Theft Crimes: Burglary, Robbery, and Shoplifting Charges in Appleton

Any type of theft charge can be a serious matter in Wisconsin. Not only are you facing possible jail time, but there may be other potential consequences. Theft is viewed as a crime of dishonesty, and any conviction can follow you for the rest of your life. Even though Wisconsin employers generally discriminate against an applicant with a criminal record, a conviction could disqualify you from certain professions. If you have been charged with any type of theft crime, reach out to the criminal defense attorneys at Hogan Eickhoff immediately.

Theft Charges in Wisconsin

There are numerous types of theft charges under Wisconsin law. Much depends on the value of the property that was alleged to be taken and the manner in which it was taken. Any type of theft carries a possible jail sentence, so it is vital that you take the charges seriously. Misdemeanor theft covers alleged crimes involving property valued at less than $2,500. There are two types of misdemeanor theft in Wisconsin:

• Class A Misdemeanor: Property that is valued at more than $500 but not more than $2,500. A conviction may result in a fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to 9 months
• Class B Misdemeanor: Property with a value of $500 or less may result in a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to 90 days if you are convicted of the crime

When Theft Charges Become A Felony

The charges rise in seriousness if the property is valued at more than $2,500. Then, the charges would automatically become a felony, which carries a far more serious penalty. There is a sliding scale of felony charges based on the value of the property. At the lower end of the felony scale, a Class I felony covers property that is valued between $2,500 and $5,000. Even this type of conviction can carry a jail sentence of up to 3 ½ years behind bars. At the highest end of the spectrum, a Class F felony covers crimes in which property valued at more than $100,000 is alleged to have been taken. Then, you could receive a jail sentence of up to 12 years and six months. With inflation in the economy, you have no way of knowing how property would be valued in terms of criminal charges. It can be very easy for certain property to be worth more than $2,500, leading to automatic felony charges. Even theft that may seem minor in nature can lead to a lengthy jail sentence. Shoplifting charges fall under the umbrella of theft. There is a special category of charges for property that is valued at under $100. Then, you would be issued a ticket, and there would be no jail time. However, you may still have a criminal record that could stay with you if you do not qualify for expungement (it is very difficult to have a criminal record expunged under Wisconsin law). You could also face criminal charges for receiving property that someone else may have stolen. Receiving stolen property is a misdemeanor when it is valued at $2,500. The charges rise to a felony when the value is above that amount, and the penalties are similar to an actual theft conviction.

Robbery Charges in Wisconsin

There are even more serious charges that relate to the manner in which the property was taken. Robbery is the taking of property through the use of force or its threat. Robbery is a Class E felony, which can result in a jail sentence of up to 15 years. The penalties escalate dramatically if a weapon is used in the commission of a crime. Armed robbery is punishable with up to 40 years in prison, and you would always see jail time in these cases if you are convicted.

Burglary Charges in Wisconsin

Burglary is a different type of theft charge. Here, one illegally enters the property of another with the intent of taking property or committing another felony. Under Wisconsin law, the important thing is that you wrongfully entered someone else’s property with the purpose of committing a crime. Burglary can be charged as a Class E or F felony, depending on whether the use of a dangerous weapon was involved. For example, if one had a gun in their possession when they entered someone else’s home, they would be charged with a more serious felony. In general, a burglary conviction can lead to up to 15 years in prison. If someone else suffered bodily harm during the burglary, the penalties can be even steeper.

How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You

If you have been charged with any type of crime involving the taking of property, you need to hire a criminal defense attorney immediately. Your lawyer would get down to the bottom of your case right after you hire them, and they can help you present your strongest possible legal defense. When you hire a criminal defense attorney in a theft case, they can do the following for you in your case:

• Investigate your case and gather any exculpatory evidence in your favor
• Determine whether you have any defenses to fight the charges
• Help you learn of all the potential effects that a conviction may have on your life
• Negotiate a potential plea bargain with the prosecutor in exchange for reduced charges or a lesser sentence
• Litigate your case in court should you decide to contest the charges

Contact an Appleton Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you are facing criminal charges, you need to hire a criminal defense attorney immediately. The longer you wait to get legal help, the more your defense can be complicated. At Hogan Eickhoff, you can schedule a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys by contacting us today or by calling us at 920-450-9800. Our lawyers are standing by and ready to fight for your legal rights.