Manchester Theft Crime Lawyers

Defending the Accused in New Hampshire

Being accused of theft may leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what comes next. You may have questions about the process, the penalties you may face, and how you can protect yourself.

At Brennan Lenehan Iacopino & Hickey, our Manchester theft crimes defense attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and skills to effectively represent you. We understand how the prosecution works and how to build a strong defense that may be able to secure a favorable outcome.

Call us at (603) 734-5461 or submit an online contact form to schedule an initial consultation with our theft defense lawyers in Manchester.

What Is Theft in New Hampshire?

Theft is a criminal offense that involves unlawfully taking someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of that property. In New Hampshire, theft is a serious offense that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The specific theft charge you face will depend on the value of the stolen property and the circumstances of the offense.

Types of Theft Charges in New Hampshire

There are many different types of theft charges in New Hampshire, including:

• Petty Theft

  New Hampshire law refers to petty theft as theft by unauthorized taking. You may be charged with this offense if you are accused of committing theft and the value of the stolen property is $1,000 or less. Petty theft is a misdemeanor offense.

• Grand Theft

  Grand theft is a more serious offense than petty theft. You may be charged with this offense if you are accused of committing theft and the value of the stolen property is more than $1,000. Grand theft is a felony offense.

• Receiving Stolen Property

  You may be charged with receiving stolen property if you are accused of knowingly purchasing, receiving, or possessing stolen property. This crime is typically charged as a felony.

• Shoplifting

  Shoplifting is a specific type of theft that occurs when someone steals merchandise from a retail establishment. Shoplifting can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of the stolen merchandise.

These are just a few of the many different types of theft charges in New Hampshire. No matter what type of theft charge you are facing, our Manchester theft crimes attorneys can help. We can mount a strategic defense on your behalf and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Penalties for Theft in New Hampshire

The penalties for theft in New Hampshire depend on the type of theft charge and the value of the stolen property. The penalties for each type of theft are as follows:

• Petty Theft — If you are convicted of petty theft, you may be sentenced to up to one year in jail and fined up to $2,000.

• Grand Theft — If you are convicted of grand theft, you may be sentenced to up to 7 years in prison and fined up to $4,000.

• Receiving Stolen Property — If you are convicted of receiving stolen property, you may be sentenced to up to 7 years in prison and fined up to $4,000.

• Shoplifting — Shoplifting is a misdemeanor if the value of the stolen property is less than $1,000. If you are convicted of misdemeanor shoplifting, you may be sentenced to up to one year in jail and fined up to $2,000. Shoplifting is a felony if the value of the stolen property is more than $1,000. If you are convicted of felony shoplifting, you may be sentenced to up to 7 years in prison and fined up to $4,000.

In addition to these penalties, you will also have a criminal record if you are convicted of theft in New Hampshire. This will make it difficult to secure employment, find housing, and take out loans.

Defending Against Theft Charges in New Hampshire

Being charged with theft does not mean that you will be convicted. There are many different defenses that our attorneys can use to fight the charges against you, including:

• Mistaken Identity — The prosecution must prove that you are the person who committed the theft. If our attorneys can show that you were not the person who committed the theft, the charges against you may be dropped.
• Insufficient Evidence — The prosecution may not have enough evidence to prove that you are guilty of theft. If our attorneys can show that the evidence against you is weak, the charges may be dropped.
• Property Belongs to You — The prosecution must prove that the property you are accused of stealing belongs to someone else. If our attorneys can show that you are the rightful owner of the property, the charges may be dropped.
• Property Was Not Stolen — The prosecution must prove that the property you are accused of stealing was actually stolen. If our attorneys can show that the property was not stolen, the charges may be dropped.

These are just a few of the many different defenses that our Manchester theft defense attorneys can use to fight the charges against you. We will carefully review the evidence in your case and mount a strategic defense that may be able to secure a favorable outcome.

Compassionate Legal Guidance When You Need It Most

At Brennan Lenehan Iacopino & Hickey, we understand how stressful it can be to face theft charges. We also understand that you may have many questions and concerns about the process. We are here to provide you with the answers and information you need to make informed decisions about your case. When you choose us, you can expect to receive compassionate legal guidance every step of the way.

We will thoroughly investigate the charges against you, interview witnesses, and gather evidence that may help us build a strong defense. We will also keep you updated on the status of your case and what to expect next. Our attorneys will be available to answer your questions and address your concerns as they arise.

Call us at (603) 734-5461 or submit an online contact form to schedule an initial consultation with our theft defense lawyers in Manchester.