Youngsville Theft Lawyer

Youngsville Theft Attorney

Any time you receive criminal charges, regardless of their severity, it’s important to have experienced legal help by your side. Theft charges can result in potentially life-changing consequences that you may not be prepared to deal with alone. The assistance of a reliable lawyer cannot be overstated at a time like this. You should reach out to an accomplished Youngsville theft lawyer as soon as you can.

The legal team at The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory understands the inherent complexities of a theft case. You may not know what to do to defend yourself at the time of your arrest. It’s important that you have a Youngsville theft attorney by your side to do it for you.

Having someone who understands the state’s theft laws as they apply to your case can often mean the difference between success and failure. Our firm can help you.

Defenses Against Theft Charges in Youngsville

If you are arrested on theft charges in Youngsville, your final destination for processing will likely be the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center (LPCC). There you will be booked and possibly held while awaiting bail.

A recent study showed that there were nearly 200 reported larceny offenses in the state in 2023, which is why you should contact a defense lawyer as soon as you can. Don’t say anything to the police that might be incriminating.

Dealing with theft charges in Youngsville can be overwhelming in many different ways. An experienced lawyer can provide you with peace of mind. The crime rate in Youngsville in 2024 was 1.9 times lower than the national average, but you should still tread lightly when confronted by police.

Your lawyer can help you gather evidence that proves your side of the story. Here are some possible defense strategies you may want to use:

• Lack of intent: The prosecution’s case has to prove that you meant to steal from someone. If they can’t prove intent, they essentially don’t have a case. Theft, embezzlement, and fraud cases accounted for 128 criminal sentences in the state in 2024 alone, so prosecutors take these crimes very seriously. Your lawyer can argue that you never intended to steal anything and that this was all a serious misunderstanding.
• False accusations: False accusations happen all the time, including theft allegations. Someone may accuse you of stealing something simply to hurt your reputation, affect your job, or damage your life without consequences. It’s vital that you gather evidence that defends you to get ahead of the accusation before it spirals out of control.
• Claim of ownership: You may have believed you had a legal right to the property in question. Misunderstanding ownership may negate intent to steal, and it could result in a lesser sentence or even a dismissal of the charges entirely. You will likely have to provide evidence of why you believed the property was yours.
• Mistaken identity: Identifying a perpetrator can be difficult, and some witnesses can easily mix up faces. You could end up being arrested for a theft you had nothing to do with. To get out of this situation, you should provide a strong alibi for your whereabouts at the time of the alleged theft. That will likely be enough to have the charges against you dropped due to a lack of evidence.

Regardless of the type of defense you use, it is important to review multiple strategies with your attorney. Different defenses work better for different cases, and you don’t want to use the wrong one. An attorney can choose an approach that can lead to a more positive outcome.

FAQs About Youngsville Theft Lawyer

How Much Theft Is Seen as a Felony in Louisiana?

Theft of property in Louisiana becomes a felony when the value of said property is at least $1,000. From there, the penalties get much more serious as the value of the property increases. At a certain threshold, you could be looking at decades in prison if convicted. You should hire a criminal defense lawyer immediately if you are charged with theft of any kind. These cases still have consequences, even for smaller charges.

How Can I Beat a Felony Theft Charge in Louisiana?

The most reliable way to beat a felony theft charge in Louisiana is to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer to assist you in building a strong defense. Your lawyer can challenge the prosecution’s case against you, question the sufficiency of their evidence, and do what they can to introduce reasonable doubt into your case. Without a lawyer, you may end up convicted and serving a severe sentence.

Why Are Shoplifters Not Being Prosecuted for Theft in Louisiana?

Shoplifters are often not prosecuted for theft in Louisiana for a number of reasons. Limited police resources can lead to a shared belief among some storeowners that shoplifters are not worth pursuing. Shoplifters tend to steal low-value items, and some stores have opted for a hands-off approach to avoid potential violence and civil liability. Not every store has adopted this policy, and it’s still entirely possible for a shoplifter to face arrest and criminal charges.

Should I Hire a Theft Lawyer in Youngsville?

Yes, you should hire a theft lawyer in Youngsville. Regardless of whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, you shouldn’t take any chances with your future. You don’t want to end up serving prison time or paying a substantial fine if you lose your case. A lawyer can give you a better chance or even negotiate a plea deal to keep you from facing severe penalties.

Why Hire a Theft Lawyer?

If you have the chance of a conviction that changes the course of your life, you should hire a theft lawyer. They can represent your interests and protect you from these penalties.

Founding attorney Joshua S. Guillory has devoted his career to helping individuals dealing with complicated criminal defense situations. He can bring empathy and determination to your case.

At The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory, we can help you figure out the right course of action for your case. Contact us to speak to someone for guidance.