Harahan Theft Crime Lawyer

Established Theft Crime Attorney in Harahan, LA

Key Takeaways:

• Theft crimes are classified by severity and the value of the stolen property. 
• Your Constitutional rights when you have been charged with theft. 
• Potential defenses in a theft case. 
• How an experienced defense attorney can help when you are charged with theft. 

Theft is one of the most commonly prosecuted property crimes in the US, and if you have been charged with any type of theft in Harahan, the outcome of your case could affect your life in several ways. An experienced Harahan theft crime lawyer is the ideal asset to have on your side following arrest. They can potentially help you avoid conviction or, at the very least, help you mitigate the penalties you face if you have broken the law.

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Experienced Defense Counsel for Theft Crimes in Harahan, LA

The team of attorneys at Marino Law Firm, LLC has more than 50 combined years of experience ready to be leveraged in your theft crime case. The father-son duo of Mark Marino and Orrin Marino can work closely with you to help you build your defense, ensure your rights are respected throughout your legal proceedings, and ultimately assist you with reaching a reasonable outcome in your case. 

“Theft” can be defined as the taking of another party’s property with the intention of depriving them of that property. This offense can be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony, and the severity of the defendant’s potential punishments largely depends on the value of the property that was stolen. Generally, theft under $1,000 typically qualifies as a misdemeanor, while theft of property valued more than $1,000 may qualify for a felony charge. 

Louisiana has one of the highest crime rates in the US. There were 2,296 property crimes per 100,000 residents in 2024, and Louisiana’s property crime rate that year was about 30.5% higher than the national average. In every criminal case, the prosecution needs to prove the defendant’s guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt,” and this is a very high standard of proof. It is your defense attorney’s mission to prevent them from accomplishing this. 

Building Your Defense Against Theft Crime Charges

If you are arrested for any theft charge in Harahan, it is crucial to know your rights. Comply with arresting officers’ instructions but remain silent; you have the Constitutional right to remain silent, and you are not required to give statements or answer questions. Remain silent until you are able to contact a Harahan theft crime attorney. You have the Constitutional right to legal counsel, and you should exercise it as soon as possible. 

Theft charges often overlap with other offenses. Taking property by force or intimidation is charged as robbery, a violent crime. Entering a home, business, or vehicle to steal can add a burglary charge. Theft by an employee, or theft involving fraud or embezzlement, is often prosecuted as a white collar crime. Repeated shoplifting with others can be charged as organized retail theft. A misdemeanor theft conviction may later qualify for expungement.

Successful defense in a theft case may require proving lack of intent, meaning you will need to prove that you either did not know you were stealing or that you had no intention of depriving the rightful owner of the property in question. You may alternatively need to prove mistaken identity or some other mistake of fact that has resulted in you being charged with a theft crime you did not commit. 

If you did commit the offense in question, hiring defense counsel is still crucial because your Harahan theft crime lawyer may be able to negotiate lighter penalties on your behalf. This is not always possible, and is unlikely to be an option if you are facing multiple related charges, stole certain types of property, or if you have a record of previous convictions. 

Ultimately, every criminal defense case in Harahan is unique, and every defendant faces different challenges. The team at Marino Law Firm, LLC has proven experience representing clients in Harahan and surrounding communities of Jefferson Parish in a wide range of criminal cases, and we’re confident we can help you reach a favorable outcome in your case. Reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn how a Harahan theft crime lawyer can assist you. 

FAQs

What Are the Penalties for Theft Crimes in Harahan?

The penalties for theft crimes in Harahan vary based on the value of the property that was stolen. At the misdemeanor level, the defendant could face a fine, jail time, and restitution to the victim. These penalties increase based on the value of the stolen property, and a felony theft conviction could result in very heavy fines and many years in prison. 

Can My Defense Lawyer Plea Bargain on My Behalf? 

Your defense lawyer can plea bargain on your behalf if the prosecution offers a plea bargain. The prosecution may do so if they are unsure whether they have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction at trial, or they may offer a plea bargain if they are certain they can secure a conviction but wish to conserve court resources. Typically, a plea bargain will entail a lighter sentence in exchange for the defendant’s immediate guilty plea. 

How Can I Avoid Jail Time for Theft in Harahan? 

You may be able to avoid jail time for theft in Harahan at the discretion of the sentencing judge. Many judges throughout Louisiana are willing to consider leniency for first-time offenders who demonstrate genuine remorse, but this is never guaranteed. You will have a better chance of avoiding jail time if you hire a theft crime lawyer to defend you; they will know what mitigating factors may work in your favor during sentencing. 

Why Should I Hire a Theft Crime Lawyer in Harahan? 

You should hire a theft crime lawyer in Harahan to have a better chance of reaching a favorable outcome in your case. Even if you know you have done nothing wrong, you’ll need a defense attorney’s help to prove innocence. If you have broken the law, your attorney may be able to mitigate your penalties, and they can also verify that your rights have been respected. 

What Does it Cost to Hire a Theft Crime Lawyer in Harahan? 

The cost to hire a theft crime lawyer in Harahan typically depends on how much time your attorney must spend working on your defense. The majority of criminal defense attorneys in Louisiana charge an hourly rate, tracking how much time they spend working on each case. Carefully review your attorney’s billing policy at the outset of your case so you know what to expect with your legal expenses. 

The team at Marino Law Firm, LLC has years of experience defending clients in Harahan and throughout Jefferson Parish, and theft is one of the most commonly prosecuted criminal offenses in Louisiana each year. We have the resources and experience you need on your side after an arrest for any type of theft, so contact us today to schedule your consultation with an experienced Harahan theft crime lawyer.