Bentonville Theft Attorneys

Get in Touch With our Benton County Firm - (479) 235-4600

Norwood & Norwood is one of the top Theft defense law firms in Bentonville, AR. For over a quarter of a century, we’ve defended more than 1,000 Theft cases. If you are charged with Theft, we can help you.

The Benton County lawyers in our firm include former deputy prosecutors, people who have worked on the other side, and understand the strategies and tactics the prosecutor will use to try and convict you. Even though you are only paying one legal fee if you hire our firm, you are receiving the benefit of having a team of lawyers with nearly 100 years of combined legal experience.

Doug Norwood is our team leader and has input on all cases that need his knowledge and experience. There are many cases where several of our Bentonville theft lawyers review a case and give input. The old saying “two heads are better than one” is very appropriate in the area of Theft. Our Benton County team puts our heads together to come up with ideas that will help our clients. The attorneys on our criminal defense legal team have a lot of experience in Theft cases and they all aggressively look for ways to win cases and fight to get great outcomes for our clients. We fight hard for our clients and would love to help you!

What Is Considered a Theft Crime?

Theft is a broad category of criminal offenses that involve unlawfully taking someone else's property with the intent to deprive them of it permanently. In Arkansas, theft crimes encompass various actions, such as shoplifting, burglary, robbery, auto theft, and more. The distinguishing factor in a theft crime is the intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property, whether it be physical goods, money, or valuable information.

The seriousness of the crime can vary based on the value of the stolen property and the circumstances under which it was taken. For instance, stealing a small item from a store (petit theft) may result in a misdemeanor charge, while taking large amounts of money or valuable goods (grand theft) could lead to felony charges. Additionally, the method of theft—whether it involves force, deceit, or breach of trust—can influence the severity of the charges and potential penalties.

What Are the Penalties for Theft in Arkansas?

The penalties for theft in Arkansas depend on the classification of the crime, which is primarily determined by the value of the stolen property and the circumstances surrounding the offense. Arkansas law distinguishes between misdemeanor and felony theft, with each carrying different levels of punishment.

Misdemeanor Theft: If the value of the stolen property is less than $1,000, the theft is generally classified as a Class A misdemeanor. A conviction for a misdemeanor theft can result in up to one year in county jail and fines of up to $2,500. Even though it is a lesser charge than a felony, a misdemeanor theft conviction can still have long-lasting consequences on one's criminal record.

Felony Theft: When the value of the stolen property exceeds $1,000, or if the theft involves certain aggravating factors such as the theft of a firearm, the crime is classified as a felony. Felony theft charges in Arkansas can range from a Class D felony, punishable by up to six years in prison and fines up to $10,000, to a Class B felony, which carries a potential prison sentence of 5 to 20 years and significant fines. Felony convictions can lead to a loss of civil rights, difficulties in finding employment, and other long-term repercussions.

What Should You Do if You're Accused of Theft?

If you are accused of theft in Arkansas, it is crucial to take immediate steps to protect your rights and build a strong defense. The first and most important action you should take is to contact an experienced Benton County theft crime defense attorney. Legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

When facing theft charges, it is essential to avoid making any statements to law enforcement or admitting guilt, as anything you say can be used against you in court. Your attorney will guide you through the legal process, help you understand the charges, and develop a defense strategy tailored to the specifics of your case.

Possible defenses to theft charges may include proving that you had permission to take the property, demonstrating that you did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of their property, or showing that the property in question was rightfully yours. In some cases, your attorney may negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the charges or seek alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs or probation, to minimize the impact on your life.

Facing theft charges is a serious matter, and the consequences of a conviction can be severe. With the right legal support, you can fight the charges and work towards the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact our Bentonville theft attorneys today at (479) 235-4600 to discuss your case in a free consultation!