Zealously Fighting Criminal Charges for Theft

Defending You and Your Loved Ones Against Criminal Allegations

Theft crimes in Utah run the full gamut of severity from low-level misdemeanors to felonies. Even a minor theft charge can carry substantial consequences and be devastating to your reputation. Here at Northern Utah Law, criminal defense attorney Ken Peterson appreciates the seriousness of these charges. If you or a loved one has been accused of theft, Ken understands what you are going through. You can count on him to guide you through the storm and help you move on with your life as soon as possible.

Theft Crimes and Penalties

The crime of theft in Utah includes retail theft, theft by deception, receiving stolen property, theft of services, burglary, robbery, forgery, and producing false identification. Essentially, all these criminal acts come down to a lone definition: knowingly and wrongfully appropriating something of value from another with the intent permanently to deprive the owner of that value. Utah law frowns upon thefts of property and services and assigns a penalty based on the value of the item wrongfully appropriated:

$500 or less – Class B misdemeanor. Up to six months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine
$500 to $1,500 – Class A Misdemeanor. Up to one year in jail and up to a $2,500 fine
$1,000 to $5,000 – Third Degree Felony. Up to 5 years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine
More than $5,000 – Second Degree Felony. Up to 15 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine

Because the prosecution bears the burden of proving the defendant’s intent and the value of the property in question, defense attorneys have several options for helping clients overcome or mitigate these charges. At Northern Utah Law, defense attorney Ken Peterson devotes his full array of resources and skills to assessing the case against you, negotiating a plea agreement if appropriate, and seeking a dismissal or acquittal if feasible.

Other Property Crimes

While theft crimes are a serious matter, other property crimes, such as burglary and robbery, are grave felonies in nearly all cases. Burglary, often called breaking and entering, is the act of entering a building or vehicle with the intent to commit theft or other crimes within. Burglary involving a nonresidential building is a Third Degree Felony, while burglary of a vehicle is a Class A Misdemeanor. While burglary which involves a residential dwelling, is a Second Degree Felony.

Trust Defense Attorney Ken Peterson to Build a Diligent Criminal Defense for You

If you or a loved one has been charged with theft, burglary, robbery, or any other serious property crime in Utah, you cannot afford to proceed without zealous and experienced legal representation. Criminal defense attorney Ken Peterson of Northern Utah Law has crucial past experience as a prosecutor which gives him insight into how the state proves their case. You can rely on him to use every resource at his disposal to defend your freedom and reputation. Contact Ken online to arrange a consultation to discuss your case.