If you have been charged with a theft crime in Columbia SC, you will need the services of a South Carolina theft defense lawyer. South Carolina takes the rights of property and property owners very seriously. Theft crimes violate those rights and trigger a brisk response from law enforcement officials. A criminal defense lawyer can help protect your rights.
South Carolina Theft Crimes
Like most states, South Carolina divides theft crimes into degrees of greater and lesser offenses. The difference between the most serious first degree offense and a less serious third degree offense can be difficult to determine. However, that distinction is crucial to the successful legal defense of a theft crimes case. In the case of burglary—a theft crime involving housebreaking—the difference is five years in prison for third degree burglary, while a first degree conviction can carry a life sentence.
In a South Carolina robbery case, the mere suggestion of being armed can be used to add years to a potential prison sentence. Normally, robbery in South Carolina is a felony with a maximum fifteen-year sentence. If a skilled prosecutor can convince a judge or jury that a weapon was used in the commission of the crime, the prison sentence jumps to a minimum of ten years with no possibility of parole until seven years have been served.
The stakes are very high in theft crimes cases. With the possibility of long prison sentences served at hard labor, persons charged with theft crimes in South Carolina need skilled, compassionate legal representation.
What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a South Carolina Theft Crime
If you have been charged with a theft crime in South Carolina, you will need the professional representation by a skilled Columbia SC theft crime defense attorney. Theft crimes are taken very seriously by South Carolina law enforcement, and carry significant penalties that can have a lasting negative effect on your future.
At Sanders and Nettles, LLC, we are highly skilled Columbia SC criminal defense lawyers with the experience needed to defend clients against theft crimes charges. If you or someone you care for is in need of theft crimes legal advice, please contact us at our offices for an evaluation of your case.