Why You Need a Lawyer If You Are Charged with Theft
Like most people, you probably don’t expect to get in trouble with the law. However, there are a number of circumstances that could end with you in handcuffs. For example, your arrest could be the result of simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your arrest, it’s a good idea to call a criminal defense attorney if you are charged with theft.
Thorough Investigation
Though the police are generally pretty good at investigating criminal activity, they’re not perfect. Also, the police usually don’t try very hard when investigating themselves. The best way to ensure a fair theft investigation is to hire a skilled lawyer who can examine the circumstances of the alleged theft. There’s a good chance that your lawyer will find bits of information that help your case.
Negotiating a Plea Deal
You should hire a criminal defense attorney even if you don’t have much chance of being acquitted. If the evidence against you is overwhelming, a good lawyer can still argue on your behalf and negotiate a fair plea deal with the prosecution. If you accept a plea deal, you will plead guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence.
Limiting Consequences
If you are innocent, your lawyer will try everything possible to prove your innocence. If you are guilty of theft, your attorney will work hard to reduce your sentence. For example, a lawyer can argue for a misdemeanor charge instead of a felony charge. Though it may not seem like much of a distinction, felony convictions have much harsher long-term consequences than misdemeanor convictions.
Theft charges should be taken very seriously. For the sake of your future, it’s important that you have a skilled Tucson lawyer examine your case and help you clear your name. Janet Altschuler is a Tucson criminal defense attorney with more than 17 years of experience arguing on behalf of accused Tucson residents.