If you’re looking for guidance, our team at King Law may be able to offer some assistance. We have assisted numerous clients with their criminal defense cases, including those who have been charged with theft. The potential consequences of theft are serious, no matter the severity of the theft, so knowing what you should do after you’ve had charges placed against you is essential.
Potential Consequences of Theft in Hickory, NC
If you have been charged with a theft crime in Hickory, North Carolina, there are a few penalties you may face. The severity of these consequences often depends on the cash value of the property. Consequences may also vary depending on who the property was taken from, like a private individual or a retailer. The penalties may include the following:
- Jail time
- Fines
- Restitution fees
- Loss of voting rights
- Loss of ability to possess firearms
- Penalties determined in civil court
Depending on the value of the property in question, individuals may be charged with varying levels of felonies or misdemeanors. In North Carolina, anything with a value under $1,000 may be charged as a misdemeanor. Property valued over $1,000 may be charged as a felony, but you might also be charged with a felony automatically if you have taken one of the following items:
- Cars or motor vehicles
- Guns
- Explosives
- Government records or archives
If you would like to reduce your potential consequences, you may want to hire a Hickory criminal defense attorney who is familiar with theft law. Your lawyer can negotiate and defend your case during court hearings, which can encourage jury members and the judge to lighten your sentence or other penalties.
What to Do After a Theft Crimes Charge in Hickory, NC
If you have been charged with a theft crime, we have a few suggestions for strong next steps. You may find these especially helpful if you would like to return to a sense of normalcy quickly and reduce your potential penalties.
Collect Evidence
In some circumstances, the individuals pursuing legal action may charge you with crimes you did not commit or exaggerate the severity of your actions. If possible, collect receipts, video footage of the incident, witness statements, and any other evidence that might be helpful in building a legal defense in your favor.
Avoid Discussing Your Case
We also recommend you avoid discussing your case, even with close friends and family members you trust. Anything you say may be used against you as a witness statement during court hearings, and this may make it more difficult to defend your side of the case.
In addition, we suggest staying off of social media as much as possible. Even if your pictures, posts, and comments don’t seem related to your case in any way, they may be used against you. This applies even if you have privacy settings turned on, as you might be asked to show your social media pages during court hearings.
Contact a Theft Crimes Attorney
If legal action is being taken against you, we strongly recommend that you hire a qualified criminal defense and theft crimes attorney to defend you. Your lawyer may be able to assist you in the following ways:
- Legal knowledge
- Negotiation tactics
- Handle other legal representation
- Build strong legal defense
- Reduce or eliminate your potential penalties
- Strategize the next best steps
- Collect and analyze evidence
- Lead or join investigations
- Refer you to medical and other professionals
- Provide you with helpful resources
- Help to return your life to a sense of normalcy quickly
Depending on the individuals taking legal action against you, other legal representatives are likely to be present. Level the playing field by hiring a criminal lawyer who is able to defend your case and get you favorable results.
Protect Your Rights With a King Law Theft Crimes Lawyer in Hickory
If you want to hire legal representation for your theft crime case, we at King Law may be able to assist. We practice high-quality criminal defense law, and our team has successfully defended and reduced the penalties of many clients. Our legal team is highly experienced and dedicated to supporting clients through every step of the legal process.
If you think we would be a good fit for your legal representation, and you would like to take advantage of our legal knowledge, strategies, and resources, we are patiently waiting to hear from you. To get in touch with us, please call (888) 748-5464 or (888) 748-KING or complete our contact form at your convenience.