If you have been charged with a theft or other property crime such as burglary, you may not be terribly concerned. Do not make the mistake of taking such charges lightly. Theft and property crimes are considered serious offenses by the Prosecuting Attorney.
Theft and property crimes have victims, and these victims make it a point to let the prosecutor know how angry they are that their property was stolen or damaged. They will call the prosecutor and demand that the defendant accused of stealing or damaging their property be sent to jail. Because of this, the prosecutor, an elected official who needs the support of property owners, feels extra pressure to convict and send to jail those accused of theft and property crimes.
You must hire an attorney with the experience and knowledge to understand these issues and raise legal defenses. The Sokolik Law Firm in Clayton, MO, can provide you with this expertise. Often, cases are filed where the facts show nothing more than a disagreement or dispute about property rights. Many of the prosecutor's cases consist of flimsy identifications or situations when the victim is claiming a loss of property value much higher than the actual amount of loss. Prosecutors and law enforcement have even been known to use the criminal justice system as a collection agency in civil disputes.
Do not plead guilty and do not represent yourself. You need a lawyer who will fight for you aggressively. The Sokolik Law Firm has successfully resolved many theft and property crime cases for clients in Clayton, MO, and surrounding areas charged with such crimes as: