How To Beat A Theft Case

How Do You Beat A Theft Case?

We have three main strategies to beat a theft case.

Number One: Challenge The Intent

There are several defenses that can constructed around the accused person’s actual intent. First of all, did the person mean to permanently steal the property in question, or only borrow it for a temporary period of time? Did the accused person actually know he or she was in possession of stolen property? Questions like these can often weaken the case for a theft offense and result in dropped charges. satisfied.

Number Two: Review The Circumstances

This is tied to intent. Let’s say for example you were checking out an item from a store’s self-checkout and you neglected to scan an item on accident. The store then charged you with theft, but on closer inspection the surrounding circumstances revealed that the theft was a mistake and that you had more than enough money on your person to purchase the item at the time. Details like these can result in a softer sentence or even a case dismissal.

Number Three: Challenge The Evidence

In order to bring conviction the State must lay the proper foundation, and this usually requires that the State provide video and photo evidence of theft. If there’s any issues with collecting sufficient evidence (for example, perhaps the security person who witnessed the theft changed jobs, etc.) then the charges can be dropped. Was the evidence legally obtained? For example if you were never read your Miranda Rights then any admission of guilt you made would be struck from the record and the charges could be dropped.

Call the Law Office of Lloyd J. Matthews today at (404) 642-7350 if you’re facing theft charges! We can assist you and will be happy to do so.