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Charleston Criminal Defense Attorneys For Theft And Burglary Crimes

Theft and burglary crimes come with serious charges that can result in lengthy prison sentences. At Young & Young, Attorneys at Law, our Charleston criminal defense lawyers will work hard to protect your rights and defend you against the accusations you are facing. If you have been accused of a theft crime like burglary, we can aggressively defend the charges against you.

South Carolina’s Three Strikes Law

Under South Carolina’s three strikes law, some habitual offenders may be sentenced to life in prison without parole. Theft crimes can be a complex area of criminal law that has severe consequences for people charged with crimes such as burglary and robbery. As former prosecutors, we have worked on the violent crimes team in the 9th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, we understand how the state pursues burglary and robbery cases. We know how to negotiate with the prosecution. If the state does not have a strong case and refuses to negotiate, we are willing to go to trial.

Felony Charges For Theft And Burglary Crimes

While theft or another property crime may be an element of these cases, they are considered violent offenses and come with harsh penalties:

  • Burglary in the third degree is a felony with penalties of up to five years in prison.
  • Burglary in the second degree is broken up into nonviolent and violent categories.
    • Burglary in the second degree, nonviolent, is a felony with penalties of up to 10 years in prison
    • Burglary in the second degree, violent, is a felony with penalties of up to 15 years in prison and mandatory service of one-third of the sentence before being eligible for parole, depending on whether the offense was violent.
  • Burglary in the first degree is a felony with penalties from 15 years to life in prison.

If the value of the alleged theft is greater than $2,000, prosecutors can file felony charges of grand larceny. Embezzlement and forgery are also theft crimes in South Carolina.

Schedule A Free Consultation With A Criminal Defense Lawyer

For a free consultation to discuss your case, please call Young & Young, Attorneys at Law, in Charleston at 843-619-7755. You may also contact us online.