Raleigh Larceny Lawyer
Skilled legal defense from an experienced Raleigh larceny lawyer, representing individuals charged with theft, shoplifting, and larceny offenses throughout Wake County.
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Wake County Criminal Defense for Larceny and Theft Charges
Being charged with larceny can be frightening, confusing, and disruptive to your life. Theft-related charges such as shoplifting and petty theft are prosecuted as criminal offenses in North Carolina and can affect your record, employment, and future opportunities. A Raleigh larceny lawyer can help you understand the charge, the legal process ahead, and your available options.
Attorney John McWilliam, PLLC represents individuals accused of theft-related crimes in Raleigh and surrounding areas of Wake County, focusing on careful review of the facts, protection of constitutional rights, and practical defense strategies tailored to the specific facts of the State’s charges against you.
North Carolina Larceny and Theft Laws
Larceny in North Carolina is largely governed by common law and codified under several statutes, most notably N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-72. The law broadly covers the unlawful taking of another person’s property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it.
Many everyday theft allegations fall into the broader category of larceny. These cases often involve shoplifting, taking items without paying, or disputes over property ownership.
To obtain a conviction, the jurisdiction must prove: if any of these elements is weak or unsupported by evidence, the charge may be challenged.
Taking Of Property:
The accused took or moved personal property belonging to someone else.
Lack of Consent:
The owner did not agree to the taking.
Intent to Permanently Deprive:
The accused intended not to return the property.
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Contact John McWilliam, PLLC, for Larceny and Theft Charges in Wake County
Common Misdemeanor Theft Charges in Raleigh
Misdemeanor larceny charges are criminal offenses that can carry probation, fines, community service, and a permanent criminal record.
Shoplifting and Retail Theft
Shoplifting is one of the most frequently charged forms of misdemeanor larceny in North Carolina. These cases often arise from allegations of taking merchandise without paying, concealing items, or switching price tags, and a charge may be filed even if the individual never leaves the store.
Potential punishments for shoplifting may include fines, court costs, probation, community service, and in some cases a short jail sentence, particularly for repeat offenses.
Theft of Personal Property
This charge generally involves taking personal property belonging to another person without consent, such as items taken from a workplace, residence, or shared setting. These cases frequently involve disputes over ownership, permission, or intent, which can significantly impact how the case is resolved.
If convicted, misdemeanor larceny of personal property may result in probation, restitution to the property owner, fines, and court-ordered community service. Jail time is possible under North Carolina sentencing laws, depending on prior convictions and the specific circumstances.
Possession of Stolen Goods
Possession of stolen goods focuses on whether the accused knowingly possessed property that was stolen, even if they did not personally take it. When the value of the property is relatively low, the charge is typically treated as a misdemeanor.
Punishment for misdemeanor possession of stolen property can mirror traditional larceny penalties, including probation, fines, restitution, and community service. The State must prove the accused knew or should have known the items were stolen, which is often a central issue in determining guilt.
When Misdemeanor Theft Becomes a Felony
A theft charge can escalate from a misdemeanor to a felony based on factors such as the value of the property, the type of property taken, or the manner in which the theft occurred. Theft involving firearms, stealing from a person, or obtaining stolen goods connected to breaking and entering is commonly charged as a felony regardless of dollar amount.
Other Types of Theft Crimes
Additional misdemeanor theft-related charges may include attempted larceny, aiding or abetting theft, or lesser-value theft offenses that do not meet felony thresholds. While these charges vary in how they are classified, they are often handled similarly in Wake County courts.
Defending Against Larceny, Shoplifting and Theft Allegations In Wake County
John McWilliam, PLLC is a strategic and experienced criminal defense attorney, working closely with clients to review the evidence, witness credibility, and police conduct to determine how their larceny case should proceed.
While every case is different, some key defense considerations for fighting your Raleigh larceny charges include:
Evidence Quality:
Whether surveillance, statements, or recovered property actually prove the elements of larceny.
Intent Issues:
Whether the facts truly show intent to steal rather than mistake or misunderstanding.
Constitutional Rights:
Whether searches, seizures, or questioning complied with legal standards.
Schedule a Free Consultation with John McWilliams, PLLC for Wake County Theft Charges
If you’ve been accused of shoplifting, theft, or larceny in Raleigh or other areas of Wake County Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs, Garner, Morrisville, Knightdale, Wendell, Zebulon, and Rolesville, it’s important not to minimize the situation. Even a misdemeanor conviction can follow you long after the case ends.
Contact our office today to schedule a FREE consultation and case review by calling 919-772-4000 or completing our contact form to get started.