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Omaha Theft Defense Lawyers
Do you need a dedicated Omaha theft defense lawyer who knows how to protect your rights and scrutinize evidence to advocate aggressively? Listen up.
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Types of Theft Crimes
Theft is an umbrella term covering many offences, but here is how they generally break down:
- theft by deception
- larceny/petty larceny
- shoplifting
- robbery
- burglary
- embezzlement
- extortion
- forgery
- fraud
- identity or intellectual property theft
Each one of these theft-related offenses has unique legal elements and defense strategies. Schedule a free consultation with the Dornan Law Team today to discuss your charges.
Shoplifting and Petit Theft
Shoplifting involves a retail context, like taking merchandise without paying for it or altering security tags. Petite theft generally refers to theft of lower-value property. Under Nebraska statute, theft of property valued at $500 or less is a Class II misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1000 fine.
Grand Theft and Related Felonies
When the value of stolen property rises, theft becomes a felony. Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28‑518:
- If the value is $1,500 to less than $5,000, theft is a Class IV felony.
- If the value is $5,000 or more, it is a Class IIA felony
Class IV felonies can carry up to two years in prison and fines up to $10,000, while a Class IIA felony carries much harsher exposure, potentially up to 20 years.
White Collar Theft Crimes
White collar crimes involve finances, trust, or corporate settings. Examples include embezzlement, extortion or blackmail, forgery or fraud, and intellectual property theft. These crimes often require expert documentation and financial analysis, which makes the defense more complex. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to learn more.
Identity Theft and Cyber Crimes
Identity theft involves using someone else’s identifying information to commit fraud or theft. Aggravated identity theft may occur when the scale is large or multiple victims are involved. These cases frequently involve federal jurisdictions, cross-state evidence, and digital forensics, so an effective criminal defense lawyer needs skill in tech tracing transactions and challenging digital evidence.
Consequences of Theft Charges
Penalties depend on misdemeanor versus felony status. Misdemeanor theft is punishable by up to six months to one year in jail and fines of up to $1000. However, felony theft carries possible penalties, including prison time of up to years, fines up to $10,000, and post-release supervision.
Beyond incarceration and fines, courts might also require restitution, and a conviction can leave a permanent criminal record that harms employment prospects, housing opportunities, professional licensing, and public reputation. Contact a criminal defense attorney today to discuss your case.
Defending Against Theft Charges
An experienced theft defense attorney uses several strategies to defend against theft charges. Examples include disputing intent, which proves there were there was no intention to permanently deprive, or a challenging value and ownership to show the amount alleged is inflated or that the property belonged to you or was given.
Other strategies include:
- Negotiation or plea reduction to reduce charges from felony to misdemeanor status
- Diversion or alternative sentencing programs in suitable cases, especially for first-time offenders.
A criminal defense lawyer at the Dornan Law Team can often file motions or negotiate a favorable resolution before trial if they can analyze the facts early. Schedule your free consultation today to get started.
Why Contact an Omaha Theft Defense Lawyer
You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression in court. Work with a qualified Omaha theft defense lawyer for early preservation of evidence and effective advocacy to help minimize or avoid felony classification.
