Baton Rouge Theft Lawyer

Being accused of taking someone else’s property can put your freedom, finances, and reputation at risk. That’s where a Skilled Baton Rouge theft lawyer can step in.

At Steven J. Moore, LLC, we can help you understand what you’re facing so you can protect your rights while getting the information you need to make sense of your legal options.

About Us

For more than 30 years, Steven J. Moore, LLC, has built a strong reputation and earned the trust of both clients and Louisiana’s legal community. Steven personally handles every case, giving you direct access to an experienced lawyer who’s involved from start to finish.

Understanding Theft Charges in Louisiana

In 2023, there were 17,142 property crime cases reported in Baton Rouge. Generally, theft involves taking someone else’s property without permission, using fraud to get said property, or intending to use said property without the owner’s consent.

That definition matters because the prosecution needs to establish both the taking of the property and the required intent. In Louisiana, theft laws apply to many different situations, including:

• Shoplifting or taking merchandise from a store
• Taking someone else’s money, property, or personal belongings
• Using false or misleading statements to obtain property
• Taking property that someone trusted you with
• Allegations involving vehicles, firearms, packages, or other regulated property

Our Baton Rouge theft attorneys can look beyond the charge written in a police report and dig into what actually happened, what the evidence shows, and whether the prosecution can prove the required elements of the offense. As experienced criminal defense lawyers, our team can review the circumstances surrounding the accusation and explain the legal options available.

How Louisiana Determines the Severity of Theft

When it comes to a theft charge, the value of the property can make a big difference. Louisiana law sets different levels of punishment based on how much the allegedly stolen property was worth. This means that under La. R.S. § 14:67, the potential theft penalties can include:

• Less than $1,000. A conviction can carry up to six months in parish jail and a fine of up to $1,000. However, repeat theft convictions can lead to increased penalties under La. R.S. § 14:67(B)(4).
• $1,000 to less than $5,000. The offense can carry up to five years of imprisonment, with or without hard labor, and a fine of up to $3,000.
• $5,000 to less than $25,000. The potential sentence increases to up to 10 years of imprisonment, with or without hard labor, and a fine of up to $10,000.
• $25,000 or more. A conviction can carry up to 20 years of imprisonment, with or without hard labor, and a fine of up to $50,000.

These amounts aren’t just numbers on a sentencing chart. They can determine how seriously the state treats the charge against you and what kind of consequences you could be facing. Our Baton Rouge theft attorneys can review how prosecutors arrived at the alleged amount and whether the charge and theft penalties actually match the facts of the case.

Why the Evidence Matters in a Theft Case

A theft prosecution can involve much more than your statement or the statement of the accuser. Police and prosecutors could have surveillance video, receipts, text messages, emails, witness statements, photographs, inventory records, or other evidence that they believe supports the accusation. However, having evidence isn’t the same as having enough evidence to prove a crime.

That’s why, when reviewing a theft case, it’s important to look at the evidence closely and ask a few basic questions, like:

• Does the evidence clearly show that a theft occurred?
• Are witnesses telling the same story?
• Does surveillance video show the entire incident or only part of it?
• Is there proof that the property belonged to someone else?
• Is there reliable evidence showing how much the property was worth?
• Does the evidence actually show that you intended to take the property?
• Were your statements or other evidence legally obtained?

Sometimes, the details don’t line up as neatly as they appear in a police report. Our team can go through the evidence piece by piece and look for gaps, inconsistencies, or other issues that could affect the prosecution’s case.

FAQs

Can I Be Accused of Theft if I Returned the Property?

Yes, you can be accused of theft if you returned the property. Returning property doesn’t necessarily erase a theft allegation.

Louisiana’s theft statute focuses on the circumstances surrounding the taking and whether there was an intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. The timing of the return, communications with the owner, and other surrounding facts may all matter when evaluating the accusation.

Can Someone Withdraw a Theft Complaint After Contacting Police?

Yes, someone can withdraw a theft complaint after contacting police. However, withdrawing the complaint doesn’t necessarily end the case.

Once law enforcement gets involved, the alleged victim generally doesn’t have complete control over whether criminal charges move forward. Prosecutors consider the available evidence and circumstances when deciding whether to continue pursuing the case.

What Should I Do if the Police Want to Question Me About Missing Property?

If the police want to question you about missing property, you should consider speaking with a lawyer before answering any questions. Even if you believe you can clear up the situation by explaining what happened, anything you say could become part of the evidence. You can ask whether you’re being detained or if you’re free to leave.

Can a Theft Charge Be Expunged in Louisiana?

Yes, a theft charge can be expunged in Louisiana, depending on the circumstances. Eligibility can be contingent on the specific offense, how the case was resolved, and your own criminal history.

It’s also important to note that a dismissal doesn’t automatically mean the record disappears. Louisiana also has specific procedures and waiting periods that could apply to your situation.

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Hire a Theft Lawyer: Local Representation Offers an Advantage

When you need to hire a theft lawyer, having someone who actually knows the local court system can make a real difference. The team at Steven J. Moore, LLC, both resides and operates in Baton Rouge. We know the local courts, procedures, and day-to-day realities that can affect your case.

Our team regularly practices in the 19th Judicial District Court and Baton Rouge City Court, giving us firsthand experience with how theft cases move through these courthouses.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.