A conviction for theft can threaten a person’s reputation and career. The charges may appear on background checks, which could inhibit a person’s professional goals and limit his or her earning potential. Additionally, it could even threaten a person’s ability to secure housing.
If you were accused of stealing, you should enlist the help of a skilled Nebraska criminal defense attorney. A competent Nebraska theft lawyer could build a strong defense on your behalf, protecting your future and your reputation.
Theft Statutes in Nebraska
In a theft case in Nebraska, the prosecutor needs to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused committed the crime. To be able to prove this, they must be able to meet certain elements.
Robbery Charges in Nebraska
The Nebraska Revised Statutes §28-324 defines robbery as the taking of money or property of any value from another person through the use of force, violence, or the infliction of fear. In Nebraska, robbery is considered a Class II felony, meaning it can carry a possible penalty of one and 50 years of incarceration, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Because theft charges are categorized as specific intent crimes, the government would need to prove that the accused planned to deprive someone of the money or property in a robbery case. A Nebraska theft attorney could work to disprove this necessary element by showing that the event was a misunderstanding or nonintentional.
Charges for Larceny in Nebraska
In Nebraska, the penalties for a larceny depend on the value of the items that were allegedly stolen. According to Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-518, a conviction for the theft of property worth $5,000 or more is considered a Class IIA felony. This means that a person may face up to 20 years imprisonment upon conviction.
The state may charge an individual with a Class II misdemeanor rather than a felony if the goods allegedly stolen were valued at less than $500. A conviction on this offense may result in a sentence of up to six months in jail, as well as a $1,000 fine.
Receiving Stolen Property
A person who willingly accepts goods he or she knows were unlawfully acquired could face charges for the receipt of stolen property. Under Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-517, a Nebraska resident who receives property that has been stolen by someone else could be convicted of theft.
The onus is on the prosecution to demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that the person intended to permanently deprive the owner of their belongings. A skilled theft lawyer in Nebraska could argue against the accusations and fight your criminal charges.
A Nebraska Theft Attorney Can Be an Advocate
Regardless of the specific circumstances, a Nebraska theft lawyer could advocate on your behalf against the accusations you are facing. Contact Berry Law for a confidential case evaluation to discuss your charges and possible defenses. We are proud to be rated among the top Nebraska law firms, and we’ll be relentless in fighting for you. We are trial attorneys at heart and will go to bat for you in the courtroom. Call today to begin building your defense.