When people think of felony charges, they often think about very serious crimes. These crimes include sex crimes, felony drug charges and violent crimes. Many people probably do not think about theft -- especially pick pocketing -- as being a felony. However, under the right circumstances, Oregonians who have stolen from another can face felonies and very serious penalties.
Recently, an Oregon woman was arrested in Portland for pick pocketing. According to police, the woman was responsible for stealing credit cards, identification and debit cards from numerous people. Police say the 46-year-old woman would approach people in grocery stores, coffee shops and other public places. She could apparently take cards from wallets and return the wallets without people noticing the theft had occurred.
Police claim that people only realized that a theft had occurred after they noticed charges for designer bags or gift cards that they had not purchased.
Now, police have charged this woman with a total of 17 felony charges. These charges include identity theft, aggravated identity theft and fraudulent use of a credit card. Portland police continue to investigate the situation to see if the woman could be connected with other reported thefts in the area. If police do find evidence of other crimes, more felony charges could be forthcoming. She is currently being held in Multnomah County Jail while she waits criminal proceedings.
When people face felony charges, they must make sure they understand the charges against them in order to prepare the best criminal defense possible. In cases like these, people need to know why the charges are felonies and what mitigating factors might be present to help lower the charges or the potential punishments. With the right help, people can craft a successful criminal defense strategy.
Source: Albany Tribue, "Prolific Pickpocket Arrested By Portland Police For 17 Felony Charges," July 26, 2013