Rhode Island Larceny Defense Lawyer

The Law Offices of Michael J. Zarrella

An esteemed RI Defense Lawyer Defending You Against Theft Charges

There are many different types of theft crimes under Rhode Island law such as embezzlement, larceny, shoplifting, or receiving stolen goods. If you are charged with a theft crime, that charge can have serious negative repercussions on your freedom, your employment and your life in general. Whether the charge is for a misdemeanor or felony, if you get convicted of a theft crime you may likley be burdened with a criminal record, possible probation, fines, and even jail time.  If you or a family member has been charged with a theft crime, you need to call an experienced Rhode Island defense lawyer.

The Law Offices of Michael J. Zarrella has been successfully defending clients with criminal charges for two decades. He has a lengthy track record of getting good results for his clients charged with theft crimes. If your case goes to trial or a is settled by a plea bargain, Attorney Zarrella's goal is to have your case dismissed and avoid a criminal record. Attorney Zarrella has won theft crime trials in both Superior and District Court. While some other attorneys avoid the pressures of a trial, Attorney Zarrella prides himself on his many trial victories. Not all cases should go to trial, but for the ones that do go to trial, you need a trial attorney with a successful trial history. Attorney Zarrella is that lawyer.

List of Theft Crimes in Rhode Island

The Rhode Island criminal defense law Offices of Michael J. Zarrella represents defendants accused of theft crimes thoughout the state of Rhode Island. There are numerous theft crimes under Rhode Island law.The Law Offices of Michael J. Zarrella represents individuals charged with all types of theft crimes. The following is just a partial list of stealing and theft crimes in Rhode Island:

  • Larceny
  • Embezzlement
  • Shoplifting
  • Recieving stolen goods
  • Obtaining property by false pretenses or personation
  • Larceny from the person
  • Insurance fraud
  • Obtaining money under false pretenses
  • Theft of motor fuel
  • Shoplifting – Use of implements in concealment
  • Unlawful appropriation
  • Theft of Telecommunication Services

Which theft crimes in RI are felonies and which are misdemeanors?

Under Rhode Island law, many crimes such as larceny, embezzlement recieving stolen goods, and shoplifting could be classified as either a misdemenaor or a felony. The determination of whether the crime is a felony or misdemeanor will likely depend on one or two conditions being present such as if the amount of money or goods taken was over a certain amount, or whether the defendant had a prior conviction for the same offense. Those cases charged as felonies will go to Superior Court, while the misdemeanor charges will go to District Court. Often the reason used to support a felony charge can be successfully challenged. Repeatedly, the police will charge a case as a felony when the goods taken are not worth the amount the police claim to support a felony. Othertimes, the police will charge a defendant with a felony, when thedefendant's plea on the previous charge was not a conviction. Therefore, the new theft charge can not be a felony.

§ 11-41-5  Penalties for larceny

If the value of the property taken is under ($1,500) then the case is deemed a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 1 year at the ACI, a five hundred dollar ($500) fine, or both

If the value of the property is over ($1,500) or if the item stolen is a firearm then the case is deemed a felony and the maximum penalty is ten (10) years at the ACI, or a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both

If the victim is over 65 enhanced penalties may apply

  § 11-41-3  Embezzlement and fraudulent conversion.

If the value of the property taken is under ($100) then the case is deemed a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 1 year at the ACI, not more than a one thousand dollar ($1,000) fine, or both.

If the value of the property is over ($100) then the case is deemed a felony and the maximum penalty is twenty (20) years at the ACI, a fine of ($50,000) or three (3) times the value of the money or property embezzled or converted, whichever is greater, or both.

 § 11-41-2  Receiving stolen goods.

If the value of the property taken is under ($1,500) then the case is deemed a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 1 year at the ACI,a five hundred dollar ($500) fine, or both

If the value of the property is over ($1,500) or if the item stolen is a firearm then the case is deemed a felony and the maximum penalty is ten (10) years at the ACI, or a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both

If the victim is under 18 or over 65 enhanced penalties may apply.

 § 11-41-20  Shoplifting

If it is a person's first shoplifting charge and the person has not been prevously convicted for shoplifting or of the value of the good is under $100 then the charge is deemed misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of one (1) year at the ACI, a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) or two times the full retail value of the merchandise, whichever is greater, or both

If the person has a previous conviction for shoplifting and the value of the goods shoplifted is over one hundred dollars ($100) the case is deemed a felony with a maximum penalty of 5 years at the ACI, a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both.

Clearly under Rhode Island law, the penalties imposed for a conviction of a theft crime are severe. Make sure that you hire an experienced theft crime defense attorney, such as Michael Zarrella. who will be able to persuade the State to dismiss the charges or reduce the charges from a felonies to a misdemeanors. Call Attorney Zarrella today to discuss your theft crime case!