If you've been accused or charged with theft, then you may be angry, scared or, in the least, upset. Theft is a serious charge and some kinds of theft come with jail time and penalties. It's important to know exactly what your charges mean and how you can possibly fight or resolve a theft charge.

Types of theft

Theft charges come in a variety of types, and not all of them involve stealing money or property. Some types of criminal theft include:

• Theft of services: This is when someone does a service for someone else and is not paid. Theft of services include skipping out on a restaurant bill or failing to pay someone who did yard work or an automobile repair.

• Property theft: This charge is pretty straightforward and includes not only direct theft of someone's property (such as stealing out of someone's pocket or purse) as well as shoplifting.

• Theft by deception: This crime is when someone uses a trick to steal something. An example of is when someone has an item in hand, and then says that they need to take it away for a moment and be right back, but never intending to return.

• Accepting stolen property: If anyone knowing accepts something that is stolen, then they can be charged with theft themselves even if they didn't actually steal it.

• Identity theft: Any type of theft where someone pretends to be another person or be related to or know someone important to get goods and services is identity theft. It doesn't always occur online or involve fake documents.

There are two types of theft classification based on the value of the items or services that are stolen. Petty theft involves smaller amounts and these amounts vary depending on state and local laws as well as the type of items that is stolen. Grand theft involves a larger value, and the penalties are much more severe for this type of theft than for petty theft.

Defenses to theft charges:

There are several types of defenses to theft charges including some of the following:

• You didn't steal anything

• You never intended to steal (or you intended to pay, but there was a dispute or confusion about the amount)

• You were not in your right mind (such as being intoxicated or having a mental condition) and thought the items were yours

• You made a mistake and didn't realize you hadn't paid for an item

• You own the item or money in question

Though it's up to the accuser to prove that you committed theft, it's always best to talk to an attorney to make sure that all your rights are protected. For more information, contact Larson, Latham, Huettl Attorneys or a similar firm.