Portland Theft Defense Attorneys

Petty Theft and Grand Theft Offenses

Theft is typically categorized according to the value of property taken, and these categories are petty theft and grand theft. Generally speaking, grand theft will result in felony charges and petty theft will result in misdemeanor charges. A felony theft conviction will carry a minimum state prison sentence of 1 year, and a misdemeanor theft conviction will carry a maximum county jail sentence of 12 months.

Arrested for theft? A Portland theft crime lawyer will play a crucial role in helping you avoid incarceration or a conviction altogether. Many theft crimes are based upon strong physical evidence such as video surveillance, fingerprints or DNA evidence. However, there are still ways that an experienced defense lawyer will be able to work out a plan of action for your defense that can prove that you actually did not commit the crime. It is a matter of understanding the law, having enough resources and time to dedicate to a case and independently evaluating the investigation conducted by law enforcement to uncover mistakes or rights violations.

Portland Theft Crimes: First, Second and Third Degree Theft

Regardless of whether you are facing minor shoplifting charges or serious auto theft allegations, you need a Portland theft defense attorney on your side to protect your rights. Oregon theft crimes are classified in degrees, and these and their penalties are explained below:

• Third Degree Theft:
• Total value of the property is under $50
• Excludes theft by extortion
• Second Degree Theft:
• Total value of the property is $50 or more, but less than $200 (or less than $750 in a case involving receiving stolen property)
• Excludes theft by extortion
• First Degree Theft:
• The total value of the property is $200 or more (or $750 or more in the case of receiving stolen property)
• The subject of the theft is a firearm or explosive
• The theft is committed during a riot, fire, explosion or other emergency situation
• The subject of the theft is a livestock animal or a dog or cat owned by a person or entity
• Aggravated Theft in the First Degree:
• A first degree theft violation that also involves property valued at or more than $10,000 (excluding motor vehicles)

Theft in the second or third degree is a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to 12 months in county jail. Theft in the first degree is a felony offense punishable by up to 5 years in state prison, and aggravated theft in the first degree is a punishable by up to 10 years in state prison.

Portland, Oregon Defense Lawyers

Be sure to consult a Portland theft defense lawyer regarding your criminal charges as soon as possible. It is important that the lawyer become involved as soon as possible in order to have the best chance of avoiding a conviction.

Accused of, arrested for or charged with a theft crime? Contact a Portland theft crime lawyer at our firm to discuss your case with a legal professional who cares.