Theft generally involves taking property. Burglary usually involves entering a place to commit a crime. Robbery involves taking property with force or threats. The details of what the state claims happened matter a lot.
Robbery And Theft Defense Attorney
Robbery, theft, and property crime charges in Racine, Kenosha, and throughout Wisconsin can follow you for years. Even when the value of the property is small, a conviction can affect your job, housing, reputation, and future opportunities. These cases often move quickly, making the decisions you make early in the process especially important.
Racine Defense represents clients charged with robbery, theft, and other property crimes with a trial-ready approach and a focus on the evidence. Many cases depend on proving ownership, value, intent, and identification. We carefully examine every aspect of the prosecution's case to challenge weak evidence, protect your rights, and pursue the best possible outcome.
The Basics Of Robbery And Theft Charges
Robbery and theft fall under “property crimes,” but they are not all treated the same. The charge depends on what the state claims happened and whether force, threats, or weapons were involved.
Common Types Of Property Crime Charges
Theft from a vehicle, a person, or a building
Retail theft and shoplifting allegations
Burglary
Robbery and armed robbery
Criminal damage to property
Identity theft and fraud-related charges
Theft from an employer
Taking and driving a vehicle without permission
Real Words From Clients
I told Attorney Dimmer up front that I wasn't the guy who shoplifted. He believed in me and went out of his way to obtain my work records, review video surveillance, and argue my position to the State. My case was dismissed--thanks Attorney Dimmer.
State v. E.D. (13 CF 307)
When attorney Brian Dimmer became my legal counsel I was finally able to see the light at the end of the tunnel I was traveling on. There's truly no words to thank him enough after almost a year criminal case battle the judge could finally see I wasn't a criminal just someone who made a mistake.
State v. S.B. (17 CM 2388)
Attorney Dimmer took his time with my case, and I received a better deal than I thought. Brian has made it where I will never go to court without him!
State v. R.M. (18 CT 848)
What You Are Up Against
Property crime cases can be more serious than most people expect. The penalties often depend on the alleged value of the property, the circumstances, and any prior history.
This Can Include:
Restitution claims and civil consequences
Fines, probation, or jail exposure
Felony charges in higher-value cases or certain offense types
Employment and licensing issues from a theft-related record
Immigration consequences in some situations
The right plan depends on what the state can prove and what evidence actually exists.
How We Defend Robbery And Theft Cases
Racine Defense builds a defense by testing the facts, the evidence, and the state’s assumptions. Many cases have weak points that are not obvious at first.
Challenging Ownership And Permission
A basic question in many cases is whether the property was truly owned by the complainant, and whether you had a right to it or permission to use it.
We look closely at:
Ownership records and receipts
Whether the property was shared or disputed
Whether permission existed, even informally
Whether the situation is a civil dispute being treated like a crime
Challenging Value And Charge Level
Value often determines how serious the charge is. When value is overstated, the charge may be inflated.
Racine Defense challenges:
How the property was valued and by whom
Whether the value reflects real market value
Whether the state is using the wrong valuation method
Whether alleged damage is being exaggerated
Challenging Whether You Actually Took Or Damaged Anything
The state still has to prove that you actually committed the act, not just that you were nearby or accused.
We scrutinize:
Identification issues and mistaken identity
Incomplete timelines and missing witnesses
Whether the evidence proves intent
Whether the claim is based on assumptions instead of proof
This is especially important in theft-from-employer cases, where access to inventory or money does not automatically prove wrongdoing.
Reviewing Surveillance, Records, And Physical Evidence
Property crime cases often rely on documents and video. A defense can rise or fall on what that evidence truly shows.
Racine Defense can review:
Surveillance footage and store video
Business records, inventory logs, and access records
Payment records and transaction history
Photos, damage reports, and repair estimates
Testing Witness Statements And Motives
Witness statements can be biased, incomplete, or influenced by conflict. Some complainants mainly want their property returned, not a conviction.
Racine Defense evaluates:
Whether statements are consistent over time
Whether a witness has a reason to exaggerate
Whether the complainant’s goals are actually about repayment or return
Whether the case can be resolved without unnecessary long-term harm
Trial-Ready Representation When It Matters
Some cases require litigation and trial preparation. When the state’s evidence is weak, or the charge is inflated, a trial-ready approach matters.
Racine Defense prepares cases with the expectation that the state must prove its case, not that you must accept the state’s version of events.
What To Do Next If You Were Charged
A Few Smart Steps Can Protect You
Do not talk about the case with anyone besides your attorney
Save texts, emails, receipts, and records tied to ownership or permission
Write down your timeline while it is still fresh
Do not contact the complainant without legal advice
Do not return items or pay money without a plan in place
Bring all court paperwork and notices to your consultation
Early choices can shape the entire case. Getting guidance early helps you avoid mistakes.
Why Clients Choose Racine Defense
People hire a defense lawyer for clarity and a real plan, not guesses.
What You Can Expect
When you choose Racine Defense, you get a defense strategy based on the facts of your case, clear updates at every step, and careful preparation aimed at the best result. We know every case is unique, so we listen to your goals, explain your choices, and build a plan that fits your needs. Whether your case involves negotiations, hearings, or trial, we work hard to protect your rights and help you move forward with confidence.
A defense approach built around facts and procedure
Clear communication about next steps
A strategy that fits your goals and your family situation
Strong preparation for hearings, motions, and trial when needed
Find out more about what it’s like to work with Racine Defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Value is often a major driver of charge severity and penalties. If value is inflated or unsupported, it may be challenged.
Some cases are really civil disputes that got pulled into criminal court. Ownership, permission, and context are critical in these situations.
Video can help either side, but it also gets misread. It matters whether the video is clear, complete, and matches the timeline the state claims.
It depends on the evidence, the value, and the goals of the case. Some cases can be resolved in ways that reduce long-term damage, but it requires a plan and careful handling.
Bring your citation or charging documents, any receipts or records tied to ownership or permission, any messages with the complainant, and a written timeline of what happened.
Protect Your Rights and Your Future
If you are facing robbery or theft charges, you do not need to guess your way through it. Get clear answers, a plan, and a defense strategy built for your situation.
Robbery, theft, and property crime charges can put your freedom, reputation, and future opportunities at risk. Racine Defense provides experienced legal representation and a defense strategy tailored to your case.