Theft Lawyer in Summerville
Arrested For Theft in SC?
If so, you may be feeling the pressure right now. Will you be convicted? Are you going to prison? Will you lose your job? There is now a public record that you have been accused of stealing—what can you do to fight these charges and keep a theft charge off your record?
It’s not hopeless—you may have defenses to your charges, like consent, intent to return the items, mistaken identity, or other defenses based on the facts of your specific case.
You may also have other options such as pretrial diversion or dismissal with the payment of restitution, or your case could be dismissed based on your attorney’s investigation or the prosecutor’s inability to go forward due to insufficient evidence.
Regardless of your situation, the criminal defense lawyers at Templeton Mims & Ward will investigate the accusations, gather evidence and witnesses to build your defense, work hard to get your charges dismissed before trial, negotiate on your behalf to get your charges dismissed or reduced, and try your case to a jury when necessary.
The Theft Lawyers at Templeton Mims & Ward Can Help
While theft charges are a serious offense, there is hope. Depending on the facts of your case and your goals, there are several ways we can obtain a favorable outcome in your SC theft case.
Our approach involves a detailed analysis of the allegations against you, including reviewing any surveillance footage, receipts, witness statements, and other evidence that may support your defense. This can uncover inconsistencies or new angles to approach the case that can be crucial in developing your defense strategy. Furthermore, we evaluate other important factors such as your prior record and personal circumstances, which can play a significant role in negotiations with the prosecutor or in court.
Common Defenses for Theft Charges
Solicitor/Prosecutor Drops the Case
For starters, the solicitor or prosecutor could decide to drop the case for a number of reasons. The prosecutor may have insufficient evidence to prosecute, we may uncover evidence or witnesses that support your innocence, or, in some cases, it may be in the interest of justice for the prosecutor to dismiss your charges, possibly after restitution has been paid.
We ensure that we communicate effectively with the prosecution, presenting any and all mitigating factors that could influence their decision to dismiss the charges. This involves presenting a comprehensive package of character references, lack of prior criminal history, or even psychological evaluations if relevant, to demonstrate your personal circumstances and commitment to addressing any underlying issues that contributed to the allegations.
Victim Decides Not to Participate
It’s also possible for the victim to submit a form requesting that the charges be dropped. While the victim can’t drop the charges themselves, if the victim does not want to participate in prosecuting the case, the state may face difficult challenges proving the case and therefore decide to drop the charges.
In these situations, building a rapport and maintaining respectful communication with the victim through legal channels can sometimes improve the prospects for a resolution. We are adept at addressing the concerns of alleged victims respectfully and ethically, often opening pathways that lead to negotiations or agreements encouraging them to reconsider their participation in the process.
Plea Bargain With the Solicitor
In some cases, you may be able to plead to a lesser charge or have your charge reduced. If you’re charged with more than one offense, it may be possible to plead to one charge in exchange for another being dismissed, or the prosecutor may agree to a negotiated sentence such as probation in exchange for a guilty plea.
We meticulously analyze every aspect of the prosecution's case, enabling us to effectively negotiate terms that could result in reduced sentencing, alternative programs, or completely avoiding a criminal record. Our thorough understanding of the legal landscape and strategic negotiations can provide pathways to outcomes that are greatly reduced compared to the initial charges.
The Importance of a Trial
Some cases just cannot be resolved without a jury trial. If the prosecutor refuses to dismiss or to make a plea offer that you are willing to accept, the only option left may be trial. Depending on the evidence that is presented at trial, you may be found guilty, you may be acquitted, or the jury could find you guilty of a lesser-included offense that carries a significantly lower penalty.
Our team prepares extensively for each trial, employing techniques like mock trials and consulting with legal experts to formulate a compelling defense. We also focus on crafting persuasive narratives that resonate with jurors, aiming to highlight the inconsistencies in the opposition's arguments and provide clear, relatable stories that advocate for your innocence or lesser culpability. Additionally, we ensure all necessary motions and pretrial preparations are actively pursued to secure the best possible position before the trial begins.
Why Fight Your Theft Charges?
If you are convicted of theft charges in SC, you could be sentenced to probation or you could be sent to prison for as long as 10 years (or longer, if the court gives you consecutive sentences for multiple charges). Either way, you will have a public criminal record that brands you as a thief, that may prevent you from finding meaningful employment, and that may follow you for the rest of your life.
Depending on the facts of your case, hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer could mean the difference between a dismissal, pretrial intervention, a fine, probation, or prison time.
In addition to these immediate consequences, a criminal record for theft can affect your life far beyond the courtroom. It could impact security clearances, eligibility for housing, loans, or even hinder pursuing higher education or professional licensing. Defending against these charges with a proactive legal strategy is crucial to preserving your future and maintaining opportunities that could be otherwise elusive with a conviction on record.
Here’s What We’ll Do:
- Representation at your bond hearing after the arrest
- Investigating your case to find the evidence and witnesses you may need to fight your charges
- Negotiating on your behalf for a dismissal, pretrial diversion, or a reduced charge
- Preparing your case for trial
- Trying your case to a jury when necessary
We also prioritize transparent communication throughout your legal journey, ensuring that you understand each step and your options. By keeping you informed, we empower you to make educated decisions about your case, reducing anxiety and building confidence as we pursue the most favorable outcome possible together.
