Theft is a criminal act under the Indian Penal Code, which is punishable by imprisonment. A person can be charged with theft for taking something that doesn’t belong to them and putting it into their possession, or attempting to steal someone else’s property. Theft is a crime of dishonesty and the law requires that a defendant have a mens rea of dishonesty in order to be guilty of it.
There are many reasons why someone may try to commit a theft. Perhaps they want a particular item, but cannot afford to buy it or they get a thrill out of stealing. If the accused is charged with theft, it can be very damaging to their reputation and they will likely have a hard time finding work.
Generally, the higher the value of the goods stolen, the more serious the crime and the penalties that are applied. Grand theft is usually considered a felony, while petty theft is normally a misdemeanour.
The defence of mistake of the law is available if a defendant honestly believes that their actions were not unlawful at the relevant time. However, this defence is not available if the defendant had knowledge of what the law permitted and deliberately chose to ignore it.
If you have been charged with Theft, it’s important to consult a New York Criminal Defense Lawyer as soon as possible to begin preparing your case. They will look to see if there is any evidence that is being used against you that is not accurate or true. They will also determine if there is anything going on in your life at that point that could explain the behaviour, and make it difficult for the prosecution to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt.