Connecticut Theft Attorney

Theft and financial crimes are wide-ranging. They cover everything from larcenies and shoplifting to credit card theft, forging documents like checks, and more. Employers and the community alike may believe that such acts speak towards your character for truthfulness and honesty, resulting in adverse consequences.

If you or a loved one has been charged with theft or financial crimes, you want to hire a team of dedicated and creative criminal defense attorneys to best protect you, not only in a criminal case but also your other interests as well. You want to call the team at Black’s Law Group.

What Are the Most Common Types of Theft Crimes in Connecticut?

The most common types of theft crimes in Connecticut fall under the broad category of larceny. Larceny means wrongfully taking someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of such property. This covers everything from petty shoplifting to large-scale financial fraud. Connecticut theft laws treat these offenses seriously, regardless of the dollar amount involved.

Beyond larceny, other frequent theft cases include embezzlement, identity theft, robbery, burglary, and extortion. Each carries its own set of penalties and circumstances that affect how a case is handled in court. Connecticut law also treats fraudulent use of credit cards and identity theft as separate theft crime offenses with a separate penalty structure.

Some of the most common types of theft crime charges in Connecticut include:

• Larceny (in six degrees, from fifth degree misdemeanor to first degree felony)
• Shoplifting
• Embezzlement
• Telephone Fraud
• Identity Theft
• Forgery
• Robbery
• Burglary
• Extortion

Understanding the Six Degrees of Larceny in Connecticut

Connecticut breaks larceny down into six degrees based on the value of the property involved and the circumstances of the offense. The different degrees range from minor misdemeanor offenses to serious felony charges. Knowing which degree applies to your case matters a great deal because the penalties can vary widely.

Here is a general overview of the degrees of larceny in Connecticut:

• Sixth Degree Larceny: Class C misdemeanor, up to six months in jail and fines
• Fifth Degree Larceny: Class B misdemeanor, up to 3 months in jail
• Fourth Degree Larceny: Class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail
• Third Degree Larceny: Class D felony, up to 5 years in prison
• Second Degree Larceny: Class C felony, up to 10 years in prison
• First Degree Larceny: Class B felony, up to 20 years in prison

The degrees of larceny can also be affected by how the theft occurred. Alleged theft involving a victim who is elderly or disabled, or larceny crimes committed by someone in a position of trust, like an employee, may result in upgraded charges and severe penalties.

What Are Some Common Defenses to Theft and Financial Crimes in Connecticut?

Theft and financial crimes can range from simple to complex criminal cases. You want a dedicated team of defense attorneys that will explore every detail of the case and thoroughly investigate the law and facts. In theft and financial crimes cases, defenses are largely tailored towards the individual facts of a case. If it is a larceny matter based on video evidence, defenses may be tailored towards mistaken identification defenses. In more complex schemes, defense attorneys know that otherwise innocent people can be caught up in the criminal activity of others, in such a way that an organization develops a patsy. Bottom line, there can be common themes, but each case is unique. You want the attorneys who remember the nuances and the unique components in your case when exploring available defenses.

A good criminal defense starts with reviewing police reports, examining the evidence, and identifying any violations of your constitutional rights. Was the alleged theft properly investigated? Were you wrongfully accused based on mistaken identity or circumstantial evidence? In theft cases involving identity theft or embezzlement, tracing financial records carefully can reveal that the accused was not actually responsible.

Larceny charges and other theft crime charges sometimes have legal options that people do not know about. Diversionary programs like accelerated rehabilitation may allow first-time offenders to avoid a conviction entirely. Community service, restitution to the victim, and other conditions may be part of a diversionary program agreement. A skilled defense attorney will push for the most favorable resolution possible given the circumstances of your larceny case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut Theft Charges

What is the difference between theft and larceny in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, larceny is the legal term used for most theft offenses. Larceny means intentionally wrongfully taking or withholding someone else’s property from its owner or a third person with the intent to permanently deprive them of such property. “Theft” is a general term people use every day, but larceny is what you will see in court documents and Connecticut law. Larceny offenses range from minor misdemeanor charges to serious felony charges, depending on the value of the property and other circumstances.

Can a theft conviction affect my life beyond jail time?

Yes. A theft crime conviction can have a significant impact on your life well beyond any jail time or fines. Alleged theft convictions, especially felony ones, can show up on background checks and affect your ability to get a job, rent housing, or obtain professional licenses. The legal system treats larceny crimes as crimes of dishonesty, which means employers and others may view a conviction as a reflection of your character. Fighting larceny charges aggressively from the start is the best way to protect yourself.

What should I do if I am wrongfully accused of theft in Connecticut?

If you have been wrongfully accused of a theft crime, do not wait. Contact a criminal defense lawyer right away. Do not speak to police or prosecutors without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you. A defense attorney can review the alleged theft claim, examine police reports, and build a strong defense on your behalf. Larceny charges based on false accusations or mistaken identity do happen, and the larceny case needs to be challenged with a clear strategy from the beginning.

Are there diversionary programs for theft crimes in Connecticut?

Yes. Diversionary programs are available for some first-time offenders facing larceny charges or other theft charges in Connecticut. These programs, like accelerated rehabilitation, allow accused individuals to complete certain conditions, such as community service or restitution to the victim, in exchange for having larceny charges or other theft charges dismissed. Not every theft crime qualifies, and eligibility depends on your history and the circumstances of the offense. A defense attorney can help you figure out whether a diversionary program option fits your larceny case.

Hire a Connecticut Theft & Financial Crimes Attorney Today

Whether you or a loved one is facing felony or misdemeanor theft or financial crime charges, hiring an experienced team and criminal defense lawyer to guide you through the process early can save you time, stress, and money. The legal system moves fast, and having someone in your corner from the start makes a difference. Our law offices bring an unwavering commitment to protecting your best interests at every stage of your case.

You want to hire the experienced and creative attorneys who understand that the facts are not always black and white. Alleged theft does not mean proven theft. Our defense attorney team will review every detail of your larceny case, challenge weak evidence, and fight to protect your constitutional rights throughout the process. We handle complex criminal cases and straightforward ones with the same level of care and personalized attention that every client deserves.

Call the team at Black’s Law Group today for your free consultation at 203-504-9517. Our Connecticut theft defense team is ready to go to work for you.