Larceny charges, though typically non-violent offenses, are often penalized harshly. As such, when the theft of government property is involved, these penalties can increase drastically. If you have been charged with stealing property belonging to the federal government, the following blog explores the statute and penalties you can face if you are convicted of this offense. Additionally, you’ll learn why connecting with an Oklahoma City federal crime lawyer is in your best interest during this difficult time.
What Constitutes Theft of Government Property?
If you are accused of stealing government property, you can be charged in accordance with Title 18, Section 641 of the United States Code. Under this law, it is a crime to steal, embezzle, or use anything of value issued by a department of the government. This can include records, physical property, money, or benefits. You should also note that this law makes it a crime to receive or conceal property you know has been stolen.
You should also know that using government property for unauthorized purposes, even if you never physically take the property from the location in which you found it, constitutes conversion. Under this statute, conversion constitutes a theft offense.
In general, this crime is most often committed by employees of the federal government who have access to property, allowing them the opportunity to embezzle or steal property. However, non-federal employees can also face this charge following burglaries of government offices or the theft of digital records through electronic means.
What Penalties Can I Face if I’m Convicted?
Like most larceny cases, the penalties you can face will depend on the value of the property taken. Regardless, however, as this statute handles theft of federal property, this is a federal offense. As such, prison sentences will occur in a federal prison.
If the property is valued under $1,000, you will face a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to one year in prison and fines. For property valued over $1,000, you can face a felony offense that carries the potential for up to ten years in prison, hefty fines, and restitution.
Additionally, if there are aggravating factors present, such as additional crimes or involvement in organized crime rings, the penalties you can face will increase.
As the penalties for this offense can be harsh, it’s imperative to connect with an attorney to explore your legal options. In general, there are potential defenses you can utilize to help protect yourself from a conviction. This includes the lack of intent to steal. To be convicted, the prosecution must prove that a defendant had the specific intent to commit this offense, so working with an attorney can help you prove there was no intent or that the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence to constitute a conviction.
If you are facing charges for theft of government property, it’s critical to contact our team at the Jones Firm, PLLC, as soon as possible. When you need legal assistance, our firm is here to help you explore your options and fight for the best possible outcome. Call our offices today to learn how we can represent you.
