Theft Crimes

Gwinnett County Theft Crimes Lawyers

Defending Against Theft Crimes in Walton & Clarke Counties 

Theft is the illegal taking of another person’s property without their freely-given consent. While the consequences of a conviction will vary depending on the value of the property in question and whether or not you have criminal history, having a theft crime on your record can severely hurt your chances of obtaining a job, housing, or loans. 

Get help from experienced Gwinnett County criminal defense lawyers by calling Crawford and Boyle, LLC, today. We offer free consultations to help you understand what to do next and protect your future.

Dial (678) 726-5400 now and schedule your free consultation. 

What Constitutes a Theft Crime in GA?

In Georgia, theft crimes encompass a variety of unlawful actions involving the taking or use of someone else’s property with the intent to deprive them of it permanently. 

Here are the primary categories and definitions:

  • Theft by Taking: This occurs when a person unlawfully takes or appropriates property belonging to someone else with the intention of depriving the owner of it. This is the most general form of theft.
  • Theft by Deception: This involves obtaining property by deceitful means, such as false representation or impersonation, to convince the owner to part with their property.
  • Theft by Conversion: This happens when someone who has lawful possession of someone else’s property converts it to their own use without permission, such as a bailee who uses property for personal gain.
  • Theft by Shoplifting: This specific form of theft involves taking merchandise from a retail establishment with the intent to appropriate it without paying. Actions constituting shoplifting include concealing items, altering price tags, transferring merchandise to different containers, or otherwise removing items from the store without payment.
  • Theft of Services: This occurs when a person obtains services, entertainment, accommodations, or utilities without paying and with the intent to avoid payment.
  • Theft by Receiving Stolen Property: This crime is committed when a person receives, disposes of, or retains stolen property knowing or having reasonable grounds to believe it was stolen.
  • Theft by Extortion: This involves unlawfully obtaining property from someone else through the use of threats or coercion.

The penalties for theft crimes in Georgia vary based on the value of the stolen property and the specifics of the offense:

  • Misdemeanor Theft: Typically involves property valued at $1,500 or less. Penalties may include up to one year in jail and fines.
  • Felony Theft: Generally applies to property valued over $1,500. Felony penalties can include more than one year of imprisonment, substantial fines, and other legal consequences.

Repeat offenses, theft involving certain types of property (such as government or public utility property), and theft from vulnerable individuals can result in more severe penalties.

Types of Theft Crimes in Georgia

While it can be easy to generalize theft crimes as simply running off with another’s property, the truth is those crimes can also happen unwittingly. You may have been charged with theft for something you either did not steal at all or were given as a gift. Making a clear case will provide you the best chance at a favorable outcome.

Types of theft include:

Intent is an important element of proving any crime. Theft crimes in particular require the state to prove that you either intended to steal or, in certain cases, should have known that items in your possession were stolen. Obviously, this is not always the case, but you can be sure that the prosecutor will do everything in his or her power to make it seem that you had criminal intent.

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