Chicago Theft of Government Property Defense Attorney

Defending Against the Federal Criminal Charge of Theft of Government Property

Theft of Government Property is a federal criminal offense subject to stringent penalties and potential imprisonment. As its name suggests, the charge relates to stealing, selling, or unlawfully possessing property owned by the United States government. This report delves into the nuances of the federal criminal charge of Theft of Government Property, exploring relevant statutes, penalties, and legal defenses.

Key Federal Statute

The primary statute governing the offense of Theft of Government Property is 18 U.S.C. § 641. According to this statute, anyone who steals, purloins, or knowingly converts to their use or the use of another, or receives, conceals, or retains stolen property without authorization is punishable under federal law.

Elements of the Crime

The prosecution needs to prove several elements beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 641:

Ownership: The property in question must be owned or controlled by the United States government.
Intent: The accused must have acted intentionally in stealing or unlawfully possessing the property.
Value: The property’s value plays a crucial role in determining the penalties, although any theft of government property could result in federal charges.
Unauthorized Possession: The accused must have possessed, concealed, sold, or disposed of the property without authorization.

Penalties for Theft of Government Property

Imprisonment

Convictions under 18 U.S.C. § 641 can lead to severe imprisonment terms. If the value of the stolen property is less than $1,000, the maximum imprisonment term is up to one year. For property valued at $1,000 or more, the potential sentence can be up to ten years.

Financial Penalties

In addition to imprisonment, offenders can face significant fines, depending on the severity and circumstances of the crime.

Asset Forfeiture and Restitution

The government may also seize assets that were used in or acquired through the theft. Furthermore, a court may order the defendant to pay restitution, effectively compensating the government for the value of the stolen property.

Legal Strategies for Defense

Defending against federal charges requires specialized legal expertise due to the complexities involved. Here are some strategies our defense lawyer might employ:

Questioning Procedural Validity: If law enforcement did not follow proper procedures during the investigation or arrest, the evidence collected could be invalidated.
Challenging Valuation: The defense might argue that the government’s valuation of the stolen property is incorrect, potentially reducing the severity of the charge.
Introducing Doubt: The legal standard for conviction is “beyond a reasonable doubt,” and a skilled defense attorney may introduce enough doubt regarding intent, authorization, or the actual occurrence of the crime to prevent a conviction.
Expert Testimonies: In some instances, bringing in experts to testify about technical aspects like digital forensics, property valuation, or government protocols can strengthen the defense.

Legal Process and Jurisdiction

Investigation: Federal agencies like the FBI or Inspector General offices typically handle the initial investigations.
Charges: Following a successful investigation, federal charges are filed, usually by a U.S. Attorney.
Preliminary Hearing/Grand Jury: A preliminary hearing or grand jury may be convened to determine if enough evidence exists to proceed to trial.
Trial: If the case goes to trial, the prosecution must prove each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sentencing: If convicted, the defendant will face penalties as prescribed by federal guidelines, influenced by factors like criminal history and the value of the stolen property.

The federal charge of Theft of Government Property is a serious offense with steep penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and potential restitution and asset forfeiture. Due to the gravity and complexity of federal criminal cases, individuals accused of such a crime should seek specialized legal advice immediately. For a more detailed understanding, consult the relevant federal statutes and consult our legal expert in this specific area of Federal law.

Potential Legal Defenses

Lack of Intent: The defense may argue that the defendant did not intend to steal or unlawfully possess the property.
Insufficient Evidence: A common strategy is to demonstrate that the prosecution has not provided enough evidence to meet its burden of proof.
Authorization: If the defendant can prove that they had authorization to possess or use the property, this could form a valid defense.
Constitutional Violations: Any violations of constitutional rights, such as unlawful search and seizure, may be used to challenge the legality of the prosecution’s evidence.

Plea Bargaining and Its Implications

Plea bargains are commonly used in federal cases, including Theft of Government Property charges. A plea bargain may result in lesser charges or reduced sentences in return for a guilty plea or cooperation with ongoing investigations. However, accepting a plea bargain can have long-lasting consequences, including a criminal record that might affect future employment, social stigma, and sometimes, forfeiture of certain civil rights like voting or owning firearms. Therefore, such decisions should be made with comprehensive legal guidance.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Being charged with Theft of Government Property under 18 U.S.C. § 641 is a serious federal offense with implications that can be life-changing. Understanding the federal statute, legal defenses, complexities, and the U.S. judicial process is crucial for anyone facing such charges. Immediate legal representation is advised to safeguard rights and navigate the complicated landscape of federal law. Legal counsel will not only help in navigating the complexities of the law but also in understanding plea options, preparing a robust defense, and potentially negotiating lesser penalties.

Aggressive Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer with Decades of Experience

Over the past two decades, David L. Freidberg has gained a dearth of knowledge on the Illinois Compiled Statutes Criminal Code, evidence, rules of criminal procedure, and the U.S. Constitution. David L. Freidberg strives to combine his training, experience, skills, and passion for serving vulnerable communities to provide clients with unparalleled representation. To schedule a free consultation, contact The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg 24/7 at (312) 560-7100 or toll free at (800) 803-1442.