Whether you were accused of shoplifting from the Coronado Center, stealing or receiving a stolen car, or even embezzling money from a local employer, theft-related charges in Albuquerque can carry harsh penalties upon conviction, including time in prison, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Various theft offenses can differ greatly in severity and potential consequences, but regardless of the specific details of your case, an experienced Albuquerque theft lawyer can provide information and guidance for your defense. Our criminal defense attorneys could protect your rights and future.
One of the biggest factors that impacts the severity of the punishment someone faces for the conviction of a theft-related crime is the value of the item they are accused of taking. The lower the value, the lesser the consequences in most cases, as petty theft of something valued under $250 punishable by up to six months in jail and a $500 fine, while someone who is convicted of theft involving an item valued at $20,000 or more faces up to nine years in prison and a $10,000 fine. An attorney in Albuquerque could help a person understand the penalties for a specific theft crime.
Once a person has paid the fine and served the time following a theft conviction, the consequences can still be present in the form of a permanent criminal record that can appear in background checks conducted by landlords, employers, and others. The conviction can make it more difficult to secure housing or employment. It can also result in the suspension of certain professional licenses, impact a person’s ability to travel, and can even make it harder to obtain loans.
The legal process of defending yourself against criminal charges is a challenging one, no matter how seemingly minor the charge is. Even if the charge is a misdemeanor, an experienced Albuquerque lawyer can provide guidance and information about the theft charge, potential consequences, and options for resolving the case. A lawyer may be able to gather evidence to contest the charge, negotiate a plea deal with a prosecutor, or even seek to have the case dismissed based on improper procedures, depending on the details.
Finally, hiring a lawyer from Duran & McDonald means having an experienced advocate to support the defendant’s rights and listen to the concerns they have about the outcome of their case. For some defendants, the need to avoid a conviction is a priority, while for others, the need to reduce the consequences of being convicted is the most important aspect. These wishes are extremely important to the defense strategy against theft charges.
As native New Mexicans, our legal team’s founders, Brendan McDonald and John Duran, have been practicing together since 2010, handling thousands of cases during that time and learning how to serve their clients during every step of the criminal process from the initial investigation to trial. While the most advantageous time to speak with an Albuquerque theft lawyer is at the very beginning of the case, we will work with clients at any phase, protecting their rights and helping them understand the charges they are facing and the defenses they have available to them.
We take time to review the charges and the evidence against you and listen to your desired outcome to develop a strategy that offers the best possible outcome. Let us give you answers to the legal questions you have about your case and help you begin protecting your rights during the criminal process. Contact us today for a case evaluation.
