Theft - Economic Woes Lure Unlikely Crooks
Posted on June 5, 2009
Filed Under Burglary, Felony Crimes, L.A. Criminal Defense Attorney, Law & Legal Defense, Los Angeles Criminal Defense, Robbery, Shoplifting, Theft |
A respectable family man, father of four, church deacon, soccer coach and community volunteer put on a wig and mask, took his gun out of the nightstand and tried to rob a bank before surrendering to police. A music minister used a handgun to force tellers to clean out their cash drawers then led police on a high-speed chase before surrendering. A policeman, pillar of his community and former high school valedictorian was arrested for robbing his hometown bank.
Armed robbery is the most dramatic, but burglary, theft and shoplifting are also on the rise. What’s unusual is that the crime wave is being committed by the most unlikely crooks, upstanding citizens who have fallen on such hard financial times that theft seems to be the only way out. In each of the cases noted above, the individual charged had fallen into a deep financial hole. Desperation driven by the poor economy, job loss or threat of foreclosure seemed to push each person over the edge from law-abiding citizen to wanted criminal.
Recent robberies committed through Craigslist ads are another example of recession-driven crime. Across the country people have been lured by Craigslist bargains only to be robbed when they show up, cash in hand, to purchase the bogus merchandise. Law enforcement officers offer the following tips for avoiding becoming the victim of an online theft scam:
- Keep control the meeting location by choosing the place and time.
- Meet in a public place with other people around.
- Transact business during daylight hours.
- Never go to the meeting site alone.
- Never take cash. Take a personal check, money order or use an online payment service like PayPal.
- If it seems too good to be true, it probably is!
In California theft is a serious crime and armed robbery can result in prison time, restitution, and loss of professional certificates and licenses. Even if life feels desperate, theft “comes with a lifetime of social judgment,” warns experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Stephen Rodriquez. “Trust cannot be bought. In all circles, honesty is highly valued. A criminal record of theft charges is hard to shake.”
If you are charged with theft or robbery, the early hiring of a skilled Los Angeles criminal defense attorney is crucial. An experienced theft defense attorney like Stephen Rodriguez understands the potential life-changing effect a theft charge can have and will provide the aggressive defense you need. An expert criminal defense attorney may even be able to arrange alternative sentencing so that you can avoid going to jail. If you have been charged with a theft crime, contact Stephen Rodriguez & Associates for a free evaluation of your case.
-LegalPro
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