Theft is a sort of crime involving taking another person’s property or money without their permission or knowledge. There are two types of theft, namely grand theft and petty theft. Under these two categories, many different types of thefts are included. If you are charged with theft, you could be looking at fines and imprisonment.
An accusation of theft can ruin your life. It could impact not only your professional life but also your personal relationships with your friends and family. Therefore, if you wish to clear your name, contact a criminal defense lawyer Knoxville, TN.
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What is the difference between petty and grand theft?
Both petty and grand thefts involve taking away someone else’s money or property with the intent of stealing it. The only difference between the two terms is the value of the stolen property.
A person is charged with petty theft when they steal property worth $950 or lower. Petty theft is a misdemeanor and can result in penalties of up to six months in jail and a fine of $1,000.
On the other hand, grand theft is stealing money or property worth over $950. It is a felony and can result in up to three years in jail along with fines of $1,000.
Types of thefts
Robbery.
Robbery refers to the act of stealing money or property from a bank, shop, vehicle, or other place with the use of violence, force, intimidation, and threats. The victim is put in fear for their life to commit this theft. Robbery is a more serious crime than regular theft as it involves threatening the victim.
Shoplifting.
Shoplifting refers to the act of taking away or stealing merchandise from a retail shop without the consent or knowledge of the owner of the shop. If you take away any item from a shop without intending to pay for it, you can be charged with shoplifting.
Fraud.
Fraud refers to the act of stealing someone’s money with their knowledge but under false pretenses. The fraudster often lures in the victims by claiming accomplishments or qualities. While it does not involve violence or any other kind of threat, it is still a very serious crime.
Embezzlement.
Embezzlement refers to stealing money from a person or company who has trusted you with their assets and bank accounts. For example, a person transfers money from his employer’s bank account into his own for personal gain.
Whether petty or grand, both kinds of theft carry penalties that can affect your entire life. Therefore, it is essential to start building your legal team when you face theft charges. Your freedom is at stake here, so make sure you pick the best criminal defense attorney in town.