Theft is considered a crime of dishonesty and is taken very seriously by employers, courts, and prosecutors. Many people misunderstand how broadly theft can be defined under the law.
For example, if you write someone a check for $500 and the check bounces, you are legally required to repay the amount once notified by certified mail or personal service. If payment is not made within ten (10) days, you may be convicted of theft. In general, if a “theft” situation feels questionable, it probably is.
Another scenario that often surprises clients involves the location of the stolen property. Any item taken directly from another person, such as a wallet from a pocket or sunglasses from a shirt, is considered theft in the first degree, a Class C felony punishable by up to ten (10) years in prison and a fine exceeding $13,000.
In contrast, if you take those same sunglasses while they’re sitting unattended on a table, the charge is typically a simple misdemeanor, punishable by up to thirty (30) days in jail and a fine between $105 and $855. Although the stolen item is the same, the location and circumstances drastically affect the severity of the charge.
No matter the level, theft remains a crime of dishonesty. From an employer’s perspective, any theft conviction on a record, whether felony or misdemeanor, can have lasting negative consequences. Of course, a felony carries far more serious long-term ramifications than a lower-level theft offense.
If you have been charged with theft, contact the Feld Law Firm. In certain cases, we may be able to help you avoid a conviction, keep the charge off your record, or even have it dismissed entirely.