Theft and larceny charges in Columbia, South Carolina create permanent criminal records that employers interpret as dishonesty—destroying careers in retail, healthcare, education, finance, and countless other fields even when accusations involve minor shoplifting, misunderstandings, or first-time mistakes.
Available 24/7 - Immediate Response for Theft and Larceny Charges
Whether arrested for petit larceny at Columbiana Centre, charged with grand larceny after workplace allegations, accused of stealing from an employer on Two Notch Road, or facing theft by conversion claims involving disputed property, South Carolina's theft statutes criminalize a broad range of conduct carrying jail time, fines, and consequences lasting decades beyond any sentence.
Matt McGuire has defended theft and larceny charges in Columbia for over three decades, understanding how innocent people get accused based on misunderstandings, how relationship disputes escalate into theft allegations, and how prosecutors pursue convictions that destroy employment prospects for people who made momentary mistakes. Call (888) 499-5738 now for 24/7/365 representation.
Theft defense demands attorneys who understand property value classifications, pretrial intervention eligibility, and how to protect clients from convictions that permanently brand them as dishonest.
Over 30 years understanding how South Carolina's theft value thresholds determine misdemeanor versus felony charges—and how to challenge inflated valuations.
Extensive experience securing PTI program eligibility for first-time offenders, resulting in dismissals and preserved employment opportunities.
Building defenses around lack of intent to steal—proving clients intended to pay, forgot items, or genuinely believed property was theirs.
Attacking surveillance footage, witness credibility, and loss prevention procedures that often fail to prove theft beyond reasonable doubt.
Understanding that theft convictions signal dishonesty to every future employer—fighting to preserve careers and professional licensing.
South Carolina theft law classifies charges by property value—understanding these distinctions is critical to minimizing consequences and protecting your future.
S.C. Code § 16-13-30 involves theft of property valued under $2,000, punishable by up to 30 days for first offense, escalating with repeat convictions.
Theft of property valued between $2,000 and $10,000 constitutes felony grand larceny carrying up to five years imprisonment.
Theft of property valued over $10,000 carries up to 10 years imprisonment in South Carolina Department of Corrections.
S.C. Code § 16-13-110 with same value-based classifications and enhanced penalties for repeat offenders at Columbia retailers.
Prosecuted as breach of trust with fraudulent intent when employees steal from employers, carrying enhanced penalties beyond standard theft.
Lawfully obtaining property then unlawfully converting it to your own use, including failing to return rental equipment or borrowed items.
Third and subsequent theft convictions require judges to impose 30 days to one year imprisonment regardless of circumstances—prior record matters significantly.
When a theft accusation threatens to define your entire future, you need an attorney who sees beyond the charge to protect the person and career at stake.
Recognizing that theft charges often arise from misunderstandings, disputes, or momentary lapses—not criminal intent that should destroy careers.
Every defense strategy considers long-term employment consequences, professional licensing impacts, and record implications beyond immediate penalties.
Aggressively pursuing pretrial intervention, civil compromise, and dismissal options that avoid convictions appearing on background checks.
Providing realistic evaluations of charges, evidence strength, and likely outcomes so you can make informed decisions about your case.
Available 24/7 because theft arrests often occur unexpectedly at stores, workplaces, or during traffic stops—requiring immediate legal guidance.
Understanding how theft accusations arise reveals defense opportunities and weaknesses in prosecution cases throughout Columbia.
Arrests at Village at Sandhill, Harbison Boulevard stores, or downtown Columbia retailers where loss prevention detains customers and calls police.
Workplace investigations at Columbia employers where internal audits lead to criminal referrals, often with questionable evidence.
Roommate or relationship accusations arising from breakups, evictions, or domestic situations where property ownership is disputed.
Vehicle theft or unauthorized use allegations when borrowing situations, family disputes, or misunderstandings become criminal charges.
Cases involving disputed transactions, bounced checks, or civil matters that employers or alleged victims criminalize.
Allegations involving tools, materials, or equipment from Columbia-area building sites monitored by contractors.
Theft charges require attorneys who understand Columbia courts, pretrial intervention programs, and how to negotiate resolutions protecting your employment future.
Matt McGuire has defended theft and larceny charges throughout Columbia for over 30 years, securing dismissals and protecting clients from career-ending convictions.
Extensive experience navigating Richland and Lexington County pretrial intervention programs, resulting in dismissals for eligible first-time offenders.
