Common Defenses Against Theft Charges in Wisconsin

 Posted on June 17, 2021 in Criminal Law

If you have recently been charged with theft, you likely feel anxious and scared about your future. Whether you are dealing with a petty or felony theft charge, it can carry heavy consequences, like fines, jail time and a criminal record. It is important to consult with a Wisconsin criminal attorney about your case promptly.

How to Defend Against a Theft Charge

Just because you are facing theft charges, it does not mean you are automatically guilty, and it is possible to be acquitted or to have the charges against you dismissed. In order to have a successful outcome with your theft charge, you must have a good defense.

Here are several possible legal defenses for theft cases.

• You claim that you own the property. The most straightforward way to defend against a theft charge is to convince the jury that you had a claim to the property. If you took the property because you truly believed that it belonged to you, then you did not intend to steal, and you may be found innocent.
• You made a mistake. Sometimes, theft happens simply by mistake. For example, you might have forgotten to pay for an item at a grocery store because you were tired or distracted by something else.
• You have been mistaken for someone else. A possible defense for a theft charge is mistaken identity. The victim might have not gotten a clear look at the perpetrator and told the police you committed the crime. In this situation, it is crucial to have an alibi. If you prove that you were somewhere else at the time of the crime, you may be found not guilty.
• You are the victim of entrapment. Entrapment happens when a person in an official position of authority persuades someone else to commit a crime they would not have typically committed. If a police officer or other peace officer convinced you to steal property you would not have taken in normal circumstances, you may be able to use entrapment as your defense.
• You were coerced. If someone forced you to steal property by threatening you, coercion may be a viable defense. If you can provide proof that another person did coerce you into committing the crime, the court may determine that you are not legally responsible.

Contact a Waukesha County Property Crimes Attorney

If you have been accused of theft, the criminal attorneys at Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP may be able to help. We understand how frightening it is to face criminal charges and want to be there for you every step of the way. Schedule a consultation with a Waukesha, WI criminal defense lawyer by calling 262-232-6699.

Source:

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/943/iii/20/2/b