Defense for Larceny, Shoplifting, Burglary & Property Crimes
Defending your rights with experienced representation for larceny, burglary, and other property crime charges.
Protecting Your Future Against Property Crime Charges in Connecticut
Facing a charge for larceny, shoplifting, burglary, or other property crimes can have serious, long-lasting consequences. Convictions for these offenses can lead to prison sentences, steep fines, probation, and even restitution requirements. Additionally, a conviction for a property crime can remain on your record, affecting your ability to secure employment, housing, or educational opportunities. At the Law Offices of Mark M. Kratter, LLC, we represent clients in
Danbury,
Milford, and rest of Fairfield County,
Connecticut, who are facing a range of property crime charges. Our firm is committed to exploring every defense option to protect your rights, reduce penalties, and secure the best possible outcome.
Types of Property Crimes We Defend
Comprehensive Defense for Larceny, Shoplifting, Burglary, and Related Crimes
Our firm has extensive experience defending clients against all types of property crimes. Attorney Mark Kratter provides aggressive and strategic defense for cases involving:
- Larceny: Larceny charges vary depending on the value of the property stolen. Higher-value thefts are charged as felonies, with penalties reaching up to 20 years in prison for first-degree larceny. Our firm builds a defense based on the evidence, seeking to reduce or dismiss charges.
- Shoplifting: Considered a form of larceny, shoplifting penalties can range from misdemeanors to felonies based on the stolen item's value. Even a minor shoplifting charge can affect future job prospects, making skilled representation essential.
- Burglary: All burglary offenses in Connecticut are felonies. Depending on the degree, they carry prison sentences and significant fines. First-degree burglary, for instance, is punishable by a mandatory five-year minimum sentence if a weapon or explosives were involved.
- Other Property Crimes: Our firm also represents clients facing charges for vandalism, embezzlement, fraud, and criminal mischief. Property crimes vary widely, but each can impact your future if not properly defended.
We aim to minimize the impact of these charges on your life by negotiating with prosecutors, challenging evidence, and crafting a tailored defense strategy.
FAQs for Property Crimes Defense
What distinguishes grand larceny from other theft offenses?
Grand larceny typically involves theft of property above a specific dollar threshold—often $1,000 or more—and is charged as a felony. In contrast, petty larceny or shoplifting covers lower-value items. A grand larceny attorney can explain how local statutes define these thresholds and build defenses tailored to your circumstances.
How can a shoplifting defense attorney help me?
A skilled shoplifting attorney will challenge evidence such as surveillance footage, alleged intent to commit theft, or improper police procedures. Whether it’s a first-time shoplifting case or repeated offenses, we work to reduce or dismiss charges to avoid harsh penalties for shoplifting, including fines and potential jail time.
What are the potential consequences of a burglary conviction?
Burglary involves unlawfully entering a structure with intent to steal or commit another felony. A burglary defense attorney fights to prevent a prison sentence, which can range from a few years to decades—especially for class C felony or higher. We explore defenses like lack of intent, mistaken entry, or consent.
Can I be charged if I pick up an item accidentally without paying?
Yes. Even unintentionally leaving a store with unpaid merchandise can lead to a shoplifting charge. A shoplifting defense attorney near me will review the price tag evidence and your actions to show you lacked intent to commit theft, potentially securing a dismissal or diversion.
How do shoplifting and larceny differ?
Shoplifting is a form of larceny that occurs in a retail setting. Larceny more broadly covers any unlawful taking of stolen property, including larceny offenses like pickpocketing. A property crime attorney will assess the facts—value, location, and alleged conduct—to determine the most effective defense strategy.
What should I do if I’m arrested for a theft crime?
Immediately request legal counsel and exercise your right to remain silent. Avoid discussing the incident with police or store security. Contact our firm to speak with an experienced theft lawyer who can stop improper questioning and guide you through each step of your larceny case.
Penalties and Degrees of Larceny and Burglary in Connecticut
Understanding the Seriousness of Property Crime Charges
Property crimes can result in a variety of penalties depending on the circumstances, including the value of the property involved. In Connecticut:
- Larceny:
- First Degree: Theft of over $10,000; Class B Felony with up to 20 years in prison and $15,000 in fines.
- Second Degree: Property valued at $5,001–$10,000; Class C Felony with up to 10 years in prison.
- Third through Sixth Degree: Penalties decrease with lower property values, but even minor thefts can result in jail time and significant fines.
- Burglary:
- First Degree: Involves entering a building with a weapon or causing harm, punishable by a mandatory minimum of five years in prison.
- Second and Third Degrees: Depending on whether a dwelling was occupied or a firearm was involved, penalties range from one to ten years in prison.
Attorney Kratter works to challenge these charges, seeking dismissal when possible or aiming to reduce the degree of the charges to minimize sentencing and fines.
How We Build a Strong Defense for Property Crimes
Aggressive Defense Strategies Tailored to Your Case
At the Law Offices of Mark M. Kratter, LLC, we take a thorough approach to every property crime case, working to have charges reduced or dismissed based on evidence and legal grounds. Our defense strategies include:
- Challenging Evidence: We examine the evidence in your case, including how it was obtained. If law enforcement violated your rights during the investigation, we may seek to suppress illegally obtained evidence.
- Negotiating with Prosecutors: We often negotiate with prosecutors to seek reduced charges or alternative penalties, such as restitution or community service, rather than jail time.
- Exploring Pretrial Programs: For first-time offenders, diversionary programs like Connecticut’s Accelerated Rehabilitation Program or Drug Education Program may be available. Successful completion can result in dismissal of the charges, helping you avoid a criminal record.
- Representation at Every Step: Attorney Kratter will stand by your side through every stage of the legal process, ensuring you understand your options, your rights, and what to expect at each phase of your defense.
With a focus on safeguarding your rights and future, we aim to provide the strongest defense possible for your unique circumstances.