Las Vegas Theft Attorney
In Nevada, the crime of theft generally means that you deprived someone of property or converted (stole) money from someone. Crimes that could be considered theft include, but are not limited to:
- larceny
- receiving or possessing stolen property
- embezzlement
- obtaining property by false pretenses
- issuing a check without sufficient money (NFS) or credit
The penalties or punishment for theft is dependent on the “value” or the “fair market value” of the property or service(s) that was deprived or stolen. Fair market value usually means the retail value of an item or property. In other words, if you stole some clothes that were on sale and cost less than $650, but their retail value would have been over $650, then the theft will likely be prosecuted as if you stole clothes with a value of more than $650. Because the penalties of theft are dependent on the “value,” it could mean the difference between a misdemeanor and felony conviction.
If convicted, the penalty also depends on the value of the stolen property or services:
- If the value of the services or property is less than $650, then it would be considered a misdemeanor (up to 6 months in jail, and a fine up to $1,000 plus restitution)
- If the value of the services or property is between $650 and $3,500, then it would be considered a Class C felony (1-5 years in prison, fine up to $10,000, and restitution)
- If the value of the services or property is $3,500 or more, then it would be considered a Class B felony (1-20 years in prison, fine up to $10,000, and restitution).
Cashing A Check With Insufficient Funds (NSF)
Cashing a check knowing there are no funds to cover the value of the check (or passing a “bad” check) is considered theft and is punished harshly. If you try to cash multiple checks within a 90 period that total over $650, you may be facing a Class D felony.
If you passed a NSF check in order to get a marker or credit at a casino, then you could also be facing a Class D Felony if the casino marker was for more than $650. For information about casino marker offenses, see our page on casino markers.
Forgery
When someone thinks of forgery, they probably think of signing someone else’s signature on a document or blank check in order to obtain money.
When someone thinks of counterfeiting, they probably think of actually trying to create bills that look like real money.
In Nevada, however, both are considered “forgery,” and if convicted, you are facing a Class D felony. Any person who falsely “makes, alters, forges or counterfeits any record” with the intent to defraud (steal or take something of value) is guilty of forgery. These records include, but are not limited to:
- Any Contract
- Wills, Trusts, and/or Codicils
- Check and/or Draft
- Promissory Notes
- Receipts
- Releases
- Power of Attorney
Because this statute is all encompassing, the following crimes could be considered “forgery”:
- Cashing a check with a forged signature
- Cashing a stolen check
- Passing counterfeit money
- Uttering a forged instrument
Embezzlement
Embezzlement in Nevada is treated like a theft case and the punishments are the same. The difference between embezzlement and larceny is that there needs to be an element of entrustment. In other words, you as an employee, for example, are entrusted to take in money. If that money goes missing and you were last one handling that cash, you could be charged with embezzlement. To read more, visit our embezzlement page.
Shoplifting
Shoplifting, today, is generally considered burglary. It doesn’t matter whether you stole $6.50 of merchandise from a convenience store, or if you try to steal $6,500, you will likely be charged with theft and burglary. This means if you are convicted, you are facing a class B felony. A class B felony conviction could mean up to ten years in prison, a fine, and restitution.
Being convicted of any of the above crimes is very serious. It does not matter whether it is a misdemeanor or felony. They are all crimes that are considered disparaging and against “moral turpitude.” In other words you are deemed a liar and you cannot be trusted. This can forever be used against you, and it will likely hinder your ability to get a good paying job, join any law enforcement agency or even enter the military. Any testimony you give later in life (whether civil or criminal) will always be suspect as being untrustworthy. Your credibility will always be questioned.
If you have been previously convicted of any of the above crimes, still call us! We can evaluate your past conviction and asses your ability to have your record sealed.
If you are charged, arrested, or questioned by the police for any of the above crimes, call us now at (702) 405-0001 to arrange a consultation.