Why do people steal?
In our 60 years of combined experience, we have met many people who feel compelled to steal not because of financial need, but because of a psychological need, kleptomania or obsessive-compulsive disorder. If you have been arrested for shoplifting, petty theft, or any other theft, you need to deal with the criminal charges no matter what the reason behind the crime might have been. Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP can defend you against the charges and we will help you find the resources you need to deal with any psychological compulsion you may have to steal. We are 100 percent on your side. Our attorneys want to get you through this ordeal so you can get your life back.
Following are some helpful resources and information regarding this important topic:
- “The Psychology of Stealing”is a manual written by Steven Houseworth, a practicing juvenile justice counselor for the past 25 years. Mr. Houseworth is a co-founder of THEFT TALK Counseling Service Inc., a counseling psychology graduate of Lewis & Clark College, and a college instructor. A theft offender counselor for more than two decades, Mr. Houseworth wrote the manual for professional counselors, psychologists, therapists, social workers, practitioners, counselors, judges, and probation and corrections officers.
- Mental Help NetKleptomania is a mental disorder associated with a compulsive need to steal. The symptoms include a heightened tension that is relieved only by stealing something that has no particular value to the person stealing. The stealing is not committed to express anger or vengeance and is not in response to a delusion or a hallucination.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder FoundationThe Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation is an international not-for-profit organization composed of people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders, their families, friends, professionals and other concerned individuals. Founded by a group of individuals with OCD in 1986, the mission of the OCF is to educate the public and professional communities about OCD and related disorders; to provide assistance to individuals with OCD and related disorders, their family and friends; and to support research into the causes and treatments of OCD and related disorders.
If you suffer from a psychological disorder, such as kleptomania or obsessive-compulsive disorder, that compels you to steal, you have our sympathy and our hopes for your full recovery. We are ready to help you with your criminal theft charges in the Los Angeles area.
