Theft is a crime that involves taking someone else’s property without their consent. Criminal theft is prosecuted by the state and can result in punishment such as fines, jail time or community service. The type of punishment you receive depends on the value of the property stolen and other factors such as your previous criminal record and whether or not you committed a felony.
The law defines theft as “the dishonest appropriation of property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving them of it.” You could be charged with this offense if you steal something from a store, your neighbor’s car, your spouse’s jewelry or even your own home. The law has a number of different categories for this offense, from petty theft to grand theft auto and more serious felony charges such as robbery.
In addition to monetary fines and potential prison time, a conviction for theft can also impact your ability to work. Many employers have strict policies on theft and require their employees to sign an acknowledgement of their understanding of those rules. Those who are convicted of theft in the workplace may be subject to discipline or even termination.
A felony conviction for theft can also make it difficult to obtain financial loans in the future. Most banks and other financial organizations will use a person’s criminal records to make decisions about their loan eligibility. A felony conviction for theft will appear on your credit report and can make it difficult to secure any kind of loan, regardless of the actual amount.