Theft

Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm PLC - Iowa criminal Defense

Theft - Embezzlement - Larceny

The crime of theft is considered a “crime of dishonesty” and a “crime or moral turpitude.”  The offense ranges from a simple misdemeanor to a Class C Felony depending upon the facts and circumstances of each case.  Because theft qualifies a “crime of dishonesty” and a “crime of moral turpitude", a conviction for any level of theft can have long lasting if not permanent adverse consequences to the individual convicted. 

Effects On Employment

Most employers will not permit an employee convicted of theft to remain on their work force, and if a theft conviction appears on an individual’s background check, employment will often times be denied.  In the State of Iowa, there is no way to expunge a conviction once it is entered on an individual’s record so ensuring that a lapse of judgment or childish mistake does not become embedded on ones record is essential.  If charged with any degree of theft, the assistance of a qualified criminal defense lawyer is a necessity.  Whether it is a complex embezzlement case or as simple as taking clothing from a department store (simply larceny, also known as shoplifting), the consequences are just as permanent. 

Know your rights, exercise your rights, preserve your freedom.

The general crime of theft can be alleged to have been committed in a number of different ways in the State of Iowa.  There is Theft By Taking, what many would describe as “stealing”; Theft by misappropriation, often times referred to as “embezzlement”; Theft by deception, commonly referred to as “cons”; and receipt or control over stolen property.

Elements of Crime of Theft

The basic elements that are fundamental to any criminal charge of theft include the taking or maintaining possession of the property of another, and the intent to deprive the rightful owner of its use or benefit or using the property for ones own benefit contrary to the rights of the true owner.  The level of the offense is almost completely dependent upon the value of the property taken or the amount of money misappropriated. 

Degrees of Theft

The degrees of Theft are as follows:

First Degree:  Value exceeds $10,000 or the property was taken from the person of another; or the property was looted - Class C Felony

Second Degree:  Value exceeds $1,000 but is less than $10,000 or the theft of a vehicle not valued at more than $10,000 – Class D Felony

Third Degree:  Value exceeds $500 but is less than $1,000 or the defendant has two prior convictions for theft – Aggravated Misdemeanor

Fourth Degree:  Value exceeds $200 but is less than $500 – Serious Misdemeanor

Fifth Degree:  Value is $200 or less – Simple Misdemeanor

Don't wait to get a lawyer!

The Des Moines, Iowa criminal defense attorneys at Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm will work on your case right away to find ways to get results. The earlier you engage us, either in the criminal investigation or when formal criminal charges have been filed, the better your chances for a favorable result. Don't wait to get a lawyer! Iowa courts are very tough on crime, regardless of the crime being a felony or misdemeanor offense.

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