Middlesex Theft Crimes Lawyer

Veteran Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney Aggressively Defending Clients Charged with Larceny Offense

Property crimes, including retail theft and larceny, are some of the most common criminal offenses in Middlesex County. In fact, Middlesex County prosecutors charge more than 5,800 people with property crimes each year. While some of these offenses are minor, most defendants face the very real possibility of a jail sentence if convicted. At the Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy, our dedicated Middlesex theft crimes lawyer has decades of experience defending good people charged with felony and misdemeanor property crimes. With our help, you can ensure that your case is in good hands at every step of the process.

Common Theft Crimes in Middlesex County

Massachusetts’s various theft laws make it illegal for anyone to remove another’s property with the intention of permanently depriving the lawful owner of the property. Many Massachusetts theft crimes fall under Mass. General Laws Chapter 266 Section 30, which is the state’s larceny statute. However, there are several different theft laws on the books, including the following:

Larceny

In Massachusetts, most theft crimes are generally referred to as larceny. The larceny statute prohibits the taking of another’s property without permission, whether the property is tangible or intangible. For example, the most common example of theft involves the unlawful taking of another’s physical property, such as cash, cell phones or other electronics. Larceny carries a sentence of up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,500. However, if the property’s value exceeds $1,200, or the stolen property was a firearm, the maximum period of incarceration increases to five years.

Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card to Obtain Goods or Services

Mass. General Laws, Chapter 266 Section 37C makes it a crime to fraudulently use a credit card to purchase goods or services. This offense covers any situation in which the user of a credit card did not have permission to make the purchase, including situations where someone used a credit card that they knew or should have known was stolen. A conviction for credit card fraud is punishable by up to five years in state prison and a fine of $5,000.

Shoplifting

Shoplifting, also commonly referred to as retail theft, refers to the theft of goods that are available for sale. However, you don’t need to remove goods from a store to commit retail theft; it’s enough that you hid items while inside the store or intentionally changed the price of goods. If the value of goods was less than $250, a shoplifting conviction results in a fine of $250 for a first-time offense. However, for those with two prior shoplifting convictions, the punishment increases to a fine of $500 and a period of incarceration not to exceed two years. Retail theft in amounts greater than $250 is punishable by up to 2.5 years in a house of correction and a fine of $1,000.

These are some of the most commonly charged theft offenses in Middlesex County; however, there are many other, more serious, property crimes, including robbery and burglary. Regardless of the crime you’ve been charged with, an experienced Middlesex theft crimes attorney can help you develop a compelling defense.

Are You Facing Theft Charges in Middlesex County?

If you were recently arrested and charged with shoplifting, identity theft, or any other theft crime, the Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy is here to help. Over the past 27 years, Attorney Murphy has represented countless clients, aggressively advocating on their behalf to ensure that their interests are protected. The Law Offices of Patrick J. Murphy regularly represents clients in Middlesex County, including those arrested in Somerville, Everett, Woburn, Malden, Marlborough, and Melrose. To learn more about how we can help you defend against the allegations you face, give us a call at 617-367-0450 to schedule a free consultation. You can also reach us through our secure online contact form.