a maximum fine of $1,000 and/or maximum imprisonment of 6 months where the amount stolen is less than $1,000. However, penalties for a theft conviction can range up to a fine of $50,000 and/or 20 years of incarceration when the items stolen have a value of more than $25,000.

Where a theft involves a use or threat of violence, the penalties for conviction can increase even more. For example, a conviction for armed robbery results in a sentence of no less than 10 years of incarceration and up to a maximum of 99 years, without parole or probation.

Finally, the identity of the victim can also have an impact on the possible penalties. For example, a conviction for bank fraud can result in a maximum sentence of 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $100,000.

The consequences of a conviction for theft crimes can have devastating effects on the rest of your life. Even after you serve your sentence, you may find it difficult to secure a job, education, or housing due to your conviction. Dealing with criminal charges alone can be a frightening experience. That's why Attorney Ebonee Norris is the right choice to represent you. She has the experience and resources necessary to defend you against theft charges, no matter what the circumstances may be.

We will work to have your charges dismissed or reduced through a plea agreement. If your case goes to trial, Ebonee Norris will vigorously plead your case to try to secure a not guilty verdict. Even if a conviction is inevitable, or if you must plead guilty in the end, we will work with the prosecutors and the court to get you the lowest sentence possible so that you can get back to your life as quickly as possible.

If you've been accused of a theft crime, don't fight the criminal justice system alone - contact Attorney Ebonee Norris of The Norris Law Group for help. She will work tirelessly to get the best possible outcome for you.

We know that no two cases are the same. We will thoroughly review the details of your case to ensure that you receive the best possible legal defense and that your rights are protected. Call us today at 318-771-7000 or reach out to us online. We're ready to put our experience to work for you.