Brunswick Theft Crimes Defense Attorney
Theft crime charges can be filed in Georgia when someone has allegedly stolen property or other items of value, like services, with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of the property or evading payment for the service rendered.
Additionally, in Georgia, theft charges can be filed for allegedly receiving stolen property, extorting someone else, returning rental equipment to the wrong location with the owner having no reasonable knowledge of that location, and in various other situations.
At Jason Clark, P.C., our Brunswick defense lawyer, Jason Clark, has more than 10 years of experience defending the accused against various types of theft charges. Known for his diligence and effective legal advocacy, Attorney Jason Clark can help you determine your best defense options – and then help you craft a strong defense to position your theft case for the best possible outcome.
Misdemeanor versus Felony Theft Crime Charges in Georgia
In Georgia, theft crime charges will either be:
Misdemeanors
When the item(s) allegedly stolen was worth no more than $1500 – Upon conviction, these theft charges can be punishable by up to one year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. When the resulting jail sentence is for a term of six months or less, it may be possible to serve time over non-work days (such as weekends).
Felonies
When the item(s) allegedly stolen was valued between $1500 and $24,999.99 – Upon conviction, these theft charges can be punishable by at least one year, up to a maximum of 10 year, in prison. If the value of the item(s) allegedly stolen was $25,000 or more, a conviction can be punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Felony theft charges may also be filed in Georgia when someone is accused of stealing or taking:
- Anhydrous ammonia
- An explosive, firearm or destructive device
- A motor vehicle worth at least $100
- Items of value while telemarketing, providing home improvement services or using a computer
- Bank or government property, when the alleged perpetrator is an employee of the bank or government.
In some of these cases, a conviction may be punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Georgia Theft Charges: More Important Information
Shoplifting
In Georgia, shoplifting charges will typically be elevated from misdemeanors to felonies when the value of the property allegedly shoplifted exceeded $500 or when the shoplifting has allegedly occurred at three different stores in the same county over a 7-day period (and the property taken was valued at more than $100).
Judicial Discretion
Georgia law provides judges with some discretion to file misdemeanor charges, rather than felonies, in certain cases/circumstances. Having an attorney on your side who understands how to sway this discretion in your favor can be integral to achieving a favorable outcome in your case.
Defense Options
While the best defense options for a theft case will vary according to the details of the case, just a few possibilities may include arguing that the accused person was wrongly identified as the perpetrator and/or (s)he was illegally searched during the investigation.
Contact Brunswick Criminal Defense Attorney Jason Clark
If you have been charged with a theft crime, contact Brunswick Criminal Defense Lawyer Jason Clark for effective help protecting your freedom, reputation and future.
To find out more about how Brunswick Attorney Jason Clark can help you, call 912.264.1999 or by using the request form.
From offices based in Brunswick, Attorney Jason Clark provides superior defense representation to clients throughout Brunswick, Darien, St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Woodbine, Kingsland, St. Mary’s, Glynn County, McIntosh County, Camden County, the state of Georgia, and the U.S.
