Fulton County Theft Lawyer

Fulton County Theft Attorney

If you or someone you care about is being charged with theft in Georgia, it’s important to know how the laws work and what the punishments are. Obtaining legal counsel from a Fulton County theft lawyer can have a big impact on your case by having the greatest criminal defense and protection of your rights.

Why Choose Us?

At Miller North & Brill, we know how hard it is to prove theft and what the consequences are if you are found guilty. Every case is carefully looked at by our dedicated staff, who look at data, ask witnesses, and point out problems with the prosecution’s case. We make custom defense plans that are meant to get you the most advantageous results, whether that means defending you strongly in court or working out a good plea deal.

We know the state’s theft laws, and we are committed to protecting your rights and future. We can give you a strong advocate in Fulton County who will work to get you acquitted or your fines dropped through the court system.

Defining Theft

Theft is the illegal taking of another person’s goods or services with the intention of denying the rightful owner access to them or their usage. This term covers a broad variety of behaviors, such as:

• Theft by taking. Taking anything tangible from someone, such as cash, electronics, cars, or real estate.
• Theft by deception. Convincing someone to part with money in exchange for a fictitious reward or other property.
• Theft by conversion. The misappropriation of assets entrusted to you, like in the case of an adult child, using money intended for the parent’s needs rather than personal needs.
• Theft by extortion. Obtaining property by threatening violence, public disgrace, or legal repercussions.

Different Theft Types and Penalties in Fulton County

The nature and value of the stolen goods or services determine how theft offenses are classified in Georgia. Penalties vary widely; they might be minor misdemeanors or major felonies. You can better understand the seriousness of possible charges by being aware of these categories.

• Misdemeanor theft. Most of the time, theft of goods or services worth $1,500 or less is categorized as a misdemeanor. Those convicted can face jail time and fines.
• Wobbler offenses. Wobbler offenses are a specific kind of offense that can be either a felony or misdemeanor. A judge may decide to sentence a thief who steals between $1,500 and $25,000 in goods or services as a misdemeanor or as a felony in the wobbler category.
• Felony theft. Felony thefts have harsher penalties than misdemeanor thefts. This includes much heftier fines and longer prison terms. Some offenses that can be considered felonies include theft of goods worth over $25,000, theft by deceiving those over 65 years old, and theft of explosives/weapons. The exact penalties will depend on the details of the crime, the circumstances, the victims, and the judge’s discretion.

The State’s Penalties for Shoplifting

A distinct kind of theft with its own set of laws is shoplifting. Shoplifting is defined as having the purpose of taking goods, which includes hiding things, changing price tags, or switching containers so that you don’t have to pay the full retail price. Shoplifting carries the following penalties in Georgia:

• Misdemeanor shoplifting is punished by up to a year in jail for items valued at $500 or less.
• Felony shoplifting carries a maximum sentence of ten years in jail for items valued at more than $500. Within a six-month period, several lesser shoplifting incidents may also result in felony charges.
• Repeat shoplifters are subject to harsher punishments, including jail sentences and required minimum fines.

How a Theft Lawyer Can Help

A theft lawyer can make a big difference in the outcome of your case by using their in-depth knowledge of the state’s theft rules and penalties. They can carefully look at the details of your case to come up with a strong defense, whether it’s theft by taking, deception, conversion, or extortion.

A theft lawyer can talk to prosecutors about lowering the charges or looking for other ways to sentence a convicted person, which could help them escape any harsh penalties they may be facing. Their knowledge makes sure that your rights are protected throughout the court process, giving you the greatest chance of getting a good outcome.

FAQs About Fulton County, GA Theft Laws

How Do You Beat a Theft Charge by Taking Charge?

In Georgia, if you are charged with theft, your lawyer can question the prosecution’s evidence, question the intent to deprive, or show that you have the right to own or give permission. Some other defenses are not intending to steal, mistaken identity, or showing that the property wasn’t truly taken. Based on the details of the case, an experienced lawyer can also try to get the charges dropped or other sentencing options considered.

How Long Do You Go to Jail for Theft?

The value of the stolen property and the specifics of the offense determine the length of jail time for theft in the state. A misdemeanor theft conviction carries a maximum 12-month jail sentence. Depending on the value of the goods and the type of crime, felony theft carries a potential sentence of one to twenty years in prison.

How Much Is Petty Theft?

In Georgia, taking goods or services worth less than $1,500 is considered petty theft, which is also called misdemeanor theft. People who steal small amounts of money can get up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Repeat criminals may face harsher punishments, which could lead to felony charges and even more severe consequences.

Can Theft Charges Be Reduced?

Yes, in Georgia, theft charges can sometimes be reduced by negotiating a plea deal or showing proof that lessens the charges. A theft lawyer with extensive experience can try to get the charges dropped from a felony to a misdemeanor or look for other ways to reduce the person’s sentence.

Contact Miller North & Brill Today

If you have been accused of theft, an attorney at Miller North & Brill can help. We can analyze the details of your case, build an appropriate defense, fight for your rights, and strive for the greatest possible outcome. Contact us today for more information.