Cumming Theft Lawyer

Charged with Theft or Shoplifting in Cumming or Alpharetta, GA? Contact Us Now

Being charged with stealing, whether theft was your intention or not, is a stressor for you and your family. If convicted, you may incur prison time and high fines, and your conviction will remain on your permanent record.

Our highly knowledgeable theft attorneys are here to help. We will ask questions that may assist in your defense. Our questions may include: when arrested, were you treated poorly? Were your rights violated by the arresting officer? This is a time when it is imperative to have an experienced criminal lawyer by your side. An advocate who can investigate every detail and prepare a solid defense.

Accused of theft or shoplifting? Speak with a theft attorney now for a free legal consultation. We serve in Cumming and Alpharetta.
Call (770) 574-6688 or reach out online to get started.

What is Theft and Shoplifting in Georgia?

The defense advocates at Miles Hansford, LLC, know how upsetting an arrest can be. We can help you understand the charges and their consequences, and possible outcomes. Shoplifting and theft of any type are serious crimes.

The main aspects of shoplifting include:

• Taking an item without paying
• An intent to deprive an owner of possession
• Altering or changing a price tag
• Transferring an item from one container to another
• Wrongfully causing the payment amount to be less than the item’s retail value

Theft is the intent of a person or a group of persons to deprive an owner of his or her property.

What are the Potential Penalties for Theft and Shoplifting in Georgia?

Georgia law covers a broad range of theft-related offenses, each with specific definitions, penalties, and legal considerations. Understanding the differences between these offenses and how they may apply to your situation is crucial when building a defense. Some of the most common types of theft charges in Georgia include:

Shoplifting

Shoplifting is a form of theft that occurs when an individual unlawfully takes merchandise from a retail store with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. Shoplifting charges can result from actions such as concealing items in a bag, switching price tags, or intentionally bypassing checkout procedures.

Shoplifting penalties in Georgia can range from misdemeanor charges for small thefts to felony charges for large-scale thefts. For a first offense, shoplifting is typically charged as a misdemeanor, which can result in:

• A fine of up to $1,000
• Up to 12 months of probation
• Up to 1 year in jail

However, repeat offenders or those caught shoplifting high-value items may face felony charges.

Petit Theft (Misdemeanor Theft)

Petit theft, also known as misdemeanor theft, occurs when a person steals property valued at less than $1,500. This offense is typically charged when the stolen goods have a relatively low value, such as clothing, electronics, or other items found in stores or homes.

Petit theft charges are typically classified as misdemeanors. A conviction can result in:

• A fine of up to $1,000
• Up to 12 months in jail
• Probation or community service

Grand Theft (Felony Theft)

Grand theft, or felony theft, involves the theft of property valued at $1,500 or more. This offense carries more serious penalties, including longer prison sentences and larger fines. The severity of the charge is based on the value of the stolen property, and it may involve various types of property, such as vehicles, jewelry, or large quantities of merchandise.

Grand theft is classified as a felony. The penalties for felony theft in Georgia include:

• 1 to 10 years in prison
• A fine of up to $100,000
• Restitution to the victim for the value of the stolen property

Theft by Taking

Theft by taking is a broad category of theft that encompasses various acts of taking property without the owner's consent, regardless of the type of property involved. It applies to situations where an individual knowingly takes someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it.

The penalties vary based on the value of the stolen property: If the value of the property is less than $1,500, the charge is typically a misdemeanor with possible penalties of up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. If the value of the property is $1,500 or more, the charge is considered a felony with possible penalties of 1 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000.

Theft by Deception

Theft by deception occurs when an individual obtains property by knowingly using false representations or fraudulent claims to mislead the victim. This can include acts such as providing false information on a loan application, forging checks, or making false statements to gain access to another person’s assets.

The penalties depend on the value of the stolen property: If the property is valued at less than $1,500, the offense is usually classified as a misdemeanor, carrying potential penalties of up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. If the property is valued at $1,500 or more, the offense is treated as a felony, with possible penalties ranging from 1 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

Due to the differences in types of theft, it is important to have a highly knowledgeable advocate who knows the difference between misdemeanor and felony charges, and knows the law. We have defended hundreds of clients through court proceedings and can protect your rights too.

Additional Consequences

In addition to prison sentences and fines, theft convictions can also lead to other consequences, such as:

• Probation or parole
• Loss of professional licenses or job opportunities
• Damage to your personal and professional reputation
• Restrictions on future employment or housing

The potential for long-term consequences makes it essential to work with Cumming theft lawyers who can minimize the impact of the charges on your life.