Larceny is defined in the State of Massachusetts as the act of taking another person’s property without their consent to deprive that person of that property. Larceny, also known as theft, is classified into many different categories.
Some forms of theft include:
- Larceny of personal property under $1,200 (Misdemeanor)
- Larceny of personal property over $1,200 (Felony)
- Credit card theft
- Bank fraud
- Obtaining property with bad checks
- Embezzlement
- Identity theft
- Auto theft
- Receiving stolen property
- Shoplifting
Larceny is not limited to the above actions. This list represents the most common forms of larceny.
If you are facing a Wareham larceny charge or you have been arrested for a Wareham theft, it will be in your best interest to contact a criminal defense attorney. Having an attorney manage your case will help ensure that your rights are protected and that you can get the best possible outcome for your case.
Wareham Shoplifting Charges Are Divided Into Three Categories
Under Massachusetts General Law chapter 266 section 30a, shoplifting is defined as:
The act of taking merchandise from a retail setting with the intention of depriving the merchant of the goods by not paying for said merchandise. Merchandise is defined as any goods that are stored, displayed, or placed out for sale within a retail setting.
Shoplifting by Concealment
Shoplifting by concealment is the act of hiding merchandise on your person or in your accessories to remove the merchandise from the store.
If the merchandise is valued under $100, the penalty for a first offense is $250, second offense, $500, and third offense or more is $1,000 and up to two years in jail.
If the value of the merchandise is over $100, the punishment, even for a first offense, is a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 2.5 years in jail.
Shoplifting By Changing Tags
Changing the price tags on any merchandise so it can be purchased at a lower price is considered shoplifting.
Shoplifting By Changing Containers
If you change the container that merchandise is in so that it can be purchased at a lower price or more easily concealed, you are shoplifting.
Shoplifting by Smash and Grab
It is still considered shoplifting if you break into a store or just grab merchandise and run. All penalties will apply to smash and grab actions.
Penalties for Shoplifting
Regardless of the type of shoplifting you are charged with, the penalties are as follows:
If the merchandise is valued under $100, the penalty for a first offense is $250, second offense, $500, and third offense or more is $1,000 and up to two years in jail.
If the value of the merchandise is over $100, the punishment, even for a first offense, is a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 2.5 years in jail.
Contact A Wareham Shoplifting Attorney
If you have been arrested for shoplifting, you will need to contact a shoplifting defense attorney. Shoplifting may not seem very serious to some people, but it has serious penalties if you are convicted.
Shoplifting convictions will go on your permanent record, and this can impact many areas of your life. It will always be in your best interest to seek legal representation when you are charged with shoplifting.
Larceny Convictions Can Have Serious Penalties
Have you been charged with larceny? Regardless of what type of larceny you are charged with, it is crucial that you speak with a Warham larceny lawyer about the charges against you.
Penalties for larceny are very harsh and can include large fines, restitution, jail time, and probation. These charges will be placed permanently on your record if convicted.
You have the right to defend yourself against any charges against you. Having a qualified defense attorney will significantly improve your chances of lowering the charges against you or having the case dismissed.
Defense attorneys cannot promise the outcome of any case, but they can promise to help you build a solid defense so that you will get the best possible outcome for your case. This is the best way to protect yourself and ensure that your side of the story is heard.
How To Find The Right Wareham Larceny Lawyer
Selecting the right criminal defense attorney to represent your case is crucial to your case’s success. To determine if the attorney you are considering is right for you, consider the following:
- Does the attorney handle your specific type of case? You will want a criminal defense attorney that is familiar with the area of law in which you are being charged.
- Does the firm have the resources necessary to aggressively represent your case? You need to feel comfortable that the law firm is dedicated to winning for its clients.
- Does the attorney answer your questions so that you understand them? Good communication with your attorney is a must.
- Do you feel comfortable with the attorney on a personal level? You must feel comfortable working with your attorney to have a successful claim. You must feel like you can be open with the attorney so that all of the facts are revealed so a defense can be built. If you do not feel comfortable around the attorney, it will be very hard to work together.
- Does the attorney have a positive outlook for your case? A positive outlook means that the attorney feels that they can give you the best possible outcome for your case.
Don’t face any type of criminal charges alone. You risk hefty fines and possible jail time when you self-represent in court. Work with a criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and ensure a good outcome for your case.
Wareham Theft, Larceny, and Shoplifting Lawyers
If you or a loved one is being charged with a theft crime in Wareham, Massachusetts, contact the attorneys at The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan today for a free case consultation. Contact us now!
