From a very young age, almost all people have a concept of what it means to steal something. As children, most of us are chastised at some point for wrongfully taking something that is not ours. Because of this, the term "theft" rarely needs much explaining when it is used in everyday conversation or in terms of a criminal charge against an individual. Still, the details of a theft charge can become a little more confusing when the illegal act's various possible classifications come into question.
Many states draw a distinction between petty theft and grand theft. Petty theft deals with smaller amount of money or less valuable goods and is generally considered a misdemeanor. Grand theft involves more valuable goods or larger amounts of money and can result in either felony or misdemeanor charges, depending on the state and case.
Shoplifting is one of the most common theft-related crimes that courts see in the United States and is defined by the illegal taking of goods from a retail store or establishment. There are generally no specialized charges for shoplifting, and the crime will be charged as "theft." Sentencing will depend on the value of goods stolen. Common shoplifting techniques include distraction, barcode switching, and "grab and run," though shoplifters employ a wide variety of ploys in hopes of remaining uncaught.
Fraud is defined as deception for personal gain. When the gain is in the form of property or monetary assets, fraud is theft. Identity theft, forgery and, bait and switch schemes are all types of fraud. Embezzlement is a specific type of fraud which involves an individual or group dishonestly taking assets (often financial) with which they have been trusted.
Robbery requires little explanation. As opposed to the discreet nature of fraud, robbery is the act of committing theft through violence or intimidation, as in muggings, aggravated robbery, or armed robbery of a business. In addition to the fact that goods or assets have been stolen, robbery cases have the additional characteristic that they often involve threats or assault, and potential sentencing will generally be more serious as a result.
Burglary refers to the illegal entering of a property by an individual with the intent to commit a crime - most often theft. Like robbery, burglary is a compound crime involving both theft and trespassing. Some states punish nighttime burglaries more harshly than burglary that takes place during the day.
For more information about the various theft charges a person may face, visit the website of Houston criminal defense attorneys Johnson, Johnson & Baer, P.C.
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