Utah Theft Attorney - Salt Lake Criminal Defense Lawyer

A conviction for theft in Utah can result in jail or prison time, plus thousands of dollars in fines. If you are charged with criminal theft, having an experienced Utah criminal defense lawyer on your side can give you the best chance of success in your case. Stephen Howard has handled literally thousands of serious criminal cases during his career. His record includes not guilty verdicts, dismissals, and appellate reversals on some of the most serious charges on the books in Utah. Contact us today for an initial consultation and analysis of your Utah theft case.

Penalties for a Utah Theft Conviction

Value is one of the main factors that determines the level of offense charged in many Utah property crimes cases, including theft. If the items allegedly taken are valued at less than $500, charges will typically be filed at a class B misdemeanor level (180 days jail). If the items are valued at more than $500 but less than $1500, the case can be filed as a class A misdemeanor (365 days jail). If the value is at least $1500 but less than $5000, the case will be filed as a third degree felony (0-5 years prison). And anything $5000 or over can result in a second degree felony (1-15 years prison).

But value is not the only factor used to determine the level of a Utah theft charge. Theft of a firearm or motor vehicle theft can increase the charge to a second degree felony regardless of the value of the item. Similarly, if any item is taken "from a person" (meaning from the immediate presence of a person), a charge of theft from a person can be filed as a second degree felony, regardless of value of the property.

Utah Theft Enhancements

Defending your Utah theft case right the first time is especially important because Utah theft charges are enhanceable. That means that the penalties for subsequent theft charges in Utah can be enhanced to a felony charge even for petty theft. Previous versions of the Utah Code for theft provided for a felony enhancement for any theft, regardless of the value of the property involved, if the person charged had been previously convicted of property crimes including robbery, burglary with the intent to commit a theft, or a fraud charge. The current version of the Utah criminal code still provides enhancements based on prior convictions, but the rules used to determine when the enhancements may apply are now more complicated. (Learn more about theft enhancements here.)

Kinds of Theft Charges in Utah

Utah's criminal code contains several variations of theft: simple theft, theft by deception, theft of services, theft by extortion, theft of lost or mislaid property, retail theft (shoplifting), vehicle theft, theft of a firearm, theft of utility or cable television services, theft of fuel, theft from a person, joyriding, wrongful appropriation, theft by receiving stolen property, theft by rental agreement, and theft of a rental vehicle. Except for cases involving a vehicle or firearm, the severity of most of these theft offenses will be determined by the value of the property taken.

Finding a Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City, Utah

Whether you are charged with a felony or a misdemeanor, having an experienced and effective defense attorney on your side can be critical to obtaining the results you need. Based in Salt Lake City, criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard has extensive experience representing people charged with theft and other property crimes. He has a record of achieving real results for his clients.

Contact us now to schedule an initial consultation and case analysis.