Des Moines Theft Lawyers
Theft convictions could lead to large fines, jail time, restitution payments, and employment problems. Des moines theft lawyers can explain more possible consequences.
Employers don't trust people convicted of stealing things -- especially not when people have felony theft convictions. You may find that employers, friends, and family won’t trust you around money or things of value anymore. Banks might not trust you with loans, especially if you still owe fines or restitution.
You can’t afford to be seen as a thief — not if there’s any way to clear your name. Maybe the property was yours to begin with. Maybe you have proof that you were out of state with friends during that time. Maybe your twin brother fesses up.
Whatever the facts of your case, an Iowa theft attorney can review the charges against you and help you determine what defenses may be available.
Iowa City Types of Theft
- Petty theft
- Grand theft
- Car theft or theft of a motor vehicle
- Robbery
- Armed robbery
- Embezzlement
- Fraud
- Shoplifting
- Receiving stolen property
- Writing bad checks
- Removing or tampering with the gas, electricity, or water metering or service device so it causes inaccurate readings
- Getting cable television or telephone service with an unauthorized connection
- Accessing a computer, system, or network for the purpose of obtaining computer services, information, or property
- Taking, transferring, concealing, or keeping a computer, system, network or any software or program or data contained in a computer, system, or network
- Taking video rental or equipment rental property
Degrees of Theft
The degrees of theft are defined in Iowa Code 714.2. Des Moines theft lawyers can explain to you why you're charged with one degree instead of with another. Your criminal attorney can provide insight on whether it's possible to get your theft charges reduced.
Theft in the First Degree
If you steal currency or property (or some combination thereof) valued at more than $10,000, you will be charged with first-degree theft.
First degree theft is a Class C felony. You could spend up to 10 years in prison and will be directed to pay a fine of $1,370 to $13,660.
Theft in the Second Degree
If you steal currency or property (or some combination thereof) valued at between $1500.01 and $10,000, you will be charged with second-degree theft.
Second degree theft is a Class D felony. You could spend up to 5 years in prison and will be directed to pay a fine of $1,025 to $10,245.
Theft in the Third Degree
If you steal currency or property (or some combination thereof) valued at between $750.01 and $1500, you will be charged with third-degree theft.
Third degree theft is an aggravated misdemeanor. You could spend up to two years in prison and will be directed to pay a fine of $855 to $8,540.
Theft in the Fourth Degree
If you steal currency or property (or some combination thereof) valued at between $300.01 and $750, you will be charged with fourth-degree theft.
Fourth degree theft is a serious misdemeanor. You could spend up to a year in jail and will be directed to pay a fine of $430 to $2,560.
Theft in the Fifth Degree
If you steal currency or property (or some combination thereof) of a value up to and including $300, you will be charged with fifth-degree theft.
Fifth degree theft is a simple misdemeanor. You could spend up to a month in the county jail and will be directed to pay a fine of $105 to $855.
