Experienced Criminal Defense for Theft Charges
A conviction for theft should be avoided if at all possible. Employers, universities and any party doing a background check will view even a misdemeanor offense as a red flag and a character flaw. For high-dollar or repeat offenses, there could be a jail sentence.
If you were arrested on theft charges, I will vigorously fight flimsy allegations or work to negotiate an outcome that doesn't ruin your future. I am Francis Farren, a criminal defense lawyer since 2006 and a long-time prosecutor before that.
Arrange a free consultation to discuss your rights, your options and strategies if you stand accused of stealing. Based in Newark, Delaware, I represent clients statewide, including juveniles and college students.
Delaware Felony Theft Defense
I have prosecuted and defended all levels of theft charges:
- Shoplifting
- Organized retail theft (shoplifting rings)
- Employee theft
- Theft of a motor vehicle
- Bad checks or credit card fraud
- Theft of lost or mislaid property — Keeping something of significant value that you found or was mistakenly delivered to you, without attempting to return it to the rightful owner
- Theft by false pretense — Obtaining money, goods or services by giving misleading or phony information about a transaction, or by posing as someone else
- Theft by false promise — Promising to pay later with no intention to do so, or falsely implying that a third party will fulfill the terms of an agreement
- Theft of services — Using deception, threat, false representation or tampering to avoid paying for services, such as a restaurant "dine and dash" or pirating cable TV
- White collar crimes — Embezzlement, fraud, forgery, identity theft
- Theft by burglary or robbery
Fighting the Charges or Minimizing the Consequences
In my law practice and as a former deputy attorney general for the Delaware Department of Justice, I have handled both misdemeanor charges and felony theft (where value of stolen property is $1,500 or more). I can gauge the strength of the prosecution's case and whether there is reasonable doubt that they can tie you to a crime, that an actual crime occurred or that you had any criminal intent.
I can help you decide whether to go to trial or negotiate for lesser penalties. For instance, if you admit to the crime, paying restitution as soon as possible may result in a more favorable plea agreement. You may also be eligible for probation before judgment to keep the conviction off your record.
- If the theft is valued at less than $1,500.00, it is a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in prison and a fine of up to $2,300.00. If it is valued at greater than $1,500.00, it is a class G felony, punishable by up to 2 years in prison.
- If the value of the property taken was between $50,000.00 - $100,000.00, it is a class E felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
- If the value of the property taken was over $100,000.00, it is a class C felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
- If the victim of the theft is 62 years of age or older, it is a class G felony, punishable by up to 2 years in prison.
Explore your situation with an experienced Delaware theft defense attorney. Call me at 866-603-4647 to schedule a free, in-office consultation.
