Jackson Theft Crime Defense Lawyer

Fight Theft Charges in Jackson County Mississippi

If you or a loved one has been arrested for theft in the state of Mississippi, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney right away. A theft charge can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the type of property stolen, the circumstances surrounding the crime, and the criminal record of the accused. If you are convicted of theft, you could face substantial fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record that could affect future employment and housing opportunities.

At Eichelberger Law Firm, PLLC, our Jackson theft crime attorney is prepared to challenge the state's case against you and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. We understand that a theft charge can have lasting and devastating effects on your life, so we will work tirelessly to help you avoid conviction and help you move forward with your life.

Facing charges for theft? Contact the Jackson theft crime attorneys at our firm today at (601) 509-2050 to schedule your free initial consultation!

What Is Considered Theft in Mississippi?

Theft is the crime of unlawfully taking property belonging to another person or entity with the intent to deprive the owner of their property. Theft can be committed in many ways, from stealing an item directly from the owner to obtaining property through deceit or trickery.

In Mississippi, theft is classified as either the following:

• Petit or simple theft;
• Aggravated theft; or
• Embezzlement.

Petit theft is the unlawful taking of property without the use of force, violence, or fear. Aggravated theft is the taking of property by force, fear, or the use of a weapon. Embezzlement is the fraudulent appropriation of property that has been entrusted to the accused.

Theft crimes can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of the property stolen and the circumstances surrounding the case. The most common theft crimes are:

• Shoplifting;
• Unauthorized use of a vehicle;
• Unauthorized use of a credit card;
• Unauthorized use of a check;
• Receiving stolen property;
• Auto burglary;
• Auto theft; and
• Mail theft.

What Are the Penalties for Theft in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, a person convicted of theft can face up to $500 in fines and up to 6 months in jail. However, the penalties for a theft crime will be increased if the crime involved the use of a weapon or the taking of property worth $500 or more. If the item stolen was a firearm, the penalties will be increased even further.

If you are convicted of a theft crime, you may also have to pay restitution to the victim for the value of the stolen property. In addition, you may be ordered to pay court fees and restitution to the state of Mississippi for the cost of your prosecution.

If you are convicted of a felony theft crime, you can also be ordered to pay restitution to the state of Mississippi for the cost of your prosecution. A felony conviction can also cause you to lose your professional license, prevent you from owning a firearm, and make it difficult to obtain employment and housing in the future.

Understanding Theft Defenses in Mississippi

When facing theft charges in Mississippi, it is crucial to understand the possible defenses that can be used to fight the allegations. Our experienced Jackson theft crime defense lawyer at Eichelberger Law Firm, PLLC can assess your case and determine the best defense strategy to pursue.

Some common defenses against theft charges in Mississippi include:

• Claim of right: If you believed you had a legal right to the property you are accused of stealing.
• Mistake of fact: If you mistakenly believed you had permission to take the property.
• Insufficient evidence: If the prosecution lacks evidence to prove you committed the theft.
• Entrapment: If law enforcement induced you to commit the theft that you would not have otherwise committed.

By working with our knowledgeable legal team, you can ensure that your rights are protected and explore all possible defense options to achieve the best possible outcome in your theft case.

Why Choose Eichelberger Law Firm, PLLC?

Our firm is led by John Eichelberger, an experienced criminal defense attorney who has spent over 15 years defending the rights of those accused of crimes. When you choose Eichelberger Law Firm, PLLC, you can be confident that your case will be handled by an experienced attorney who will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and help you avoid conviction. We are available 24/7 for our clients and will work tirelessly to help you resolve your case as quickly as possible.

We understand that a theft charge can have lasting and devastating effects on your life. We will work tirelessly to help you avoid conviction and help you move forward with your life.

Facing charges for theft? Contact our firm today at (601) 509-2050 to schedule your free initial consultation!