Theft encompasses many different crimes in Providence, Rhode Island. Some theft crimes may be less serious when the offender does not use force to commit the crime. However, all theft charges should be considered serious criminal offenses requiring sound legal advice and experienced legal representation.
Our Providence theft crimes lawyers at Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys have over 36 years of combined legal experience handling criminal defense cases. We are committed to achieving the best possible outcome in your case. Our legal team uses the resources, experience, and skills of our entire legal practice to aggressively defend you against theft charges in Providence, RI, we have successfully represented clients facing theft charges, drug crimes, Providence domestic violence, Providence sex crimes, homicide charges, and various other criminal accusations.
Rhode Island views theft crimes seriously. You could face fines, jail time, and other penalties for a conviction. It is essential to have an experienced Providence theft crimes attorney on your side to represent you every step of the way.
Contact us today if you’re facing federal charges in Providence, Rhode Island at (401) 854-7794 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Providence theft crimes lawyers to discuss legal defenses to theft charges.
How Our Providence Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help if You’ve Been Charged With a Theft Crime in Rhode Island
A theft charge on your record can seriously damage your reputation and hurt your chances of getting the job you desire. Potential employers view theft convictions harshly when they appear in background checks. Your best chance of avoiding a theft conviction in Providence, Rhode Island, is to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
At Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys, we protect your constitutional rights and freedom. We have extensive experience defending individuals against criminal charges, including theft offenses.
When you hire our top-rated Providence criminal defense lawyers, you can trust we will:
- Investigate the charges against you to gather evidence to use in your defense
- Analyze the state’s evidence
- Explain your legal options and the potential consequences of taking a plea deal versus going to trial
- Work toward a dismissal or reduction of charges
- Explore various defenses to theft crimes that could help you avoid a conviction
- Aggressively negotiate with the prosecutor for acceptable terms of a plea agreement if that is your goal for the case
- Fiercely defend you in hearings and at trial as necessary
No matter what level of theft offense you face, it is important to defend yourself against the allegations. Our legal team at Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys is ready to assist you in your defense. Call now for a free case evaluation with an experienced Providence theft crimes lawyer.
Common Types of Theft Crimes in Rhode Island
Theft or larceny is the act of stealing someone else’s property with the intent of depriving them of the use of their property. It is one of the oldest common law offenses in the criminal justice system. Rhode Island criminal statutes define numerous types of larceny or theft.
Theft crimes you could face include:
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Armed robbery
- Embezzlement
- Receiving stolen goods
- Fraud
- Larceny from the person
- Animal theft
- Shoplifting
- Larceny
At Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys, our Providence theft crimes lawyers handle various theft offenses. We are prepared to defend you against theft charges regardless of the circumstances surrounding the charges. This remains true whether you are facing felony or misdemeanor theft offenses.
Are Theft Crimes Felonies or Misdemeanors in Rhode Island?
A theft crime can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony based on the value of the stolen property, the offender’s criminal record, and and whether force or threats of force were used to take the property.
For example, you could face felony charges if you steal more than $1,500 or you steal a gun. Larceny from the person is also a felony charge. On the other hand, if you steal property that is worth less than $1,500, you may face a misdemeanor charge.
What Are the Penalties for Theft Crimes in Providence, RI?
The criminal penalties you face for a conviction of a theft crime depend on the specific charges against you. Misdemeanor larceny charges often result in up to one year in jail, restitution, and a fine of up to $500.
The punishments for felony larceny are more severe.
You could face up to 10 years in prison, payment of restitution, and fines up to $5,000 for a felony larceny conviction. If you steal from a senior aged 65 years and older, you serve two to 15 years in prison, fines, and restitution if the amount is over $500. If the amount stolen from a senior is less than $500, the punishment is one to five years in prison, plus fines and restitution. Robbery is punishable by up to life imprisonment.
Is There a Difference Between Larceny and Robbery in Rhode Island?
