Theft Attorneys in Lexington, SC

Theft offenses take many forms in South Carolina. Everything from shoplifting a candy bar to embezzling business funds could qualify as theft in Lexington. The experienced Lexington theft lawyers at Kinard Law Group might help you defeat larceny and related charges if you contact them immediately following your arrest. Do not speak with law enforcement officers before calling a reputable S.C. criminal theft defense attorney.

Defining Criminal ‘Theft’ in South Carolina

Theft generally refers to a crime called ‘larceny,’ but it also covers certain financial and fraud-based offenses. Every criminal theft offense sets forth the specific facts Lexington County solicitors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. However, theft is generally defined as the unlawful taking of another person’s property with the intent to permanently deprive that person of its use.

Overview of S.C. Criminal Theft Offenses

South Carolina criminalizes the following ‘theft’ offenses (S.C. Code §§ 16-13-10 through 16-13-530):

• Forgery: Occurs when the defendant counterfeits or forges a document, such as a signature, to obtain money or goods owned by another person or entity.
• Petit Larceny: General theft of goods or money valued at less than $2,000.
• Grand Larceny: Theft of goods or money valued above $2,000.
• Stealing Livestock, Wildlife, Fish, or Dogs: Animals are considered personal property, and it is unlawful to steal back a pet you do not own. Discuss animal abuse as a defense to these charges with our dedicated criminal defense lawyers.
• Theft of Boats or Watercraft: A potential charge in towns bordering Lake Murray that applies to either stealing or letting loose boats, canoes, and other watercraft. 
• Shoplifting and Retail Theft: Any movement of property in a store with the intent to deprive the store owner thereof, even if you do not leave with the item. Retail theft offenses include changing price tags or illegally depriving the merchant of the full retail value of an item.
• Embezzlement: A more complex white-collar crime involving the misuse of employer funds to which you otherwise have lawful access.

Other theft offenses include swindling, stealing library books, bicycle theft, purse snatching, breaking and entering, failing to pay for items, stealing utilities, and even receiving stolen goods. Discuss these charges and more with our experienced Lexington theft defense team.

Penalties and Defenses to Larceny Charges in Lexington County

The specific penalties associated with Lexington theft convictions depend on the value of the goods stolen and any aggravating or mitigating factors. Some theft offenses, such as petit larceny, are misdemeanors triable in a magistrate’s court, while others are felonies carrying significant jail time and financial penalties. Strong defenses to theft charges include proving that you had no intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. Additionally, our experienced criminal trial lawyers might argue that minor offenders, such as first-time shoplifters, qualify for alternative rehabilitation programs.

Contact Our Lexington Theft Defense Lawyers

Whether you’ve been charged with armed robbery or fraud, you need an experienced Lexington theft attorney from Kinard Law Group. Our dedicated local criminal defense team might work with county prosecutors to get your charges dismissed or reduced, including by negotiating favorable plea deals and restitution plans.

Discuss the best defense available for Lexington larceny charges with our legal team today by calling (803) 359-1003 or scheduling a confidential case evaluation online.