Experienced Criminal Defense
Theft • Burglary • Robbery • Destruction of Property
On a first offense for theft or other property crimes, my goal is to keep you out of jail. If you have prior convictions, I will fight to reduce the charges or minimize the penalties.
Find out where you stand — what consequences you are facing and how strong the prosecution's case is. Contact the law firm of Jonathan Y. Short, P.C., in Arlington for a consultation in my office. I represent adults and youths throughout northern Virginia.
Theft and Property Crimes
I have handled every offense from misdemeanors to major felony charges:
- Shoplifting/petty theft
- Grand larceny (value over $200)
- Credit card theft/identity theft
- Bad checks
- Financial crimes (fraud or embezzlement)
- Auto theft and unauthorized use (joyriding)
- Burglary or breaking and entering
- Robbery (snatching, armed robbery)
- Destruction of property
The potential penalties for felony theft go all the way up to 20 years in prison, depending on the amount and your criminal history. I do everything possible to avoid jail or prison and to limit the impact on your future. There are first offender programs for shoplifting to keep it off your record, but no diversion programs for a felony charge unless I can get it reduced to a misdemeanor.
In theft and property crimes, restitution can play a big role in a positive outcome. If you can quickly make amends to the victim, a deferred sentence or lower sentence may be possible.
Contact a criminal defense lawyer with 20 years of experience. I know when to fight the allegations and when to work something out with prosecutors.
You can reach me day or night at 1.866.403.4589 for a free initial consultation, or e-mail me and I will respond promptly.
