A person who steals a manhole cover to sell it as scrap metal may view this as a relatively minor offense. To the judicial system, however, stealing a manhole cover is considered grand larceny and can result in a jail sentence of up to a year. A man or woman arrested for this crime needs a Criminal Lawyer In Chicago for effective defense.
People who steal manhole covers commonly dress up to look like utility workers, perhaps with a yellow vest and hard hat. Nevertheless, they still are likely to arouse the suspicion of anyone who happens to be watching. Only one person might arrive to pick up the manhole cover and put it in a truck, for example. The job turns into a significant struggle because of the weight of this metal structure.
An even bigger red flag is when this person does not set up any warning signs, cones or barricades to keep traffic away from the open hole in the road. Often, though, the thieves actually do place cautionary devices by the space. They do not want anyone to get hurt or someone’s car to be ruined. They also want to look like a real employee of the department of public works.
Obviously, these individuals cannot simply bring manhole covers to scrap yards. They apparently find a black market for the equipment.
Whether innocent or guilty, a person charged with this offense needs an effective Criminal Lawyer In Chicago for legal representation. With representation by the Law Office of Ivan Rueda & Associates, you have a chance for the best possible outcome.
