Ruston, LA Theft Crime Defense Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been accused of theft in Ruston, you are likely feeling intimidated, overwhelmed, and unsure about where to place your trust when it comes to your legal defense. Whether you’ve been accused of shoplifting at a business downtown along North Trenton Street or perhaps a more serious white-collar crime on campus at Louisiana Tech, it is essential that you speak with a Ruston, LA, theft crime defense lawyer who can protect you. 

Trust the Defense Team at John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC

For over 32 years, the legal team at John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC, has been acting as a valuable asset for persons accused of a crime throughout Northern Louisiana. Our team is proud to offer end-to-end criminal defense, starting the moment you find yourself arrested or under investigation, and not ending until your case has reached a conclusion — even if that includes seeking an official appeal. 

Depending on where the alleged theft took place, your case will likely be heard at the Ruston City Court on North Trenton Street, or the Third Judicial District Court for Lincoln Parish, located in the Lincoln Parish Courthouse on West Texas Avenue in Ruston.

No matter where your case is held, however, the attorneys at John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC, are here to fight for you. The stakes are high in theft cases, and we are here to protect your rights and future. 

Theft Charges We Handle in Ruston, LA

The state of Louisiana sees a theft crime rate of around 16.49 per every 1,000 members of the population. Theft charges are often classified based on the value of the property involved in the act of alleged theft. There are three main categories that a theft charge can fall into: simple or petty theft, misdemeanor theft, and felony theft. With each charge, a higher value of property is involved, and with a higher value comes more serious penalties. 

In Ruston, it can be helpful to understand the different types of theft charges you could be arrested for. Understanding your unique charge will offer you a better perspective when it comes to securing a proper defense. The most common theft charges our attorneys handle in Ruston and Lincoln Parish include the following:

• Shoplifting. This charge can arise if an individual is allegedly caught stealing or attempting to steal merchandise from a retail establishment. The penalties you might face if convicted will vary depending on the value of the property involved in the theft. You could also face civil liability charges, adding to the penalties involved in a conviction. 
• Employee theft. This can include the act of embezzlement or theft by an employee from the company or employer they work for. This often takes place in the business, government, or education sectors. 
• Robbery. This charge can arise if an individual is found guilty of using force or the threat of force during an act of theft or attempted theft. This is considered a serious felony offense in Lincoln Parish and can carry severe penalties, including jail time and the loss of certain civil rights. 
• Armed robbery. This charge arises if a theft takes place and involves a weapon. This is one of the most serious felony theft charges an individual in Louisiana can face, and it is crucial that you hire an attorney who can defend you. 
• Burglary. This charge can arise when an individual allegedly enters a building, structure, or other property that does not belong to them in an illegal manner, with the intent to commit a crime inside that property. Often, the intent in a burglary is to commit a theft crime. 
• Writing bad checks. Also known as check fraud, this crime occurs when an individual writes a check knowing that they do not have the necessary funds to cover said check. Depending on the amount involved, this could be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Check fraud accounts for around 35% of all banking fraud that occurs every year in the United States.
• Carjacking. Typically charged as a felony offense, carjacking involves the taking of a vehicle from another individual through the use of force or intimidation. In 2022, 62% of all carjacking incidents involved the use of a firearm. 

There are certain factors that can elevate a theft charge into charges for a white-collar crime. White-collar crimes are typically defined by their non-violent nature, but still involve a large amount of money or property. The most common white-collar crimes in Ruston include:

• Forgery. This charge includes the creation or alteration of a document with the specific intent to deceive another individual or institution in order to achieve personal financial gain. 
• Securities fraud. This charge can arise when an individual uses some kind of deception when it comes to buying or selling securities. 
• Money laundering. This theft-related offense involves the hiding or disguising of money that has been sourced in an illegal manner. This often happens by passing the money through a series of complicated banking transactions. 
• Identity theft. This crime can occur when an individual uses the personal information of another party without their consent for their own personal financial gain. 

If you or someone you love has been arrested and charged with a theft crime in Ruston, you do not have to face the legal system alone. Instead, turn to the attorneys at John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC. We aren’t afraid of getting our hands dirty to defend your case.

Fighting for You When You Need It the Most

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Hire a Theft Crime Defense Lawyer Serving Ruston Today

Facing a theft crime charge can be scary, but you do not have to accept the worst-case scenario. Instead, you can hire a theft crime defense lawyer who understands the local Ruston court system and who can use this knowledge to pursue the most favorable outcome available in your case. When you hire a lawyer from John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC, you can rest easy knowing you have the right team in your corner.Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and learn more about how we are here to serve you.