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A theft charge in Baton Rouge can turn on a single number: the dollar value of what was allegedly taken. That number decides whether you’re looking at a misdemeanor or a felony, and it’s often the first thing worth getting a clear answer on.
A theft lawyer in Baton Rouge defends clients against charges ranging from misdemeanor theft to felony theft carrying up to 20 years for property worth $25,000 or more. Rozas Law Firm has represented clients in the Baton Rouge area since 2004, in East Baton Rouge Parish’s courts.
Louisiana theft law follows a clear structure once the applicable statute and value of the property are identified. Rozas Law Firm’s criminal defense team has represented more than 11,000 clients since 2004, with attorneys who appear regularly in East Baton Rouge Parish’s courts.
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What Is Theft Under Louisiana Law?
Under R.S. 14:67, theft is taking something of value from another person without consent and with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. Louisiana doesn’t split theft into separate “petty theft” and “grand theft” statutes. One law applies at every level, with the value of the property setting the charge: theft under $1,000 is generally a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Felony theft scales upward from there: up to 5 years for $1,000-$4,999, up to 10 years for $5,000-$24,999, and up to 20 years for $25,000 or more.
Louisiana does not have a separate general “petty theft” and “grand theft” structure. Shoplifting involving merchandise held for sale is addressed within Louisiana’s theft law, which provides circumstances in which intent to permanently deprive a merchant may be inferred. Previous misdemeanor theft convictions can enhance into a felony charge. Related but legally distinct charges include receiving stolen property, burglary, robbery, identity theft, and embezzlement, each with its own statute and penalty structure. Felony-level theft charges arising anywhere in East Baton Rouge Parish, including Central, are heard in the 19th Judicial District Court at 300 North Boulevard. For the full breakdown of value tiers and related charges statewide, see our full breakdown of Louisiana theft law.
What Determines the Severity of a Theft Charge in Louisiana?
The value of the property is an important factor in determining the penalty for a Louisiana theft charge, but it is not the only consideration. Prior theft convictions, the circumstances surrounding the alleged taking, and whether another theft-related statute applies can affect the charge and potential sentence. For example, Louisiana law provides enhanced penalties for certain subsequent theft convictions and for theft of a package delivered to an inhabited dwelling.
What to Do After Being Charged With Theft in Baton Rouge
A theft charge or an arrest does not mean you are guilty, and the decisions you make before a conviction can have a major impact on how your case moves forward. A Baton Rouge theft defense lawyer can review the evidence, the alleged value of the property, how the investigation was conducted, and whether the charge accurately reflects the facts. Depending on the circumstances, potential options may include challenging the evidence, negotiating for a reduced charge, pursuing an available resolution, or preparing for trial. Getting an individualized legal review early gives you more time to understand your options before making decisions that could affect your record and future.
Types of Theft Charges We Defend in Baton Rouge
People often search for a “petty theft lawyer” or “grand theft lawyer” in Baton Rouge, but Louisiana does not use those terms as separate statutory theft offenses. Instead, Louisiana’s theft statute establishes different penalty levels based primarily on the value involved, along with enhanced penalties that may apply in certain circumstances. Shoplifting is also prosecuted under Louisiana’s theft statute, while related offenses such as receiving stolen property, burglary, and robbery have separate legal requirements.
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Do I Need a Baton Rouge Lawyer After Being Convicted of Theft?
Often, yes. A defense attorney’s leverage is greatest before and during a case, but that doesn’t mean the options run out at sentencing. Appeal deadlines, post-conviction relief, and expungement all require an accurate read of the record and Louisiana’s specific procedural rules, and missing a deadline can close a door permanently. No attorney can guarantee an outcome after a conviction, but a review of what actually happened in the case is the only way to know what’s realistically available.
Why Choose Rozas Law Firm to Help with Your Baton Rouge Theft Case
Rozas Law Firm has represented clients in the Baton Rouge area since 2004, with over 20 years of combined experience and more than 11,000 clients served. Founder David Joseph Rozas and Supervising Criminal Law Attorney Shea R. Smith lead a team backed by an in-house investigator and full-time paralegal staff.
Our firm’s Baton Rouge office sits at 7967 Office Park Blvd, with attorneys from our Baton Rouge criminal defense team who appear regularly in East Baton Rouge Parish’s courts. Representation is available in English and Español.
Facing Theft Charges in Baton Rouge? Talk to Rozas Law Firm
Rozas Law Firm has defended theft cases in the Baton Rouge area since 2004, with attorneys familiar with East Baton Rouge Parish courts and the surrounding communities of Denham Springs and Central. The sooner your case receives an individualized legal review, the more options tend to stay on the table. Schedule a consultation with our firm’s Baton Rouge criminal defense team to talk through your situation and what comes next.
This page provides general information about theft charges and criminal defense representation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It is not legal advice, and visiting this page does not create an attorney-client relationship with Rozas Law Firm. Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case is different, and no attorney can promise a specific result.
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