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Louisiana Theft & Shoplifting Attorney

Theft Attorney in Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, & Ruston, LA

Theft in Louisiana encompasses a variety of larceny crimes. At the root of these crimes is the taking of anything which has value, without the consent of the person to whom it belongs. Theft also refers to crimes in which one obtains property through fraudulent conduct, representation, or practices. A Louisiana theft crime can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the value of the property in question and whether or not the accused has a prior criminal record. Sophisticated theft crimes may constitute federal offenses, in which a defendant must face the federal government.

Just having a theft charge on your record could disqualify you from a range of opportunities, especially in employment. Students with a criminal record could also face obstacles in obtaining scholarships, student loans, or even admission into the school of their choice. Criminal defense attorney Eric G. Johnson of The John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm defends those accused of theft throughout Louisiana. Whether you face your first criminal charges or are a minor charged with shoplifting, Eric can help you secure your future.

What are Common Louisiana Theft Crimes?

From taking a candy bar at the dollar store to paying rent with bad checks, many actions may constitute theft in Louisiana. Among the most common theft crimes in Louisiana are:

Shoplifting
Burglary
Robbery
Check fraud
Embezzlement
Identity theft
Forgery
Possession of stolen goods

Shoplifting is one of the most common juvenile crimes committed by those under 18. If you or a loved one has been accused of shoplifting and is a minor in Louisiana, his or her future may be severely hindered by the charges. Eric Johnson works closely with individuals of all ages who are facing criminal charges. He has decades of experience negotiating with prosecutors and may be able to reduce or eliminate the charges against you or your loved one.

Understanding Louisiana’s Theft Classification System

Louisiana law categorizes theft offenses based on the value of stolen property, creating distinct legal consequences for different monetary thresholds. Theft of goods valued under $1,000 typically constitutes a misdemeanor, while amounts exceeding this threshold elevate charges to felony status with significantly harsher penalties.

The classification system also considers the circumstances surrounding the theft. Simple theft involving property worth less than $25 may result in minimal fines, while theft of items valued between $25 and $999 can lead to up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000. When stolen property exceeds $1,000 in value, defendants face potential prison sentences ranging from two to ten years.

Repeat offenses dramatically increase penalties regardless of the property value involved. Louisiana’s habitual offender laws can transform what might otherwise be a minor theft charge into a serious felony carrying decades of imprisonment. This escalation underscores the importance of securing experienced legal representation even for seemingly minor theft allegations.

Building Strong Defenses Against Theft Charges

Effective theft defense strategies often focus on challenging the prosecution’s ability to prove intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property. Many theft cases involve situations where defendants believed they had permission to take items or intended to return them, creating reasonable doubt about criminal intent.

Challenging the valuation of allegedly stolen property represents another critical defense approach. Prosecutors must establish the fair market value of items at the time of the alleged theft, not replacement costs or original purchase prices. Our criminal defense team frequently challenges inflated valuations that could elevate misdemeanor charges to felony status.

Mistaken identity and lack of evidence also provide strong defense foundations in many theft cases. Security camera footage, witness testimony, and physical evidence must clearly link defendants to the alleged crimes. When these connections remain weak or circumstantial, experienced defense attorneys can create reasonable doubt about guilt.

The Hidden Consequences of Theft Convictions

Beyond immediate criminal penalties, theft convictions create lasting consequences that extend far beyond jail time and fines. Employment opportunities become severely limited, as most employers conduct background checks that reveal theft convictions, regardless of the amounts involved.

Professional licensing boards often deny or revoke licenses for individuals with theft convictions, affecting careers in healthcare, finance, education, and other regulated industries. Even volunteer opportunities with vulnerable populations may become unavailable due to background check requirements.

Educational consequences can be equally devastating, particularly for young people facing their first criminal charges. Students convicted of theft crimes may lose eligibility for federal financial aid, scholarships, and admission to competitive academic programs. These long-term impacts often exceed the immediate criminal penalties in their life-altering effects.

Federal Theft Charges and Interstate Commerce

Certain theft crimes trigger federal jurisdiction when they involve interstate commerce, government property, or sophisticated schemes crossing state lines. Federal theft charges carry significantly harsher penalties than state-level offenses, with mandatory minimum sentences in many cases.

Mail theft, wire fraud, and identity theft schemes often fall under federal jurisdiction, particularly when they involve multiple states or federal agencies. Federal criminal defense requires specialized knowledge of federal court procedures, sentencing guidelines, and plea negotiation strategies that differ substantially from state court practice.

The decision whether to prosecute theft cases in state or federal court often depends on the complexity of the alleged scheme, the dollar amounts involved, and the number of victims affected. Understanding these jurisdictional factors becomes crucial when developing defense strategies and negotiating with prosecutors at both levels.

What are the Penalties for Theft in Louisiana?

Theft can be a misdemeanor or felony crime, and thus sentences vary widely depending on the specifics of your case. Penalties are largely influenced by the value of the stolen property and any prior criminal record you may have. Grand theft in Louisiana occurs when the property taken is worth over $500. This offense is also known as larceny theft.

You could face several years in jail and fines in the thousands of dollars, or both, for larceny theft. Time in jail may or may not include hard labor. Other factors surrounding your case may increase sentencing, such as whether you committed a robbery, broke into a building, or attempted to conceal information with the intent to commit theft.

Contact our Louisiana Theft Defense Lawyers today for a Free Consultation

Attorney Eric G. Johnson has helped Louisiana residents with criminal cases for over 27 years and can help you too. Speak with Eric as soon as possible to discuss your case and understand the full extent of the charges against you. Call The John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm at 318-377-1555 or schedule a free consultation online.