Theft Crimes Defense Attorneys in Omaha, Nebraska

In Nebraska, a person may be arrested and charged with theft for taking another person's property without the owner's permission. If convicted, the defendant could be subject to severe penalties, including lengthy imprisonment, massive fines, a criminal record, and other life-altering consequences. With your freedom, future, and career at risk, it is normal to feel terrified and overwhelmed. 

If you're facing theft charges or under investigation for stealing or committing a theft crime, retaining a highly-skilled criminal defense attorney is crucial to help build your defense. At Abrahamson Law Office, we are dedicated to offering aggressive representation and reliable advocacy to clients in theft cases. As your legal counsel, we will investigate every detail of your case, fight for your rights, and refute the accusations against you with factual evidence. 

Abrahamson Law Office proudly represents alleged defendants across Omaha, Nebraska, and surrounding areas of Douglas County, Saunders County, and Otoe County. 

Theft Charges  

Under Nebraska law, it is an offense to take another person's property unlawfully, without the rightful owner's permission, and with intent to permanently deprive them of their belonging. 

Types of Theft Offenses in Nebraska 

Depending on the surrounding circumstances of the offense, theft crime in Nebraska may be categorized as: 

• Theft by Unlawful Taking – This involves taking another person's property without their consent and with the intent to deprive them of the item or property. 

• Theft of Services – This involves obtaining services – such as labor, hotel accommodation, restaurants, and other professional services – without paying for the service received. 

• Theft by Deception – This involves obtaining another person's property through trickery or deceit. 

• Theft by Extortion – This involves obtaining someone else's property, money, or other valuable items using the threat of bodily harm, legal harm, or criminal allegation. 

• Theft by Receiving Stolen Property – This involves receiving, disposing, or retaining a stolen property while knowing that the item was stolen from another person. 

If you or someone you know has been recently arrested and charged with theft, you need to reach out to a strategic criminal defense attorney immediately. Your lawyer can assess every aspect of your case and enlighten you about the nature of your charges. 

Classification of Theft Offenses 

Furthermore, depending on the dollar value of the property or item involved, a theft crime can be classified into: 

Class II Misdemeanor Theft: A theft crime is considered a Class II misdemeanor if the stolen property or service is valued at $500 or less. 

Class I Misdemeanor Theft: A theft crime is considered a Class I misdemeanor if the stolen property or service is valued between $500 and $1,500. Also, a second conviction for Class II misdemeanor theft will be charged as Class I misdemeanor theft. 

Class IV Felony Theft: A theft crime is considered a Class IV felony if the stolen property or service is valued between $1,500 and $5,000. Also, a third conviction for Class II misdemeanor theft or a second conviction for Class I misdemeanor theft will be charged as Class IV felony theft. 

Class IIA Felony Theft: A theft offense will be charged as Class IIA felony theft if the defendant stole a property or service worth $5,000 or more. 

Shoplifting Charges  

Under Nebraska law, a person may be facing shoplifting charges if he or she steals an item or merchandise from a retail store without paying for the item. Also, theft by shoplifting occurs when an alleged defendant does any of the following: 

• Takes or hides the merchandise in their pocket, coat, or backpack. 

• Switches or alters the price tag on the item. 

• Causes the cash register to display the wrong price. 

• Transfers the merchandise from one container to another 

• Disables the security device attached to the item. 

Whether you are facing shoplifting, larceny, or theft charges in Nebraska, hiring a highly-skilled attorney is imperative for proper guidance and to protect you from the worst possible punishments. 

Possible Penalties for Theft Charges 

In the state of Nebraska, theft crimes often attract devastating punishments. A convicted defendant could be subject to any of these penalties or consequences: 

• Hefty fines and court fees 

• Lengthy incarceration in jail or prison (ranging from months or years) 

• Restitution to the property owner or commercial establishment. 

• A criminal record/history 

• Community service 

• Probation 

• Mandatory anti-theft class 

• Ineligibility to obtain certain financial loans. 

• Loss of the right to vote during elections 

• Loss of the right to own or carry a gun or firearm 

• Increased difficulty in traveling overseas. 

• Increased difficulty in getting government assistance. 

• Increased difficulty in getting accommodation, new jobs, and educational opportunities. 

• Damage to professional and personal relationships. 

Common Theft Defenses   

A practiced Nebraska theft defense attorney can strategize a solid defense to fight your theft charges and help you avoid the far-reaching penalties of a criminal conviction. The following covers some of the most common defense strategies against theft.  

• Falsely accused of theft. 

• Intoxication 

• Acted with the rightful owner's permission or consent. 

• Entrapment 

• Truth or ambiguity of the statement 

• You took the item under a good faith belief that you had the right to take it. 

• You had no intention to steal the property. 

• Borrowed the property and intends to return it to the rightful owner. 

• Reasonable belief in the truth of threat (for extortion) 

A dependable lawyer can determine the best legal defense to fight your charges and help keep your record as clean as possible. 

How Abrahamson Law Office Can Help 

Defending your theft accusations without reliable representation might increase your risk of getting convicted. A criminal conviction could possibly jeopardize your personal reputation, career, liberty, and quality of life.  

At Abrahamson Law Office, we have the expertise and resources to defend and represent individuals who have been wrongfully accused of theft. As your legal counsel, we can investigate all the facts of your case and craft a strong defense to fight your charges. Also, we can help you navigate the Nebraska criminal justice system.  

Above all, we will represent you with diligence at every phase of the legal process in pursuit of your most favorable outcome.