Raleigh Property Crimes Lawyer
Serving Wake County & Beyond

Charged With a Property Crime in Raleigh?

Property crime charges in North Carolina range from misdemeanor theft to serious felony burglary. Schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Raleigh defense attorney to discuss your case.

• Work directly with a Raleigh criminal defense lawyer
• Defense for theft, burglary, shoplifting, and related charges
• Protecting clients in Raleigh and throughout Wake County

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The moment you’re charged with a property crime in North Carolina, the clock starts ticking. Your freedom, your reputation, your future employment opportunities—all suddenly at risk. Whether you’re facing larceny charges, breaking and entering, embezzlement, or any other property crime, the decisions you make right now will determine your future.

At DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall, our experienced Raleigh property crimes attorneys understand what you’re going through. We’ve defended hundreds of clients against property crime charges throughout Wake County and North Carolina. We know the courts, the prosecutors, and most importantly, how to protect your rights when everything is on the line.

Types of Property Crimes We Defend in North Carolina

Our criminal defense team handles all types of property crime cases, including:

Larceny (N.C.G.S. § 14-72)

In North Carolina, larceny involves taking property belonging to another person without their consent. What many people don’t realize is that North Carolina treats most larceny charges as felonies, not misdemeanors. You could be facing felony charges if:

• The property value exceeds $1,000
• The property was taken from a person
• The property was taken during a breaking and entering
• The property stolen was a firearm or explosive device
• You have prior larceny convictions

Penalty: Felony larceny is typically a Class H felony carrying up to 39 months in prison, while misdemeanor larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 120 days in jail.

Breaking and Entering (N.C.G.S. § 14-54)

Breaking and entering charges in North Carolina vary widely depending on the specific circumstances:

• Felony Breaking and Entering: Breaking into a building with intent to commit a felony or larceny inside
• Misdemeanor Breaking and Entering: Wrongfully breaking or entering a building
• First-Degree Burglary: Breaking into an occupied dwelling at night
• Second-Degree Burglary: Breaking into an unoccupied dwelling at night

Penalties: Range from Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 120 days) to Class D felony (up to 204 months) depending on the specific charge.

Obtaining Property by False Pretenses (N.C.G.S. § 14-100)

This charge involves knowingly making a false representation to obtain something of value. Common scenarios include:

• Writing bad checks
• Using someone else’s credit card without permission
• Making false statements to obtain loans or services
• Identity theft-related crimes

Penalty: Generally charged as a Class H felony with up to 39 months imprisonment.

Embezzlement (N.C.G.S. § 14-90)

Embezzlement occurs when someone misappropriates property that was entrusted to them. These charges often affect:

• Employees who handle company funds
• Financial professionals
• Non-profit organization staff and volunteers
• Public officials

Penalty: Typically charged as a Class H felony with up to 39 months imprisonment, but can be elevated to Class C felony (up to 231 months) for amounts over $100,000.

Possession of Stolen Goods (N.C.G.S. § 14-71.1)

You can be charged with possession of stolen goods if you knowingly possess stolen property. You don’t have to be the person who stole the item to face these serious charges.

Penalty: Follows similar classification as larceny—Class H felony for goods valued over $1,000 or Class 1 misdemeanor for goods valued at $1,000 or less.

Robbery (N.C.G.S. § 14-87)

Robbery involves taking property directly from another person or in their presence by using force or the threat of force.

• Common Law Robbery: Taking property from another person using force without a dangerous weapon
• Armed Robbery: Taking property from another person using or threatening use of a dangerous weapon

Penalties: Common law robbery is a Class G felony (up to 47 months), while armed robbery is a Class D felony (up to 204 months).

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Potential Consequences of Property Crime Convictions in North Carolina

The penalties for property crimes extend far beyond potential jail or prison time:

• Permanent Criminal Record: Affecting employment, housing, and educational opportunities
• Restitution Payments: Court-ordered repayment to victims
• Probation: With strict conditions and regular supervision
• Loss of Professional Licenses: Particularly damaging for those in finance, education, healthcare, or law
• Immigration Consequences: Potential deportation for non-citizens

For first-time offenders, alternative sentencing options may be available, but only with proper legal representation.

How Our Raleigh Property Crimes Defense Attorneys Fight for You

At DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall, we know that effective property crimes defense requires a strategic approach tailored to your specific situation. Our defense strategies include:

Challenging Evidence and Procedure

We meticulously examine all aspects of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence:

• Was the search that led to evidence discovery legal?
• Did law enforcement follow proper procedures during your arrest?
• Is there a clear chain of custody for evidence?
• Are there witnesses who can contradict the prosecution’s claims?

Negotiating for Reduced Charges

For many clients, especially first-time offenders, we can negotiate with prosecutors for:

• Charge reductions (felony to misdemeanor)
• Deferred prosecution agreements
• Conditional discharge options
• First-time offender programs

Preparing a Strong Trial Defense

If your case goes to trial, we’re prepared to fight aggressively with strategies such as:

• Cross-examining prosecution witnesses to expose inconsistencies
• Presenting alternative theories supported by evidence
• Challenging the prosecution’s ability to prove every element of the crime
• Utilizing expert witnesses when necessary

Wake County Courthouse

Handles civil and criminal matters in Wake County

• Address: 300 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601
• Hours: M-F 8:30 A.M.-5 P.M.
• Phone:(919) 792-4000

Why Choose DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall for Your Property Crime Defense

When facing property crime charges in Raleigh or throughout North Carolina, your choice of legal representation matters tremendously:

• Decades of Combined Criminal Defense Experience: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of property crime cases.
• Former Prosecutors on Staff: We understand how the other side builds their cases.
• Local Court Knowledge: We know the Wake County court system, prosecutors, and judges.
• Respected Trial Attorneys: Recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and with AV Preeminent ratings from Martindale-Hubbell.
• Personalized Defense Strategy: We tailor our approach to your specific situation, not a one-size-fits-all defense.

What to Do Right Now If You’re Facing Property Crime Charges

If you or a loved one has been charged with a property crime in North Carolina, time is critical:

1. Exercise your right to remain silent. Anything you say to police can be used against you.
2. Do not consent to searches without a warrant.
3. Preserve any evidence that might help your case.
4. Contact our office immediately for a confidential case evaluation.

The sooner we can begin building your defense, the more options we’ll have to fight the charges or negotiate favorable terms.

Contact Our Raleigh Property Crimes Defense Lawyers Today

At DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall, we understand what’s at stake when you’re facing property crime charges. Your freedom, your reputation, your future.

Our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys is ready to stand between you and the serious consequences of a property crime conviction.

The consultation is completely confidential.

Call us now at (919) 752-5023 or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation. Don’t face these charges alone—let us help you protect what matters most.

Serving clients in Raleigh, Durham, Orange, Carteret, and Chatham Counties, and throughout North Carolina.