Theft Offenses

Theft, in all of it’s many forms, is one of the single most common offenses in Georgia. In fact, a theft offense is probably prosecuted in every Municipal, State, and Superior court in Georgia every day. If you have been charged with a theft offense throughout the greater Atlanta area, I’m ready to help you. I handle cases in all courts within Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cobb County, Gwinnett County, Douglas county, Henry County, Newton County, Rockdale County, and many others.

Don’t be taken advantage of by hesitating to seek the advice of an experienced lawyer and jeopardizing your future. Contact me today for a free consultation and we’ll discuss your case.

Under Georgia law, the difference between a felony and misdemeanor theft offense is generally the amount of money involved in a crime. The greater the amount of money involved in a theft offense, the worse things get.

Shoplifting

This is a very common offense. Currently under Georgia law if the value of the item in question is less than $500.00 the offense is a misdemeanor. Anything over this amount is a felony. If you have three prior convictions for misdemeanor shoplifting, a fourth will be a felony.

There are several different types of shoplifting in Georgia. If you are suspected of shoplifting, the retail establishment has the right to detain you for a reasonable amount of time to investigate. Usually a police officer is called. If you are released on a copy of charges (just given a ticket or citation) or taken into custody the criminal process starts.

Many jurisdictions will consider allowing people accused of shoplifting for the first time to participate in pre-trial intervention or pre-trial diversion programs.

Other common theft offenses

Theft by Taking

You will be charged for theft by taking if you take someone else’s property, or have possession of someone else’s property without their permission. It doesn’t matter who took the item or how it was taken.

Theft by Deception

You will be charged with theft by deception if you use deceit or fraud to take someone else’s property.

Theft of Services

You will be charged with theft by deception if you intentionally avoid paying for services, accommodations, entertainment or the use of someone else’s property.

Carjacking, Grand Theft Auto or Entering Auto

You will be charged with carjacking, grand theft auto, or entering auto of you enter any motor vehicle with the intent to commit a theft or a felony.

Robbery

You will be charged with robbery if you take someone else’s property by force, intimidation, threat or coercion, sudden snatching, or by putting someone in fear of immediate serious bodily injury.

Armed Robbery

You will be charged with armed robbery if you commit a robbery with a weapon or anything that looks like a weapon.

What Can Happen?

Depending on the type of theft offense, you could be subject to sentences ranging from pre-trial intervention and pre-trial diversion alternatives, to life in prison.

IF YOU OR YOUR CHILD IS ARRESTED FOR A THEFT OFFENSE, call Hirsch Criminal Defense now at (678) 561-0411 or fill out the form for a free consultation.