Utah Theft Enhancements - Criminal Defense Lawyer

Defending your Utah theft case right the first time is important, because theft charges in Utah can be enhanced. This means that the offense level for even a petty theft can be increased from a misdemeanor to the felony level based on prior convictions for theft or other related charges. If you are facing theft charges in Utah, having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side can make all the difference. Based in Salt Lake City, criminal attorney Stephen Howard has successfully defended property crimes ranging from misdemeanor shoplifting to first-degree felony aggravated robbery, and many more. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

Grounds for Enhancing a Theft Charge in Utah

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 theft, theft, robbery, burglary with the intent to commit a theft, or a fraud charge.

As of 2014, the Utah Code had been amended to eliminate the blanket enhancement for any two prior theft convictions. The criminal code instead provides for felony enhancements for a theft charge under more specific circumstances. Following are several examples of grounds for enhancing a theft charge under the Utah criminal code.

A third degree felony can be charged if the person has previously been convicted for a felony violation of a theft-related offense, regardless of the value of the property involved in the present case.

A third degree felony can also be charged, regardless of value, if the person has been twice before convicted (within the previous 10 year period) of theft, robbery, burglary with the intent to commit a theft, fraud, or an attempt to commit any of those listed offenses, and if at least one of the prior convictions was for a class A misdemeanor or higher.

A retail theft charge may be enhanced to a felony level, even where the value of the merchandise is under $1,500 (but at least $500) if the person has committed any theft within the past five years and if the merchant has previously trespassed the person from the store.

For a retail theft charge involving property valued at less than $500 (normally a class B misdemeanor), the charge can be enhanced to the class A level if the theft occurs on property where the offender has committed any theft within the last five years and has been trespassed from the property by the merchant.

A class B misdemeanor theft charge may also be enhanced to the class A level if the person has been convicted within the prior ten years of any theft, robbery, burglary with the intent to commit a theft, or fraud.

Finding a Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City, Utah

If you are facing criminal charges for theft or a related offense in Utah, it is vital to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney before making any further decisions regarding your case. Based in Salt Lake City and offering legal services to clients throughout Utah, criminal attorney Stephen Howard has successfully defended clients facing theft and related charges ranging from shoplifting to aggravated robbery. He has the experience necessary to help you obtain the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact us to schedule an initial consultation with an experienced Utah criminal defense lawyer.