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In Oregon, the crime of theft is a property crime. Even though theft crimes are considered “less serious” than crimes of violence against individuals, the consequences of being convicted of any property crime can still be serious.
The Crime of Theft is defined as taking, appropriating, obtaining, or withholding property of another with the intent to deprive the other of that property. Put simply, theft is the taking another person’s property with the intent of keeping it or using it for yourself. Though all Theft crimes carry this same basic element, the seriousness of the crime depends upon the specific circumstances of the taking and the value of the property which is taken.
Theft is broadly divided into four separate classifications. This table describes the general categories of theft under Oregon law and the respective penalty:
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Beyond the general categories of Theft, there are many different means by which theft can be committed. Shop lifting often results in charges of Theft III or Theft II. Purchasing stolen property can result in any level of Theft, and often results from an individual purchasing stolen property while either knowing or “having good reason to know” the property was stolen. Theft of lost or mislaid property occurs when an individual finds property that they have reason to know is lost and then fails to take reasonable measures to restore the property to its owner. Theft by deception can be committed in multiple ways, the central element of which is the individual either deceives or allows another to act under a false impression as to the nature of a transaction or motivation of the parties.
Because theft offenses have historically been linked to drug usage, the Oregon legislature imposes significant penalties for individuals with multiple theft related convictions. This legislation, referred to as Ballot Measure 57, imposes certain mandatory minimum prison terms for relatively “low level” felony convictions. Individuals with multiple prior property convictions can face minimum sentences ranging from 13 to 30 months for a single property-crime conviction.. Property crimes which can cause the imposition of these minimum sentences include: Burglary, Identity Theft, Robbery, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle, Criminal Mischief, Forgery, Fraudulent use of a Credit Card, Computer Crimes, and Mail Theft. As a result, whenever there are multiple theft or theft related charges, or if the individual has a prior property crime conviction, it is critical to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to navigate the complexity of these seemingly “minor” criminal charges.
We will represent you every step of the way. We work diligently to make sure every single aspect of your case is examined so we can properly defend you and guide you through the legal system. We understand the stress and worry that you and loved ones are. By choosing our professional team of attorneys experienced in Oregon law you know that you have the best possible legal care.