Theft crimes in the state of South Carolina fall under the general heading of “larceny.” This covers the theft of all things, from goods to personal property and any other items of value. Larceny occurs when you take the property of someone else with the intention of depriving that person permanently of whatever has been stolen.
If you or someone you know has been arrested and charged with any type of larceny, reach out to a Greenville theft lawyer as soon as possible. You can rely on Christopher L. Jones, Attorney at Law for highly knowledgeable and competent legal help at this critical time. As a former prosecutor, Chris L. Jones knows his way around a courtroom, understands how the state will work against you, and can create legal strategies designed to counteract those tactics in seeking the best possible outcome for your case.
Types of Theft Offenses
Under state law, theft crimes are charged according to the value of the goods or services stolen. As a result, you may be facing a misdemeanor or felony charge based on the facts of your case. An experienced attorney in Greenville could help you better understand the nature of the theft charges you are facing.
Two main categories of larceny exist under the law:
- Petit larceny
- Grand larceny
Petit Larceny
Petit larceny is charged as a misdemeanor for the theft of goods or services valued at $2,000 or less. Petit larceny is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
Grand Larceny
Grand larceny is charged as a felony for the theft of property or services valued at more than $2,000 up to $9,999 and is punishable by up to five years in prison and fines ordered at the court’s discretion. Grand larceny involving property or services valued at $10,000 or more is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines decided by the court.
Shoplifting & Civil Lawsuits
The above crimes, petit and grand larceny, cover shoplifting as well which carries the additional penalties of a civil lawsuit brought by the shop owner for specific damages as outlined by law. Also, if you used a vehicle in the commission of the crime, the state can confiscate it through a civil process as well. If you have prior criminal convictions, you may be facing harsher penalties.
What Are the Penalties for a Shoplifting Conviction?
The penalties for a shoplifting conviction can vary depending on the value of the item(s) stolen. For items worth at most $2,000 and is your first shoplifting conviction, you could be facing 0-30 days in prison and/or fines of over $2,000. If the item was worth between $2k – $10k, and is also your first shoplifting conviction, you could be facing 5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $1,000. If the item is worth more than $10k, you will be charged with a felony, and face up to 10 years in prison. You could even face even harsher penalties if you plan to sell the item or if you sold the item.
The other penalties that you could be facing include a civil lawsuit in which you will pay the cost of the item plus interest and could also lead to garnished wages. In some cases, you could also face the following consequences deportation, inability to gain a loan for college, inability to enlist in the military, and face tough times with getting a rental for an apartment or condo. A knowledgeable Greenville attorney could work to help you avoid the most severe consequences of a theft conviction.
Schedule a Consultation with a Greenville Theft Attorney
A theft crime conviction can negatively affect your chances in obtaining employment, renting an apartment, or obtaining a professional license. At Christopher L. Jones, Attorney at Law, we offer diligent and dedicated representation in search of keeping you out of jail and minimizing other consequences. Reach out to a Greenville theft lawyer today to get started on your case.
