Overview of The Negative Consequences of Stealing

Stealing is uncouth behavior or a bad idea that has put people in troubles and has affected the offenders in negative ways in their entire lives. Besides, stealing also has negative impacts on the society hence is usually minimized through laws. On the same note, it brings legal, social and personal consequences and punishment. There are different forms of stealing that range from burglary, theft by check, robbery, unauthorized use of someone’s property or cars, fraud, giving false shoplifting and information to credit agency among others. In most cases, the consequences of stealing can be a Class C misdemeanor, felony charges or death depending on the value of the items stolen and the circumstances where the activity occurs. Some people have received simple fines, community service, and jail terms among others. The most common consequences of stealing are explained in this essay.

Stealing is usually prohibited in the society. Thieves typically face negative consequences in the community including loss of trust between the members of the society and objection by the family members. Besides, some societies usually tag higher prices for the thieves to make up for the losses and commotions that they have caused business people and the entire society based on the destruction of reputation among others. In these states or societies, stealing is typically considered a crime of moral breach hence it is not recommended in the community standards. Most people treat it as bad moral, dishonesty and after being charged due to the behavior, the person has to bear the permanent criminal record for his or her entire life. Thus, it has a negative consequence in personality, respect, and diminishes a person’s opportunities in employment areas among others. On a similar version, if the perpetrator is an alien, then the person may face deportation and other migration consequences after conviction for the crime.

On a separate note, stealing under the law is a serious offense especially when the value or amount of stolen items is large or expensive. Besides, the law is harsh when the activity involves a confrontation with the victim. Thus, the penalties are usually severe especially when the offender had a firearm or any other weapon that endangers the victim. This is also coupled with situations where the victim is injured during the commission of stealing. Besides, the offenders who usually have previous stealing or any other criminal record get harsh punishment or sentences. This does not exempt first offenders since they have also broken the law.

When a person steals from a business person, the average cost is $ 300 per year which includes loss of goods, the security measures in place for the theft combat hence it has to be escalated to ensure maintenance of the same profit levels. Other charges include the cost of replacement of the different goods, damages regarding stress or any other problems developed as a result of the event. However, if the value of the stolen items worth less than $ 1,500 then the offender is usually convicted of a misdemeanor which results to fine, community service or jail term based on the circumstances. If the stolen item is above $ 3000, then the perpetrator can be charged with a felony and has to serve a prison sentence. Others charges can also be added based on the past records of the offender.

In conclusion, stealing usually has penalties and sentences which range for a felony to misdemeanor among others. However, the impacts of stealing in a person’s life are great irrespective of minor crime. Based on the criminal history of the perpetrator coupled with the jurisdiction of the offender, the act can have an adverse effect on a person’s life and for the future employment opportunities.

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