Arkansas Theft & Fraud Defense Attorney

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Theft is a general label encompassing many specific offenses; it means intentionally depriving someone else of their property without the intent to return it. Charges of theft are very serious, as they are all classified as crimes of moral turpitude. Most job applications ask you whether or not you have ever been charged or convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude, meaning an unfavorable judgment on one of these cases could leave you unemployed – or unable to achieve your potential and drastically alter your future.

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the case or the evidence allegedly against you, you have the right to an attorney if you’ve been accused of theft. Take immediate action and protect your future by involving a lawyers at The Chosen Law Group who will stop at nothing to preserve your constitutional rights.

Theft crimes in Arkansas include the following:

• Identity theft

• Fraud

• Forgery

• Shoplifting

• Employee theft

• Unlawful use of a motor vehicle

• Embezzlement

• Theft by check

• Welfare fraud

• Insurance fraud

• Theft by receiving

• Theft of trade secrets

Depending on the value of the alleged loss, you or a loved one could be facing anything from a fine to 20 years in prison. It is imperative that you use your right to remain silent, provide no statements to anyone and contact a skilled theft defense attorney immediately.

Class A Misdemeanor Theft

Arkansas classifies a theft offense as a Class A misdemeanor  if:

• the value of the property or services stolen is $1,000 or less

• the property has no market or replacement value but has value to the owner, or

• the property is a decorative or memorial item from a cemetery.

Punishment for a Class A misdemeanor includes a sentence of imprisonment of no more than one year and payment of a fine of not more than $2,500.

Class D Felony Theft

Stolen property or services valued between $1,000 and $5,000 is classified as a Class D felony

A theft also constitutes a Class D felony in Arkansas when:

• the property is a credit or debit card or number

• the property is a firearm valued at less than $2,500

• the property value is between $100 and $500 and stolen during a state of emergency

• the property is a decorative or memorial item from a cemetery and a repeat offense

• the property is livestock worth more than $200

• the property is a utility line or farm-related utility system, or

• the property is oil or gas equipment valued at less than $1,000 and involved incidental damages or was taken across state lines.

 

Punishment for a Class D felony can result in a sentence of imprisonment of no more than six years and a fine no greater than $10,000.

Class C Felony Theft

Theft of property or services valued between $5,000 and $25,000 constitutes a Class C felony.

Additionally, theft rises to the level of a Class C felony in Arkansas when:

• the stolen property is a firearm valued at $2,500 or more

• the stolen property is building material valued at $500 or more

• property worth more than $500 is stolen during a state of emergency

• the property was obtained by threat, or

• the property is oil or gas equipment valued between $1,000 and $5,000 and involved incidental damages or was taken across state lines.

A Class C felony theft conviction carries a sentence of three to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Class B Felony Theft

When theft involves property or services valued at $25,000 or more, the offense is a Class B felony.

Theft is also considered a Class B felony in Arkansas when the offense involves:

• threat of serious bodily injury or destruction of another's home

• threat to a person with whom the offender has a fiduciary or confidential relationship

• property containing anhydrous ammonia in any form

• public utility property valued at $500 or more, or

• oil and gas equipment valued at more than $5,000.

 

A Class B felony theft offense under Arkansas law carries a sentence of five to 20 years' incarceration, as well as a fine of no more than $15,000.

If you have been charged with theft or fraud charges you need aggressive and reliable defense attorneys. Call The Chosen Law Group at 501-918-0798.