When we are young, it’s simple to understand theft – if you take someone else’s property without their knowledge or approval, it’s theft. As adults, the definition becomes cloudy and more complex. Theft is no longer limited to taking another person’s possessions, there is identify theft and financial theft to consider, for example.
Though we can all agree that taking something that does not belong to you is considered theft, there are different types of theft and different penalties for theft crimes depending on the type of theft committed.
There are many types of theft that are recognized by the State of Wisconsin. They include:
All of the above examples of theft crimes take into account “property” which may include both moveable and immovable items, such as:
Theft crimes carry different penalties, which are highly dependent on the circumstances surrounding the theft including the type of property taken, its value, and how it was taken (was force used?) All of these factors and more will be taken into account by the police to determine if the crime is a felony or misdemeanor. Felonies are much more serious, resulting in heavy fines and possible prison time while misdemeanors have smaller fines and only local jail time.
Every type of theft has different elements that need to be proven for guilt to be determined, but in nearly every case, it must be proven that the accused had intent to commit the crime.
Defense against theft crimes often involves disproving intent, but may also include a defense of coercion, intoxication, or other strategies. Your best defense against theft crimes is to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney from Eisenberg Law Offices in Madison. Our skilled attorneys can examine the evidence against you, explain your legal options, and build a strong defense for you.
If you are facing charges of theft, contact Eisenberg Law Offices at 608-256-8356 or Info@eisenberglaw.org to arrange a free and confidential consultation.
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The Information Contained In This Site Is Not Intended To Provide Legal Advice. Please Consult An Attorney To Discuss The Facts Of Your Individual Situation. Eisenberg Law Office, S.C. 308 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53703 USA (608) 256-8356