During the holidays, many Oregon residents visit local stores and shops to get gifts for their loved ones. If people make mistakes of shoplifting, they can face serious criminal charges. Taking merchandise from stores is treated seriously throughout the state.
There are multiple levels of theft charges under Oregon laws. Theft in the third degree, for example, applies when a person is accused of taking less than $100 worth of property of another. Theft charges become more serious when the value of the property stolen increases. Theft in the second degree, applies when the amount of property stolen is worth between $100 and $1,000. These two theft charges are misdemeanors.
Theft charges can also be felonies. Theft in the first degree is a class C felony. People can be charged with first degree theft in a variety of situations, including when the value of property stolen is more than $1,000.
Under section 164.057 of the Oregon criminal code, people can face even more serious penalties, if charged with aggravated theft in the first degree. Under this section, a person can face a class B felony. Aggravated theft in the first degree charges apply when a person meets the requirements of first-degree theft and the value of the transaction or property stolen is equal to or greater than $10,000.
Each of these charges for theft in Oregon will have its own penalties. People, who have been accused of theft, need to understand the specific charges they are facing. By understanding the charges that people face, people can create -- with the help of an attorney -- create an appropriate criminal defense strategy.
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