Hawaii Theft Defense Attorney

Theft in Hawaii is defined by state laws as obtaining or exerting unauthorized control over property with the intent to deprive the other of the property.  Theft may be a result of deception with the intent to deprive the other of the property. Receiving stolen goods or property occurs when a person intentionally receives, retains, or disposes of the property of another, knowing that it has been stolen, with intent to deprive the owner of the property.  In Hawaii, laws define shoplifting as a type of Theft, with enhanced penalties based on prior convictions factored in with the value of goods taken. Shoplifting occurs when a person conceals or takes possession of the goods or merchandise of any store or retail establishment, with intent to defraud.

Depending on the value of goods or services, Theft is classified in four degrees.  The penalties for committing Theft range from a class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison to a petty misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $1,000 fine and restitution.

Potential defenses to Theft include that an individual was unaware that the property or service was that of another or that the individual believed that he/she was entitled to the property or services under a claim of right or that the individual was authorized, by the owner or by law, to obtain or exert control as the individual did.

If you have been arrested or issued a criminal citation for Theft, know that the government’s case against you is highly fact dependent.  Contact our law firm today for a strategy session and allow our experienced attorneys to diligently build a defense based on our years of legal expertise to provide the best possible outcome for your case.