Theft Crimes
Theft Crimes
Charged with a theft crime in Santa Fe or elsewhere in New Mexico? It is important to hire a criminal defense attorney with experience in theft crimes, and the sooner the better.
There are a variety of different theft crimes which, in New Mexico, carry serious legal penalties. For examples:
- Identity theft – Using one’s personal information (i.e. Social Security card, driver’s license, or identification card) without consent or permission, to commit fraud and larceny.
- Petty theft – A crime in which an individual knowingly steals another person’s property. To be considered petty theft, the stolen property must amount to no more than $500.
- Grand theft – This is a crime where a person steals the goods of another person, which equally $500 or more in monetary value. Grand theft may be referred to as grand larceny.
- Residential Burglary – A crime in which an individual breaks into a home or apartment with the intent of committing a felony
- Commercial Burglary – breaking into business property
- Auto Burglary – breaking into a motor vehicle with intent to steal something
More serious theft related crimes include misuse of public funds, counterfeiting, first degree burglary, second degree burglary, embezzlement, bribery, receiving stolen property, and theft of artwork. Although most theft crimes have standard penalties, the jail term and/or fine may be drastically increased depending upon the situation. Some factors that may result in even harsher punishments include: committing a theft crime with a firearm or weapon, and whether or not anyone was seriously injured or killed as a result of the theft crime, and if the victim was a senior citizen.
