When a person steals an item of value from a business or another individual, the legal umbrella term of theft describes the action. There are many different types of misappropriation crimes. For instance, a robbery involves seizing another party’s property using threat or force.
In contrast, burglary occurs when the individual taking property breaks into the store, office, or home of other. Many people interchangeably use the terms larceny and theft to describe the action of stealing another’s property.
If you or a loved one is accused of a serious crime, it is essential to reach out to an experienced criminal lawyer as soon as possible. Arrest and future jail time are very real possibilities if you are found guilty in a court of law. An experienced lawyer works to protect your legal rights.
Legal Definitions
Larceny occurs when someone takes property, such as money or goods, without the owner’s agreement or permission for the action.
In comparison, theft often entails stealing property from the owner without his or her permission or consent with the intention of sale or personal use of the property. For instance, an individual who steals a product from the store and later attempts to sell the product commits this criminal action.
Differences
Criminal law uses generic terms, as described above, in a wide variety of criminal circumstances. However, definitions involve whether the accused stole a tangible or a non-tangible object.
The law also takes into account whether the accused planned to use an item and return it or intended to deprive the owner of the item forever. For example, larceny occurs when an individual takes a laptop from an acquaintance’s home without asking permission to do so.
Crime Types
The law considers two types of larceny. Grand larceny is said to occur when an individual steals property worth at least USD 100. Petty larceny is said to occur when the accused steals property worth USD 99 or less.
If the accused is found guilty of petty crime, he or she may go to jail. A grand larceny conviction may warrant prison time.
The law describes many types of misappropriation crimes, including robbery, extortion and burglary. (These crimes are frequently distinguished by grand or petty value divisions.)
Embezzlement is another related serious misappropriation crime. It is said to occur when an employee or personal representative of a business or organization diverts property or funds intended for the principal or employer to his or her personal use. If convicted, the embezzler is highly likely to do prison time.
Fraud, sometimes called false pretenses, is said to occur when the accused tricks another person into handing over property or money without the use of force. A fraud charge is a serious matter. The accused should engage a private criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Role of Criminal Lawyer
The criminal lawyer starts to work for the client after an arrest occurs. In some instances, the criminal defense attorney is involved beforehand.
Legal definitions involving the type of crime the accused committed, and the means and/or methods used to do so, are highly relevant. A criminal attorney works with the facts of the case.
The accused’s intention, the amount of value or money, type of property, or manner in which the property is said to have been taken are crucial considerations.
Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney
In the United States, an accused is considered innocent until he or she is proven guilty. After an arrest, it is important to identify and retain the best criminal legal defense resource available.
