Theft Attorney

Defending Your Integrity and Your Future

There are few accusations that carry as much personal stigma as being labeled a “thief.” It is a word that attacks your character, your honesty, and your trustworthiness. At the Law Office of George Renneberg, we understand that a theft charge does not define who you are. We know that these situations are often far more complicated than a simple police report can convey. Perhaps it was a momentary lapse in judgment during a difficult time, a misunderstanding at a self-checkout counter, or a false accusation arising from a workplace dispute. Whatever the circumstances, we are here to listen to your side of the story without judgment. We believe in your potential for redemption and your right to a vigorous defense. Our goal is to protect not just your legal record, but your reputation in the community.

Theft crimes cover a vast spectrum of activities, ranging from minor shoplifting charges, often called petty theft, to serious felony offenses like grand larceny, embezzlement, or burglary. The severity of the charge usually depends on the value of the property involved, but the consequences of any theft conviction can be devastatingly permanent. In the legal world, theft is often considered a “crime of moral turpitude.” This classification means that a conviction can permanently bar you from obtaining professional licenses. Nurses, teachers, contractors, and financial professionals can lose their careers over a single theft charge. It can also create significant hurdles for obtaining housing, loans, and even entry into other countries. We take these collateral consequences just as seriously as the potential for jail time. When we fight for you, we are fighting to keep your future opportunities open.

One of the most critical elements in any theft case is “intent.” To secure a conviction, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you intended to permanently deprive the owner of their property. This is often where the state’s case is weakest, and where George Renneberg excels. We carefully examine the evidence to find alternative explanations. Did you honestly believe the property was yours? Was it a simple mistake, such as forgetting to scan an item at the bottom of a shopping cart? Did you intend to return the item? By highlighting the lack of criminal intent, we can often dismantle the prosecution’s narrative. We humanize the events, moving the conversation away from “criminal activity” and toward “human error” or “misunderstanding.”

We also scrutinize the evidence regarding the value of the items in question. The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony often comes down to a specific dollar amount. Prosecutors sometimes inflate the value of stolen goods to pursue harsher charges. We challenge these valuations. We research the fair market value of the items, arguing that they are worth less than claimed, which can lead to a reduction in charges from a felony to a misdemeanor. This seemingly small technical detail can make a massive difference in the outcome of your case and the penalties you face.

In cases involving employee theft or embezzlement, the situation is often document-heavy and complex. These cases can drag on for months and involve forensic accounting and digital evidence. We have the resources and the patience to sift through the financial records. We often find that sloppy bookkeeping or shared access to accounts creates reasonable doubt as to who was actually responsible for missing funds. We protect you from being made a scapegoat for a company’s poor financial management. We are meticulous in our preparation, knowing that the details are where the defense is won.

For many of our clients, especially first-time offenders, our strategy focuses on diversion and restitution. We have strong working relationships with prosecutors and understand the local court programs that focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. We often negotiate agreements where, in exchange for returning the property or paying its value and attending a class, the charges against you are dismissed entirely. This is often the best-case scenario, as it allows you to walk away with a clean criminal record. We guide you through these programs, ensuring you meet every deadline and requirement so that you can put the incident behind you for good.

However, if you are falsely accused, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. We understand the pain of being accused of something you didn’t do. We will aggressively cross-examine witnesses, challenge the reliability of security footage, and expose the lack of credible evidence. We do not back down when your good name is on the line. We build a defense that highlights your history of honesty and integrity, using character witnesses to show the jury the real you.

Dealing with a theft charge is stressful and embarrassing. You may feel like everyone is looking at you differently. We offer a safe, confidential environment where you can be open about what happened. We handle the legal burden so you can focus on your family and your mental health. We explain every step of the process, ensuring you never feel lost or alone.

At the Law Office of George Renneberg, we are committed to helping you navigate this challenge. We believe that one mistake should not ruin a life, and we work tirelessly to ensure that it doesn’t. Whether through negotiation or trial, we are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for you. Let us stand between you and the consequences of a theft charge. Contact us today, and let’s start rebuilding your peace of mind.