Theft is a serious crime in Oklahoma, and criminal defendants deserve the assistance of an experienced lawyer. Call Fassio Law today. An El Reno theft defense lawyer can meet to go over the facts of your case and discuss whether you have a strong defense. We have obtained favorable outcomes for many clients.
Oklahoma recognizes multiple crimes involving property, including:
Each crime has different elements, but all of them involve taking or possessing property you have no legal right to possess.
It will depend on the circumstances of your crime. Some are misdemeanors, but many theft crimes are felonies.
As a misdemeanor, petty larceny carries a maximum of six months in county jail and a maximum $500 fine. But that’s only if you steal less than $1,000 in cash or goods. (See Oklahoma Statute § 1706.) Other theft crimes are more serious, because you stole more or because you used violent force to commit the offense. These crimes will carry more steep penalties.
For example, robbery is the wrongful taking of someone else’s property from their immediate presence and against their will, which you accomplish with fear or force. (See Oklahoma Statutes § 21-791.) Pointing a gun at a woman and demanding her purse is robbery, as is shoving someone out of the way to grab their laptop.
Robbery is typically a second-degree felony, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. You might get less, but that’s the maximum. However, you possibly face first-degree felony charges if you committed or threatened a felony, inflicted or threatened serious bodily injury, or intentionally put in the victim in fear of serious bodily injury. In those situations, first-degree felony carries a minimum of 10 years in prison. The increased time in prison reflects the more serious nature of the offense.
Time behind bars is only one of the penalties our clients face. Other downstream consequences include a criminal history, which can make getting a job or apartment difficult, as well as the loss of important civil rights.
The answer will depend on the facts. We might have proof from a security video that you were not the person who took an item, in which case your El Reno theft defense lawyer can argue the state should drop the charges.
Other defenses include errors with evidence collection or police stops. Suppose the police stop you without reasonable suspicion that you committed a crime. You could argue the stop is unconstitutional and that you should be freed.
For many defendants, a plea deal is their best bet. We might get a felony reduced to a misdemeanor, which can minimize your penalties.
Call Fassio Law today for immediate representation in any theft case, (405) 593-8444. We develop case-specific defense strategies which are aligned with your goals. Give us a call to speak with someone at our firm about your charges.
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