Pick-pocketing is often considered a “petty” offense, but it is actually a felony in Nevada. Depending on the victim, probation may not be an option for a pick-pocketing conviction.
Because of the serious nature of a pick-pocketing charge, you should contact a Las Vegas criminal attorney as soon as possible to defend you. There are defenses available to the Nevada crime of pick-pocketing that can help you avoid jail time or expensive fines, and a lawyer is in the best position to negotiate your sentence.
Pick-pocketing actually has a technical name in Nevada: the “taking property from person of another under circumstances not amounting to robbery.”
Robbery involves the use of force or the threat of force to remove property from on a person’s body, such as in a mugging. Pick-pocketing is different because the victim does not know that property has been stolen; he or she does not feel fear or threatened at all.
Nevada law treats certain victims of pick-pocketing differently from others. If a person is older (usually someone over the age of 60) or has a physical handicap, there are increased penalties for pick-pocketing them.
Pick-pocketing crimes are on the rise, especially in downtown Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department recently started a decoy program to catch pick-pocketing when it happens. Therefore, testimony of police officers may likely be evidence in a pick-pocketing case.
Nick Wooldridge has a long track record of representing clients accused of serious federal and state crimes in Nevada.
Like other theft crimes the sentence for a pick-pocketing conviction will depend on the value of the property stolen.
All theft crimes in Nevada require restitution to the victim on top of all the other penalties.
An experienced defense lawyer may be able to get your charges reduced to petit larceny, especially for a first time offense. In most cases, petit larceny is a misdemeanor, which means the penalties are not as harsh as the penalties for pick-pocketing, which is a felony.
Nick Wooldridge – a skillful Las Vegas defense lawyer – can discuss your case and your rights if you have been arrested for pick-pocketing. Contact LV Criminal Defense as soon as you can to avoid having a felony record for a pick-pocketing conviction in Nevada.
When I initially met with Mr. Wooldridge, he took the opportunity to sit and go over my problem with me. He described details in my case which he found disturbing and explained why he I should have him on my side.