Theft and Property Crimes Lawyer

In layman’s terms, theft and larceny are “stealing”. Committing theft is knowingly obtaining, using or trying to obtain property of another person or business either temporarily or permanently.

The most common theft and property crimes are:

• Worthless checks
• Burglary
• Robbery
• Check forgery
• Embezzlement
• Buying or receiving stolen goods
• Theft of a motor vehicle
• Identity fraud
• Shoplifting
• Credit card fraud
• Carjacking
• Theft from public office
• Grand theft
• Petty theft (petit theft)

Nevada statute describes the varying degrees of general theft offenses, with punishments varying based on: The value of items stolen; type of items involved; number of defendants involved and criminal history of the defendant. There can be additional penalties in cases that involve force, firearm(s) and gangs. Here is a breakdown of what you can generally expect if convicted of a theft crime and it is your first offense:

• Misdemeanor Theft and Petit Larceny – Property valued less than $1,200. Punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of $1,000.
• Felony Theft and Grand Larceny – Property valued over $1,200 or if the stolen property is a firearm or vehicle. Varying degrees depend of the value stolen:
  • Category D Felony – Property or services valued at more than $1,200 but less than $5,000. Punishable by up to one to four years in prison and a fine of $5,000.
  • Category C Felony – Property or services valued between $5,000 and $25,000. Punishable by one to five years in prison and a fine of $10,000. In the state of Nevada, stealing a motor vehicle of any value is a category C felony.
  • Category B Felony – A repeat offense for stealing a vehicle within five years of each other. Punishable by one to six years in prison and a fine of $5,000.
  • Category B Felony – Property or services valued between $25,000 and $100,000 or when the property is a firearm. Punishable by one to 10 years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
  • Category B Felony – Property or services valued at $100,000 or more. Punishable by one to 20 years in prison and a fine of $15,000.
• Restitution – Nevada laws require that an offender pay restitution to the victim which is different than fines. Fines are paid to the government while restitution is paid directly to the victim of the theft to make them whole.

The consequences are severe. My goal is to help you avoid a conviction altogether if at all possible. Please call me, Ben Scroggins Chtd., at (702) 328-5550.