Theft and property crimes include everything from shoplifting to burglary. Property crimes generally involve taking someone else’s property without legal permission. Whether you’re accused of using force, deception, or another method to take the property, the punishments can follow you for life.
Property crimes range from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. If convicted, you could face punishments like incarceration and restitution, along with heavy fines and a permanent criminal record. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced Oklahoma City theft defense lawyer on your side.
The attorneys at Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman can review your charges and what evidence the prosecution has against you. Our team will work to build a strategic defense based on your unique case, whether you’re facing a white-collar charge like embezzlement or you merely borrowed someone’s car without permission. We serve clients throughout Oklahoma City and Oklahoma, Cleveland, McClain, Canadian, Grady, and Garvin Counties, and our collaborative approach allows us to give you the full benefit of our collective legal experience.
Ready to speak with a theft and property crimes defense lawyer in Oklahoma City? Then contact Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman for a confidential consultation today.
Our lawyers defend clients in Oklahoma City and beyond against the common charges below. If you’re not sure whether we can take your case, contact us to learn more.
Larceny is taking personal property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. This includes stealing cash and merchandise. These cases often hinge on your intent. If you had permission, were merely borrowing the property, or there was a misunderstanding about ownership, there may not be enough evidence to convict.
There are two types of larceny: petit and grand larceny. Petit larceny applies when the stolen property is worth less than $1,000. These charges are misdemeanors, but they still carry potential jail time, fines, and a criminal record. Even low-value, misdemeanor theft charges can escalate if prosecutors claim you had prior or related offenses.
Grand larceny involves property that meets or exceeds the felony value threshold ($1,000) or is part of a protected category under the law. A felony larceny charge can result in prison time and other long-term consequences. Prosecutors might inflate the stolen property’s value to support felony charges, but our experienced defense team can challenge the value as part of your defense.
Shoplifting involves stealing merchandise from retailers or wholesalers. You don’t have to leave the store to be charged, either. Whether you’re charged with a felony or a misdemeanor typically depends on the property value and the surrounding circumstances. Prosecutors often use store loss prevention reports and surveillance video, but those sources don’t always show your identity as clearly as they might claim. Like general larceny charges, your intent is a key part of the charge and potential defense.
Burglary involves unlawful entry, not just theft. Prosecutors must prove that you entered a building with the intent to commit a crime inside. The degree of your charges depends on the circumstances, rather than the value of any property involved. For example, entering a building when someone is inside, using a deadly weapon, or forcing entry all increase the charges. Burglary is a felony, even if nothing was taken. Defenses often involve challenging whether you intended to commit an additional crime inside.
Breaking and entering is forcibly or otherwise unlawfully entering a building. Unlike burglary, prosecutors aren’t required to prove you intended to commit an additional crime. The penalties for breaking and entering are less severe than for burglary. Defense lawyers may be able to negotiate burglary charges down to breaking and entering when the state can’t prove an intent to commit a crime inside.
Fraud and false pretenses charges involve taking money or property through deception. In other words, unlike larceny and shoplifting, there’s no physical taking involved. Fraud and false pretenses can be either a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the value of the stolen property. Prosecutors still have to prove you intended to deceive someone to get the property, which can be difficult to show. Your defense might involve offering evidence of mistakes or informal agreements and transactions.
You can be charged with embezzlement when someone claims that you misused or converted property or money. Unlike many types of theft and property crimes, the property is usually lawfully entrusted to you. That’s why these cases often happen in employment or business contexts. Prosecutors rely heavily on internal audits and accounting reviews to prove the charges. Your defense attorney may argue about whether you had authority or access to the property—or offer evidence showing mistakes and misunderstandings.
You don’t have to steal to be charged with a property crime. Possession of stolen property charges involve knowingly possessing property obtained via theft. Mere possession isn’t enough for a conviction, however. Prosecutors must show you knew the property was stolen. Your defense lawyer may challenge whether you knew the property was stolen or if you possessed it at all.
Vandalism and malicious property damage are the willful destruction or defacement of property. These charges are either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on how much the damage costs. However, prosecutors often rely on repair estimates rather than completed work. Your attorney may dispute the cost or whether you intended to damage the property, among other defenses.
Unauthorized use of a vehicle is also known as joyriding. Unlike theft, you don’t have to intend to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle. However, it’s still a felony. Whether you had permission and for how long are often key elements of a defense.
Property crimes are one of the most common types of crimes minors commit in Oklahoma City and the surrounding areas. Whether shoplifting, joyriding, vandalism, or another property crime, children need a strong defense strategy right away.
Most cases involving minors go through Oklahoma’s juvenile court system. Juvenile court has different procedures than adult criminal court, and focuses more on supervision and rehabilitation. However, these cases still involve formal accusations and court hearings. In some cases, minors can be charged as adults—and if their case moves into the adult court system, they’re subject to much harsher punishments.
Fortunately, many juvenile cases qualify for alternative outcomes. These include:
The experienced defense attorneys at Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman can challenge the allegations and fight for a fair outcome. Our goal is always to preserve your child’s future opportunities, whether in education, employment, or another goal.
Theft and property crime charges require early legal intervention. When you have an experienced property crime defense lawyer on your side, it can affect how prosecutors approach the case and which charges they file. A strong defense strategy can limit long-term damage to your record, but waiting will narrow your options.
Are you dealing with a theft or property crime charge in Oklahoma City or Oklahoma, Cleveland, McClain, Canadian, Grady, and Garvin Counties? If so, Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman can review your case and help you determine your next steps. Reach out today to learn more. Contact us today to get started.
