If you’ve been charged with a crime involving the theft of another’s property, the potential consequences can be life-changing. However, just because you’ve been accused of theft, burglary, robbery, or shoplifting doesn’t mean that you’re guilty; the prosecution has a significant burden to satisfy in order to secure a conviction. The Graham Law Firm PLLC knows what it takes to build a strong defense for clients who need a theft lawyer due to facing theft crimes and is dedicated to protecting their constitutional rights.
Theft crimes cover a broad scope of offenses in Arkansas and Missouri. Whether you’ve been charged with shoplifting in a department store or stealing a significant sum of money, a conviction for a theft crime can come with significant repercussions — personally, professionally, and financially.
The Graham Law Firm represents clients charged with a variety of theft crimes in Arkansas and Missouri, including:
The penalties for theft crimes in Arkansas and Missouri can be harsh, which is why having an aggressive advocate is crucial. A former public defender, theft lawyer Lauren Graham has the knowledge and skill necessary to fight for your rights and obtain positive results.
Under Arkansas law, an individual commits the crime of residential or commercial burglary when they enter or remain in an occupiable structure belonging to another with the purpose of carrying out a jailable offense.
Residential burglary, also referred to as “home invasion,” is a Class B felony in Arkansas that can come with a maximum of 20 years of incarceration and up to a $15,000 fine. Commercial burglary — which includes unlawfully entering a store, office, school, or any place where business is conducted — is classified as a Class C felony with a penalty of up to 10 years in jail and a $10,000 fine.
In Missouri, burglary in the first degree is a Class B felony, and burglary in the second degree is punishable as a Class D felony. Both charges can carry a fine upon conviction. Burglary in the first degree, which requires one of the participants to be armed with a weapon, or that a participant in the crime caused or threatened physical injury to any person who is not a participant in the crime, or that a person was present in the structure that is not a participant in the crime, can come with a minimum prison sentence of 5 to 15 years. Significantly, burglary in the second degree only requires the intent to commit a crime within the building and is punishable with up to seven years in prison.
If you have been charged with burglary, it’s vital to have reliable representation. No matter how complex your case or strong the evidence against you, The Graham Law Firm is committed to ensuring you are provided with a strategic defense.
Robbery is a serious crime, and the prosecution aggressively pursues these types of charges. Depending on the facts of your case, a conviction could result in years of prison time and substantial fines.
Under Arkansas law, an individual commits robbery if they use or threaten to use physical force upon another while carrying out a theft crime, or resisting apprehension after they’ve committed one. Robbery is a Class B felony carrying a sentence of 5 to 20 years in prison, and a $15,000 fine. Aggravated robbery — also referred to as armed robbery — is a Class Y felony punishable by up to life in prison.
Missouri recognizes first-degree robbery and second-degree robbery. First-degree robbery is classified as a Class A felony and occurs when another is injured during the commission of the crime or a deadly weapon, or the threat of a deadly weapon, is involved. Robbery can also be charged in the first degree when controlled substances are stolen from a pharmacy.
Robbery in the second degree occurs when an individual causes injury to another while forcibly stealing property. Charged as a Class B felony in Missouri, a penalty ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison can be imposed if convicted.
Fighting robbery charges can be challenging. If you’ve been arrested in connection with robbery charges in Arkansas or Missouri, it’s essential to have the representation of a theft defense attorney to safeguard your constitutional rights and ensure the best outcome in your case. When you are represented by The Graham Law Firm, you can be assured that you have diligent counsel on your side dedicated to your defense.
Shoplifting can have severe consequences. Not only can being charged with shoplifting cause harm to your reputation, but in both Arkansas and Missouri, you can also face imprisonment and monetary fines. Based on the amount of goods you’ve been accused of stealing, you could face either felony or misdemeanor charges.
In Arkansas, the lowest level of theft is classified as a Class A misdemeanor and carries a jail term of one year or less, in addition to a fine of up to $2,500. Shoplifting falls under this classification if the property or services stolen is worth $1,000 or less. However, if the stolen property is valued between $1,000 and $5,000, a shoplifting offense can become a Class D felony and punishable by up to six years in jail and a $10,000 fine.
The penalties for shoplifting increase with the value of goods allegedly stolen. Shoplifting can also be charged as a Class C felony with a sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine, or as a Class B felony with a penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment and a $15,000 fine. Offenders can also be held liable in a civil action commenced by the property owner for the amount of merchandise stolen.
Similarly, in Missouri, the penalties for theft generally range from a Class A felony to a Class D misdemeanor, depending upon what was allegedly stolen and the value. If the amount of goods stolen was less than $150, shoplifting can be classified as a Class D misdemeanor, punishable by a $500 fine. If the goods stolen amounted to $25,000 or more, shoplifting can be charged as a Class C felony, carrying up to a 10-year prison term and a $10,000 fine. Multiple offenses over a certain period of time can lead to increased penalties.
Having a good defense attorney acting as your theft lawyer can make all the difference in your shoplifting case. Attorney Lauren Graham will carefully assess the charges brought by the prosecution to develop a comprehensive strategy for your case, whether it is entering into a plea bargain, negotiating lesser charges, or having your case heard before a jury at trial.
Being charged with a theft crime can have a lasting impact on your reputation, career, and many other aspects of your life. Ensuring each client receives personalized attention and a vigorous defense, Attorney Lauren Graham has the insight to mount an effective defense and is prepared to fight for your future. Located in Paragould, Arkansas, The Graham Law Firm PLLC provides unyielding advocacy for clients in Arkansas and Missouri who have been accused of various theft offenses. Contact The Graham Law Firm today to speak with an experienced defense attorney as your theft lawyer who will help ensure justice is secured in your case.
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