Fight Back Against Theft Charges
Last updated on February 2, 2026
Robbery, theft and other similar allegations often lead to serious consequences upon conviction. A guilty verdict can lead to jail time, thousands of dollars in court fines, and the loss of your job or home. If the crime involved a firearm or violence, it becomes exponentially more serious. This is the time to get serious about your defense.
If you face theft charges, you need an experienced attorney in your corner. Natural State Trial Attorneys stands up for the rights of Arkansas residents when they have been charged with theft. Your Benton County theft defense attorney will make sure you understand the legal process and will pursue reduced or dropped charges. The sooner you reach out to our law firm, the sooner we can start building your criminal defense. Call 479-339-0778 now to schedule a consultation with a Rogers theft attorney.
What Is The Difference Between Theft, Robbery And Burglary?
The terminology involved in many theft cases can confuse people. The categorization of a crime largely comes down to a few questions: who was present, where did the crime occur and was the crime violent? Theft is a broad term that refers to taking another person’s property. Robbery typically involves taking property directly from an individual or business by force. Burglary is theft involving entering a property illicitly for the purpose of that theft.
What Are The Consequences Of A Conviction?
Theft, burglary and robbery charges carry serious consequences in Arkansas. If you’re convicted of one of these crimes, you could face:
- Up to $15,000 in fines
- Up to 20 years in prison
- The loss of your firearm privileges and voting rights
Protect yourself by hiring an experienced attorney.
How Arkansas Classifies Theft of Property
Under Arkansas law, theft of property isn’t one-size-fits-all, the charge and potential penalties turn on specific facts. Theft can be a Class B, C, or D felony, or a Class A misdemeanor. Generally, Class B applies when the value is $25,000 or more, Class C when the value is more than $5,000 but less than $25,000, Class D when the value is between $1,000 and $5,000, and a Class A misdemeanor when the value is $1,000 or less. Because the stakes escalate quickly with the charge level, it’s critical to have a defense team that understands both the evidence and the statute.
Why Valuation Drives the Charge and How We Challenge It
Value is often contested, and for good reason. Cash is straightforward, but many items aren’t. A painting by a local artist, custom tools, or used electronics may have widely varying market values depending on condition, provenance, and comparable sales. We scrutinize how the prosecution calculated value, bring in appraisals where appropriate, and highlight uncertainties that can reduce exposure or push a felony down to a misdemeanor. Your defense should focus the court on the weakest links in the state’s valuation proof.
Circumstances That Can Elevate a Theft Case
How the property was obtained can increase the charge even when the dollar amount is modest. Theft obtained by a threat of serious physical injury or by threatening to destroy another’s occupiable structure can be charged as a Class B felony. Threats without serious-injury elements may support Class C charges. Arkansas law also carves out specific scenarios, like theft of livestock valued over $200 (Class D felony) and theft of $500 or more in building materials from a permitted construction site, that can elevate the case. These nuances make careful fact development essential to protecting your rights.
Take Action Now to Protect Your Future
Every theft case is unique, and missteps early on can snowball into harsher outcomes. If you’re facing theft, robbery, or burglary allegations, get experienced counsel involved immediately. Catterlin & Arnold Law Firm helps Arkansas residents understand the process, challenge overcharged counts, and pursue reduced or dismissed charges wherever possible. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start building your defense. Call479-339-0778 now to schedule a consultation, or send us an email if you can’t call.
What Can You Do To Keep Your Freedoms?
Your next step, whether the police have brought you in for questioning or there is a full-blown investigation, is to call 479-339-0778. From our office in Lowell, we support clients statewide. Unable to call us? Send an email.