A theft conviction in South Carolina can bring jail time, fines, and a criminal record that follows you long after the case ends. South Carolina law treats theft offenses differently based on the alleged conduct and the value of the property. At Beasley Tomlinson Law, our criminal defense attorneys in Greenville, SC, defend people accused of unlawfully taking or keeping someone else’s property and work to protect their rights from the first stage of the case through its resolution.
The Crime of Theft Under South Carolina Law
South Carolina’s basic larceny (theft) statute, S.C. Code § 16-13-30, divides simple larceny into petit and grand larceny based on the property’s value.
- $2,000 or less – Petit larceny, a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $1,000 or jail time of up to 30 days.
- More than $2,000 but less than $10,000 – Grand larceny, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
- $10,000 or more – Grand larceny, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
The statute allows the court to impose a fine in grand larceny cases. The charge may also be different when the accusation involves shoplifting, receiving stolen property, breach of trust, financial transaction cards, or other conduct covered by separate statutes.
Common Theft-Related Charges in Greenville, SC
Theft allegations in Greenville may involve breaking into a vehicle to steal property, receiving stolen property, shoplifting, offenses involving financial transaction cards, or breach of trust. Petit larceny is generally tried in a magistrate or municipal court. In contrast, felony theft charges, such as grand larceny, are generally handled in the Greenville County Court of General Sessions, part of the 13th Judicial Circuit.
The State Must Prove You Committed Theft to Secure a Conviction
An accusation is not proof of guilt. The state must prove the required elements of the particular offense beyond a reasonable doubt. For a basic larceny charge, the prosecution generally must establish that you took and carried away property belonging to someone else without consent and intended to deprive the owner of it permanently. That means the prosecution may need to show who possessed or owned the property, who took it, whether the taking was without consent, and what you intended at the time.
Common Defenses to Theft Charges
The facts may support several possible defenses. For example, you may have had permission to take or possess the property, believed in good faith that it belonged to you, or lacked the intent required for larceny. The evidence itself may also be disputed. Our attorneys can examine surveillance footage, receipts, messages, witness accounts, identification evidence, and police reports to determine whether the evidence supports the state’s version of events.
How Our Theft Attorneys Can Defend Your Case
Our theft lawyers can investigate how the accusation developed, review the evidence, and look for problems with the prosecution’s case. That may include:
- Checking how the property was valued
- Reviewing surveillance and other video
- Examining identification evidence
- Investigating witness statements
- Challenging unlawfully obtained evidence
- Negotiating for a reduced charge or other resolution when appropriate
- Preparing for trial when the case can’t be resolved favorably beforehand
Speak With Our Greenville, SC, Theft Lawyers
A theft charge in Greenville may affect far more than the property involved. The property’s value, the evidence supporting the accusation, the specific offense charged, and the potential penalties all deserve careful review. Call Beasley Tomlinson at 864-775-5787 or fill out our online submission form to set up your confidential case evaluation today.