30+ years practicing in Columbia courts creates credibility with prosecutors and judges essential to negotiating favorable resolutions.
Attacking inflated appraisals prosecutors use to elevate misdemeanors to felonies—obtaining independent valuations that reduce charge classifications.
Arranging agreements where alleged victims drop criminal charges in exchange for restitution—eliminating convictions entirely.
Effective theft defense challenges intent, ownership, value, and procedural violations to achieve dismissals, reduced charges, or alternative resolutions.
Successful PTI completion results in dismissals eligible for expungement—completely removing arrests from your record as if they never occurred.
Theft convictions create permanent records affecting employment across all industries—understanding consequences underscores the importance of aggressive defense.
Crimes involving moral turpitude destroy employment opportunities in positions requiring trust or financial responsibility across all industries.
Up to 30 days for first petit larceny, escalating to mandatory minimums of 30 days to one year for third and subsequent convictions.
Grand larceny creates barriers to professional licensing, voting rights, firearm ownership, and housing opportunities.
Theft convictions signal dishonesty to employers conducting background checks—eliminating opportunities across career paths.
Nurses, teachers, accountants, real estate agents, and licensed professionals face disciplinary proceedings for theft convictions.
Non-citizens face deportation as theft constitutes crime involving moral turpitude under federal immigration law.
What you say and do during theft arrests dramatically impacts your case—understanding your rights protects against self-incrimination.
Invoke Fifth Amendment with loss prevention officers and police by stating "I want my lawyer and will not answer questions."
Do not sign confessions or statements presented by store security, employers, or police admitting theft before consulting Matt McGuire.
Do not consent to searches of bags, vehicles, phones, or homes—force officers to articulate probable cause or obtain warrants.
Loss prevention officers have limited detention authority—challenge legality when security detains you beyond reasonable investigation time.
Do not explain where you got property, why you had items, or your intentions—innocent explanations become incriminating evidence at trial.
Contact (888) 499-5738 immediately after arrest, before making statements that cannot be retracted.
Those facing theft charges have urgent questions about consequences, defenses, and protecting their futures. Here are direct answers based on South Carolina law.
Property value determines classification. Under $2,000 is petit larceny (misdemeanor). $2,000-$10,000 is felony grand larceny (up to 5 years). Over $10,000 is felony grand larceny (up to 10 years).
First-time offenders may qualify for Pretrial Intervention in Richland and Lexington Counties. Successful completion results in dismissal and potential expungement.
Lack of intent is a complete defense to theft. Proving you intended to pay, got distracted, or genuinely forgot items can result in dismissal.
Dismissed charges and successful PTI completions are eligible for expungement. Convictions generally cannot be expunged under South Carolina law.
Employers can terminate for arrests, not just convictions. Fighting charges aggressively to achieve dismissal or alternative resolution protects employment.
Ownership disputes are common defenses. Proving you had legitimate claim, partial ownership, or permission to possess property negates theft charges.
Never pay restitution without attorney consultation. Payment can be characterized as admission of guilt. Strategic timing of restitution offers may facilitate better resolutions.
Loss prevention has limited detention authority. Illegal detention may provide grounds to suppress evidence or challenge charges entirely.
With over 30 years of experience defending South Carolina, McGuire Law provides elite legal representation with national recognition. McGuire Law has grown from a small practice into one of the most trusted law firms in South Carolina.
McGuire Law is committed to each client's unique situation, and we don't believe in boilerplate solutions. Every case requires careful analysis, strategic planning, and aggressive representation.
Matt McGuire received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina.
Matt has served as a law clerk for a State Circuit Judge, an Assistant Attorney General for the State of South Carolina, and an Assistant Solicitor in the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office.
Matt is a proud husband, father of two, and a long-time resident of Richland County, South Carolina.
South Carolina law classifies theft by property value—creating felony charges when amounts exceed $2,000 and misdemeanors for lesser values—but even misdemeanor theft convictions signal dishonesty to every future employer conducting background checks. Matt McGuire protects your future. Call McGuire Law now.
Matt McGuire has defended theft and larceny charges throughout Columbia and South Carolina for over 30 years, securing dismissals, pretrial intervention, and protecting clients from theft convictions in all Richland and Lexington County courts. Call (888) 499-5738 immediately after arrest, before making statements that cannot be retracted or clarified later.
