Salt Lake City Theft Crimes Attorney

Lawyers in Davis County Defending Individuals Against Fraud Charges

Theft is a very broad category that includes a wide variety of offenses in which property, goods, or services were unlawfully removed from the rightful owner's possession. Overall, theft is actually considered to be one of the most common crimes committed in the state of Utah.

Certain theft crimes, such as shoplifting, are often seen as "no big deal" by the average person, but courts and prosecutors in Utah see things quite differently. Even a relatively minor theft offense could cause a lifetime of headaches and problems for you if you are ultimately convicted. If you are facing criminal charges related to taking something that did not belong to you, ask Collins Rupp, P.C. to help you with your case.

Understanding Theft Charges in Utah

The various theft-related terms and possible charges in the Utah Criminal Code make it rather challenging to keep them all straight. The crime of theft itself, however, is relatively straightforward. According to the law in Utah, theft is committed when a person knowingly obtains or exerts unauthorized control over another person's property in any manner, including by deception or threat. It is also considered a type of theft to be in possession of property that the person knows or should have known was stolen. Charges for the most basic types of theft are prosecuted as Class B misdemeanors. Based on the type of property, its value, and other factors, the severity of the charge and the associated penalties may increase dramatically.

Retail theft or shoplifting is perhaps the most common type of theft throughout the state. In addition to simply stealing merchandise, retail theft also encompasses acts such as price tag switching, under-ringing merchandise, and removing shopping carts from a merchant's premises. Even a minor shoplifting conviction can affect your ability to get a job in the future, as it could imply that you are not trustworthy. Our theft crime lawyers will work to mitigate this risk by protecting your reputation through a skilled, intelligent defense.

Fraud Defense in Salt Lake City

Fraud is a subcategory of theft crime in the state of Utah. In general, fraud refers to intentional deception that allows an individual to gain unauthorized access to another party's property, money, services, or rights. Theft by deception or fraud is sometimes referred to as a "white-collar" offense because it does not usually involve violence. However, this does not make the consequences of a conviction any less severe.

"Fraud" implies that an individual purposefully engaged in deception, and that deception removed property or rights from another individual. At Collins Rupp, P.C., we handle a wide range of fraud offenses, including but not limited to:

• Bank fraud
• Identity theft
• Insurance fraud
• Credit card fraud
• Computer fraud
• Healthcare fraud

What Are the Penalties for Theft Crimes in Utah?

The most common types of theft crimes we see range from shoplifting and robbery to identity theft and fraud. Although these crimes all involve a type of theft, the penalties for such offenses vary based on the value of the property stolen, the type of theft crime committed, and your previous criminal history. Regardless of the crime, you could be facing a lengthy prison sentence and hefty fines if convicted.

Contact Us to Learn More

For more information about Collins Rupp, P.C. and our approach to theft crime cases, contact our office. Call 385-777-2753 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our team today. We will do everything we can to help you obtain the best possible outcome for your case.