Theft Defense Lawyer
Theft crimes, including Embezzlement and Shoplifting and Fraud crimes are very serious accusations that can result in stiff penalties. Beyond the possible punishment of jail/prison time and probation, you may face fines, fees and other monetary restitution. A theft conviction can impact your personal life and job prospects for the rest of your life. You should never make statements to police or answer any questions about a theft crime without an experienced Theft Defense Lawyer at your side. Anything you say can be used against you – even statements of your innocence.
Experienced Fraud Lawyer
Fraud is most often described as the intentional deception made for personal gain or to willfully damage another individual. The state of Virginia is no stranger to this dubious practice and has enacted many laws to help protect against the many variations of fraud.
Fraud charges are not something you can or want to face alone. You need a veteran criminal defense lawyer by your side to help fight for your freedom from these allegations and charges. The Law Office of Robert L. Lichtenstein can help.
Depending on the type of fraud charges you may be facing, Virginia can impose penalties ranging from the mundane to severe. If convicted, these penalties can include significant fines and jail or prison sentences. Don’t get pushed around in the arena of law. Call Today!
Shoplifting Lawyer
While it may seem like a victimless crime, shoplifting is a taken very seriously in state of Virginia. Something as simple as eating some food in the grocery store and hiding the wrapper is enough to have you arrested before you even leave the store. Other situations of shoplifting can include taking an item from a shop without paying, writing a phony check, or even switching price tags. Incredibly even hiding an object with the intent to steal it at a later time can cause you to be brought up on charges of shoplifting. If you are under investigation for, or, have been arrested for stealing you need to contact an experienced Shoplifting Lawyer as soon as possible for your best chance at a good defense.
Embezzlement Lawyers
To secure a conviction for the felony offense of Embezzlement in Virginia, the government must prove that: (1) the defendant wrongfully and fraudulently converted, used, concealed or disposed of the property of another with the intent to permanently deprive the rightful owner of the use thereof, (2) the property had been entrusted by someone else to the defendant by virtue of the defendant’s employment, office or position, and (3) the value of the property was $200 or more.
If the value of the property is less than $200, the defendant can be convicted of Embezzlement as a misdemeanor.
There is no Embezzlement when property is taken under a bona fide claim of right; that is, when the person appropriating the property has a good faith belief as to some right to the property.
“Conversion” is defined as the “unauthorized and wrongful exercise of dominion and control over another’s personal property, to the exclusion of or inconsistent with the rights of the owner. The appropriation can be either for the use of the person charged with Embezzlement or for the use of another.
An Experienced Larceny Lawyer Can Help You
If you try and face a theft charge without an attorney or with a public defender representing you, you will not get the best results. Because a theft conviction can prevent you from getting a job, renting a home, and cause lifelong negative consequences, it’s important to vigorously fight these charges. Theft charges are nothing to take lightly. Let the Law Office of Robert L. Lichtenstein fight this battle for you. We will push for charges to be dropped, or negotiated to a lesser charge. And if it’s in your best interest to take your case to trial, we have an excellent track record of success persuading jurors to vote ‘not guilty.’
Any Larceny Arrest Is Serious
As an experienced criminal defense attorney with over twenty-five years of experience, I can handle any theft accusation case, no matter how minor or significant – and any theft arrest or investigation should be taken seriously. The police will not advocate for you and are not authorized to offer you a reduced sentence for confessing – but they may imply that they can. Public defenders have large caseloads and will not have much time to devote to your case. But when you choose the Law Office of Robert L. Lichtenstein to represent you, we devote all our knowledge and skills to securing the best possible outcome for your case, no matter the charges you face. If you have a criminal record already, another conviction is the last thing you need. And if you have a clean record, you don’t want a conviction to ruin your future prospects.
Common Theft or Fraud Charges
Here is a quick list of some common Theft and Fraud crimes in Virginia that we represent clients for. If you have been accused of one of these crimes or of any other theft related crime, read on and give us a call for your free consultation.
Shoplifting
Possession Of Stolen Property
Burglary
Check Fraud
Credit Card Fraud
Identity Theft
Vehicle Theft
Larceny (Petty and/or Grand)
Larceny Lawyer
What is Larceny?
Larceny means:
- Taking and “carrying away” of property belonging to someone else;
- Without the true owner’s consent; and,
- The intent is not to “borrow,” but rather to “permanently deprive” the owner of possession.
The statutes from The Code of Virginia dealing with larceny include (but are not limited to) the following:
- 2-95
- 2-96
The larceny charge may include the main Code section (likely one of the two listed above), as well as another notation, such as:
- “Petit Larceny <$5 From a Person (pick pocket)
- “Petit Larceny“<200 Not from a Person
- “Grand Larceny” $5+ From a Person
- “Grand Larceny” $200+ Not from a Person
- “Grand Larceny” Auto Theft
The crime of petit larceny refers to instances involving:
- property valued at less than $200 and not taken from a person; or
- property valued at less than $5 and taken from a person.
The crime of grand larceny refers to instances involving:
- property valued at $200 or more, and not taken from a person; or
- property valued at $5 or more, and taken from a person.
If the charge is grand larceny, then it is considered a felony..
Robert L. Lichtenstein, Esquire
222 North Main Street, Suite 300
Post Office Box 1447
Hopewell, Virginia 23860
(804) 452-5424
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