This week a Midvale City Councilman plead guilty to obtain a plea agreement in regards to the theft charges against him. Wayne Sharp, who was elected into office as a city council member in 1998, was caught stealing parts and tools from a neighbors tool shed. Sharp was originally charged with three separate third degree felonies after he had broke into the neighbors shed and stolen a welding machine, engines, and a cement mixer. Sharp reportedly had sold some of the items but the cement mixer was found in his garage. Sharp plead guilty in exchange for having the charges reduced to two class A misdemeanors for attempted burglary and theft.
Utah Theft & Burglary Laws
Utah’s theft laws allow for charges to increase based on the value of the merchandise stolen. So a charge can range from a misdemeanor for stealing a candy bar to a serious felony for higher priced items. Although burglary and theft are often considered the same thing in common language, in the legal system burglary is defined as entering or remaining in a building with an intent to commit a theft, assault, felony, or a list of other crimes.
Utah Criminal Defense Attorney | Defending Against Theft Crime Charges
If you or a loved one has been charged with theft or burglary then call the lawyers at Salcido Law Firm. Our attorneys have helped hundreds of clients in their criminal defense cases and they know how to get the best outcome available. Regardless of the circumstances of your case we can make sure that the governments charges aren’t overbearing and that they have all the facts they need to prove their case. Call or email us today to set up a free consultation, we can answer your questions with no charge to you.