Property crimes span across a wide range including anything related to theft, larceny, or destruction of someone else’s property. The penalties for theft crime vary state by state depending on the value of the property itself and the circumstance surrounding your case. Today, we go over the different types of property crimes in Oklahoma and what you need to know if you are accused of such a crime.
If you are arrested for a property crime, it is crucial to consult with an experienced attorney immediately to ensure your rights are protected. Our team of experienced lawyers at Nichols Dixon PLLC can provide you with attentive, dedicated legal advocacy if faced with a property crime charge.
Oklahoma Property Crimes
Embezzlement
Embezzlement happens when someone steals or misappropriates money or property from another individual, such as an employer or business partner. A good example would be an employee who takes money from their employer for personal benefits.
Burglary
Burglary occurs when someone breaks into and enters a home or building. First degree burglary happens when an individual breaks into a residence with the intention to commit a felony. This is considered a serious felony and is punishable with a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
Second degree burglary is also a felony and consists of breaking into a building other than a house, such as a business, vehicle, or shed, with the intent to steal something or commit a felony.
Larceny
Larceny is theft or stealing from someone without their consent to deprive the owner. Grand larceny, or theft of property that exceeds $500 is a serious felony and is punishable by a prison sentence of up to 5 years.
Robbery
Robbery is the threat of force or use of force and/or fear to take property from another individual. First degree robbery involves taking property by force or fear by causing bodily harm or threatening to cause serious harm to someone.
Shoplifting
Shoplifting is a form of stealing and consists of taking goods without the permission of a merchant. A first offenses is considered a misdemeanor and those who commit an act may face jail time.
Forgery
It is illegal to make, alter, or destroy items such as money, checks, and/or expensive works of art. It is also illegal to commit fraud on a check or other official document.
Counterfeiting
Counterfeiting might involve certain documents or an individual’s personal property, but the term is most often used in association with creating fake currency, coins, or checks.
Identity theft
It is unlawful to obtain the name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, bank account numbers, and/or any other personal information from another individual and use that information to obtain money, credit cards, goods, property, or any other item without that individual’s knowledge and consent. You also cannot lend or sell this information to another individual.
You cannot also obtain the personal identity of another individual or change, modify, or alter another person’s personal information and/or bank accounts.
Identity theft penalties vary but some may be punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
Extortion or blackmail
Using force or fear to obtain money and/or property without consent is called extortion. Even attempts of extortion are punishable under Oklahoma law.
Blackmail is like extortion except it involves a form of verbal or written communication to extort something or value from another person.
Bad checks
It is considered a crime to pass two more false checks with the intent to defraud.
Construction fraud
Oklahoma legislature created a special class of crimes for construction fraud. This occurs when a contractor holds a customer’s money and uses it to pay for other items instead of the work that was promised to be completed for the customer.
Federal theft crimes
If a theft crime occurred on federal property or involved the federal government, it could be charged in federal court. Federal theft crimes include theft of federal benefits such as Social Security benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Vandalism
Characterized by defacing or degrading someone else’s property without their permission, vandalism can cause severe damage to an individual’s personal items and home.
Schedule an initial consultation with our firm online or via (405) 294-1511.
