Theft Offenses
Attorney Ryan P. Sullivan has a vast amount of experience in all manner of theft offenses. As a prosecutor, he has handled nearly every type of theft offense from investigation all the way through trial. As a Lowell theft offense defense attorney, Mr. Sullivan vigorously defends his clients at bail hearings, pretrial hearings, and at trial. Attorney Sullivan has obtained agreements for dismissals of theft offenses, been successful in negotiating reduction of offenses from felony to misdemeanor charges, avoided conviction, and filed motions to dismiss charges where the evidence presented by the government was insufficient. Due to the significant potential penalties, social stigma, and collateral consequences to employment or personal life, Attorney Ryan P. Sullivan devotes the necessary attention and passion into the defense of theft offenses for his clients.
Types of Theft Offenses
There are several crimes that are characterized as theft offenses in Massachusetts. Among them are serious felony offenses such as armed robbery, unarmed robbery, armed carjacking, larceny of a firearm, armed assault with intent to rob, uttering, common and notorious thief, larceny in a building, larceny from a person, larceny by false pretenses, and larceny over $250. There are also several similar offenses that do not necessarily involve stealing anything, but are treated as theft offenses. These include breaking and entering a building, receiving stolen property over $250, armed burglary, breaking and entering into a motor vehicle, credit card fraud, and possession of burglarious tools. Whether charged with bank robbery or shoplifting, it is important to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss your case and all the defenses you possess to avoid the significant consequences that a theft offense can carry.
Impact of Theft Offenses on Clients
Theft offenses are some of the quickest to be charged, but can be among the most difficult for the government to prove. Often the person who actually steals something does so without the true owner knowing – let alone being present as a witness. Therefore, the police are left with cases that depend on what is called circumstantial evidence. In other words, there is no witness to testify: “I saw him do it.” Instead, the government tries to prove their theft offense case by arguing it is likely that the suspect was the person responsible.
This method of law enforcement leads to two likely results. One, an innocent person could be charged with an offense because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or two, a person charged with an offense is able to more easily challenge the evidence against them leading to a favorable result. In either scenario, it is incredibly important for anyone charged with a theft offense to contact an experienced theft offense lawyer to review the facts and assist in planning a vigorous defense.
Free Consultation for Theft Offenses
If you or a loved one is charged with a theft offense, contact Lowell theft offense Attorney Ryan P. Sullivan today for a free consultation to discuss your options and begin the vigorous defense of your cases. During your consultation, Attorney Sullivan will discuss with you the allegations the government has made against you, any potential legal arguments that can be made with the information known, and begin to form a preliminary strategy into handling your case. Call Erkan & Sullivan, PC at (978) 474-0054 or send an e-mail to schedule a free consultation today.