Using the terms robbery and larceny interchangeably is common when discussing theft crimes. However, there is a distinct difference between these two theft crimes.
Robbery is the act of stealing property by the use or threat of force, or with the use or display of a weapon. The offender does not need to physically injure the victim or make a threat of violence. Suggesting there could be physical consequences if the person does not hand over the property is sufficient to be charged with robbery in Rhode Island.
On the other hand, larceny involves taking someone else’s property without permission with the intent of never returning it. The difference is that larceny does not involve using or threatening force when stealing property. Larceny charges also do not require a face-to-face confrontation.
Potential Defenses to Theft Crimes in Rhode Island
Even though the prosecution has the duty of proving you committed a crime, you have the right to present a defense to the theft charges. It is important that you work with an experienced Providence theft crimes defense lawyer to determine which defenses could result in an acquittal or dismissal of charges.
Potential defenses to theft crimes include, but are not limited to:
- Claim of ownership – Requires that you prove you are the rightful owner of the property, such as producing evidence you purchased the property or were given the property by the rightful owner.
- Mistaken identification – A common defense in robbery cases and would apply if the alleged victim mistakenly identified you of a theft crime.
- Lack of intent – You did not intend to take the property, such as forgetting an item was in your shopping cart when you left the store or you were moving the property to protect it from damage.
- Returning the property – If you returned the property, it could help your case. Even if the defense does not work to have the charges dismissed, returning the items could lessen the consequences during sentencing.
- Duress – You were threatened or forced to steal the property, such as someone said they would hurt you or your family member if you did not give them money or property from your work.
- Intoxication – If you were intoxicated or using drugs when you committed the theft, your attorney may be able to argue that you lacked the required capacity to form intent for the crime.
- Mental incapacity – If a person lacks the mental capacity to understand they were stealing, the court might find they are not criminally responsible because of a mental disorder. This defense requires medical evidence to support mental incapacity.
- False allegations – A person accuses you of stealing so that you would be arrested or prosecuted even though you did not steal from them. For example, your neighbor accuses you of stealing as revenge because you filed a complaint regarding their property conditions.
- Flawed valuation – The property value in question significantly impacts the sentence for a theft crime. Your attorney may show that the property was incorrectly valued. If so, you may face a misdemeanor theft charge instead of felony larceny.
You need to understand your rights and all potential defenses if you are facing theft charges. Working with an experienced Providence theft crimes lawyer is the best way to fight theft charges in Rhode Island.
What Should I Do if I’m Arrested for Larceny or Theft in Rhode Island?
The steps you take after an arrest on theft charges are important. You might believe if you can explain your side of the story, the police officers will not arrest you, or the prosecutor will drop the charges. You might think that if you talk to the alleged victim, you can straighten the situation out before it goes any further.
The best thing you can do for yourself after an arrest for theft in Providence is to stop talking. Do not talk to the police or the prosecutor without an attorney present. Do not attempt to contact the alleged victim, their family members, or anyone associated with them.
Instead, contact an attorney as soon as possible for advice. Giving statements, answering questions, and representing yourself are not in your best interests.
Remember, police officers can lie to you to get you to talk to them. You only need to say that you want to speak with an attorney.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Providence Theft Crimes Lawyers
Do not take a theft charge lightly in Providence, Rhode Island. Our knowledgeable Providence theft crimes attorneys analyze the facts of your case to develop a defense strategy. This gives you the best chance of avoiding a conviction whenever possible. Alternatively, we will prepare to fiercely defend you in court.
Local Resources
- East Coast Mental Wellness – Counselor
- Behavioral Development Center Inc – Mental Health Service
- Center for Women’s Behavioral Health – Mental Health Clinic
- Diversity Counseling, LLC – Mental Health Service
*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.
Visit Our Criminal Defense Law Office in Providence, RI
Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys
101 Dyer St Suite 2D, Providence, RI 02903, United States
(401) 854-7794
