Grand theft, a crime involving unlawful activities such as purse snatching, pickpocketing, and car theft, can lead to severe consequences under federal laws. Defined as the “unlawful taking, carrying, leading, or riding away of something” from someone else’s custody, grand theft should not be confused with petty theft. When theft involves property from the federal government, it escalates to a federal issue.
Navigating the Complexities of Grand Theft Laws
It is crucial to understand that federal grand theft laws differ from state theft laws. While theft is recognized universally across all states, federal grand theft laws specifically focus on the prevention of public property theft. The United States federal government recognizes over a hundred distinct forms of theft, not all of which are recognized by individual states.
An Array of Grand Theft Crimes
The umbrella of theft under the federal grand theft law encompasses an array of crimes, such as:
- Con games
- Scams
- Insider trading
- Fraudulent credit card goods or programs
- Other “schemes” that involve trickery, deceit, or fraud
Theft through taking, or “asportation” in legal parlance, implies that the property has been entirely removed from the place where it was initially taken. Asportation becomes a matter of defense in grand theft cases, where common sense is often used to determine if an item was “fully relocated.”
Prosecution Challenges and Grand Theft
For a successful prosecution, it’s required to prove that the stolen property was in someone else’s custody without the owner’s consent. In some cases, even the original owner may struggle to correctly identify the item, making the prosecution’s task more difficult.
Furthermore, the accused individual must have intended to permanently convert the property to their use or permanently deprive the original owner of its usage. This aspect is a distinguishing factor between grand theft and embezzlement, in which the suspected thief has legal access to the property.
The Penalties for Federal Grand Theft
The severity of penalties for grand theft hinges on the value of the item stolen and the presence of any aggravating factors. Federal grand theft sentencing guidelines begin with a “Base Offense Level” of six points, with additional points added for theft losses of $5,000 or more.
Further points may be awarded based on a list of over eighteen aggravating circumstances. Depending on the presence of these factors and additional offenses such as breaking and entering, the sentence could range from a few months to twenty years or more.
The Importance of an Experienced Attorney
Facing federal grand theft charges can be daunting and can potentially alter the course of your life. It’s imperative that you don’t face these charges without the help of an experienced attorney. At Chambers Law Firm, we offer a free case evaluation and stand ready to provide legal guidance to help you find the best way forward. If you’re concerned about your future and need legal assistance, call us today at 714-760-4088.
