The Different Types of Theft an Individual Could Be Charged With in the US

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Almost everyone views theft as a simple concept: the act of taking someone else’s property without their due consent. This is accurate to an extent, but it barely scratches the surface of theft. For starters, there are several different types of theft under the law, each with varying penalties. 

If you have been charged with theft, you should get legal help to fight the theft charges and clear your name before they leave an irreparable scar.

Types of Thefts You Can Be Charged With

Here are the different types of theft an individual could be charged with in the US:

Burglary

This involves the unlawful entry of a building with the intent to commit a crime inside, typically theft. Breaking a window to steal valuables or sneaking into a closed store at night are classic examples of a burglary attempt.

The key element here is the unlawful entry. It doesn’t necessarily involve violence, though it can. Factors that come into play include the type of property entered (a house, a store) and whether force was used to gain entry (breaking a window, picking a lock). Penalties for burglary can be severe, often involving jail time and hefty fines.

Robbery

Unlike burglary, robbery involves taking property from someone directly, often through force or threat of force. Robbery is typically considered a more serious crime than burglary because it involves a direct confrontation and potential violence.

A convicted robber will likely do jailtime. The duration depends on factors like the amount of violence used as well as the value of the properties stolen or vandalized. Some states also have specific laws regarding jail terms for robberies.

Car theft

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This one’s fairly straightforward. Taking a motor vehicle without the owner’s permission falls under car theft. This includes stealing a car for a joyride as well as stealing a car to sell it for parts. Penalties for car theft can range from fines and community service to jail time, depending on the circumstances.

Identity theft

This crime involves stealing someone else’s personal information, like their Social Security number or credit card details, to use it for fraudulent purposes. Opening credit cards or taking out loans in someone else’s name are common examples.

The victim of this crime can suffer terrible financial consequences, such as debt and even bankruptcy. If caught, the culprit might be forced to reimburse the victims for their losses. Other penalties, including jailtime, might follow after that.

Shoplifting

This is the act of stealing merchandise from a store, typically without paying for it. While it might seem like a minor offense, shoplifting can result in fines, community service, or even jail time, depending on the value of the stolen goods. 

Embezzlement

If you mishandled or stole funds that were entrusted to your care, you will most likely be charged with embezzlement. Imagine a bookkeeper diverting company funds for personal gain or a cashier taking cash from the register.

The key element here is the breach of trust. Since the victim entrusted the perpetrator with the property, embezzlement is often viewed more seriously than other forms of theft.

Penalties can be harsh, including hefty fines, jail time, and potentially even repaying the stolen funds (restitution) to the victim.

Receiving Stolen Property

This refers to knowingly possessing or buying goods you know were obtained illegally. Let’s say you find a fancy phone on the street and suspect it might be stolen, but you decide to keep it anyway. In that scenario, you could be charged with receiving stolen property.

A Lawyer is Your Best Shot at Clearing Your Name

A theft charge can leave a dent on your name that you might not be able to clear. For starters, you’ll have a criminal record, which will affect your chances of getting any positive opportunities in the future.

You need a solid lawyer by your side when you’ve been charged with any type of theft at all. A competent lawyer will do everything by the book to ensure that you come out of the case without having your record in the system.