THEFT & PROPERTY CRIMES DEFENSE ATTORNEY — LAS VEGAS, NV
DEFENDINGYOUR RECORD
A theft charge — from shoplifting to grand larceny — can follow you for life. Thomas Boley has defended clients against theft and property crime charges in Las Vegas for 18+ years. We fight to protect your record and your freedom.
Serious Consequences
Theft charges range from misdemeanor to category B felony — with up to 15 years for robbery. Early defense is critical.
Strong Defenses Available
Lack of intent, ownership rights, and unlawful searches are powerful defenses. We investigate every angle to protect you.
First Offense — Options Available
Many first-time defendants can access diversion programs or plea agreements that avoid a permanent criminal conviction on their record.
Act Fast
Evidence disappears and deadlines approach quickly. Contact us before formal charges are filed — early intervention matters most.
NEVADA LAW
KEY THEFT &PROPERTY CRIME STATUTES
These are the Nevada statutes under which theft and property crime charges are prosecuted. Understanding what the law requires is the first step to building your defense.
Theft — General Statute
Nevada's consolidated theft statute covers shoplifting, larceny, fraud, embezzlement, and receiving stolen property. Theft of property valued under $1,200 is a misdemeanor; theft of $1,200–$5,000 is a category C felony; theft of more than $5,000 is a category B felony carrying 1–10 years in prison.
View official statuteBurglary
Burglary is entering a structure with intent to commit a crime inside. First-degree burglary (dwelling) is a category B felony with 1–10 years in prison. Second-degree burglary is a category C felony. A deadly weapon enhancement can double the sentence.
View official statuteRobbery
Robbery is the unlawful taking of property from a person using force or fear. It is a category B felony carrying 2–15 years in prison. Armed robbery carries 2–15 years with a mandatory additional 1–20 years for the deadly weapon enhancement — sentences must be served consecutively.
View official statuteReceiving or Possessing Stolen Property
It is a crime to receive, possess, or withhold property knowing it to be stolen. Penalties mirror the theft statute: misdemeanor if under $1,200, category C or B felony for higher values. Intent to defraud is an element the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
View official statuteWHAT'S AT STAKE
THEFT CHARGEPENALTIES IN NEVADA
Nevada theft penalties escalate sharply based on the value of property taken and how the crime was committed. Know what you're facing.
Misdemeanor Theft
Value under $1,200
Category C Felony Theft
Value $1,200 – $5,000
Category B Felony Theft / Robbery
Value over $5,000 — or robbery / armed robbery
Note: Aggravating factors — use of a weapon, prior record, or organized retail theft — can significantly increase penalties. Additionally, retailers may sue theft defendants for three times the retail value plus attorney fees under NRS 597.850, regardless of criminal case outcome.
HOW WE FIGHT FOR YOU
THEFT DEFENSESTRATEGIES
Thomas Boley uses every legal tool available to challenge theft and property crime charges — from constitutional violations to factual defenses.
Lack of Intent
Theft requires intent to permanently deprive the owner of property. We challenge the prosecution's evidence of intent — mistaken belief of ownership, temporary borrowing, or misunderstanding can negate the mental state required for conviction under NRS 205.0832.
Ownership & Authorization
A defendant who genuinely believed they had a right to the property — or had authorization from the owner — is not guilty of theft. We investigate the facts of ownership, permission, and the circumstances of the alleged taking.
Unlawful Search & Seizure
Evidence obtained through an unlawful search of your person, vehicle, or home may be suppressed under the Fourth Amendment. If the search was conducted without a warrant, probable cause, or valid consent, we move to exclude the evidence — often forcing a dismissal.
Challenging Identification
Many theft and shoplifting charges hinge on eyewitness identification or surveillance footage. We challenge the reliability of identifications, the quality and context of video evidence, and whether the person identified is actually you.
Value Disputes
The value of allegedly stolen property determines whether you face a misdemeanor or felony charge. We challenge the prosecution's valuation — retail replacement value is not always the correct legal standard — and fight to keep charges at the lowest possible level.
Entrapment & Police Misconduct
If law enforcement induced you to commit a theft offense you would not otherwise have committed — through a sting operation or improper conduct — entrapment is a complete defense. We investigate all police conduct in connection with your arrest.
OUR PROCESS
HOW WE BUILDYOUR DEFENSE
Free Case Evaluation
We review every detail of the alleged offense — the evidence, the identified property, the witnesses, and the circumstances of your arrest or citation. We identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case before your first court date.
Evidence Investigation
We obtain police reports, surveillance footage, store loss prevention records, witness statements, and forensic evidence. We challenge every link in the prosecution's chain of proof.
Motions & Negotiations
We file suppression motions to exclude illegally obtained evidence and negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, diversion programs, or case dismissal. Many first-time theft charges can be resolved without a criminal conviction.
Trial or Resolution
If the prosecution refuses a fair resolution, we take your case to trial. Thomas Boley prepares every theft and property crime case as if it will go before a jury — because that preparation wins cases and protects your future.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
THEFT & PROPERTY CRIMEQUESTIONS ANSWERED
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FREECONSULTATION
Tell us about your situation and we'll be in touch as soon as possible. All consultations are confidential.