Alexander City Theft Crime Defense Attorneys

Being charged with a theft crime – whether it is a misdemeanor shoplifting charge or a felony offense – can have serious consequences. A conviction can lead to fines, jail time and a criminal record that can impact your employment and future opportunities. You need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

Protecting Your Rights And Your Future

At Radney, Radney & Jackson, LLC, our attorneys understand the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding theft charges. Our attorneys provide skilled and dedicated representation to individuals facing a wide range of theft crimes in Alexander City and throughout the state. We handle everything from shoplifting and petty theft to burglary, robbery and embezzlement.

Our lawyers believe in a thorough and proactive approach. We carefully investigate the circumstances of the alleged theft, examine the evidence against you and explore all possible defenses. We work tirelessly to have the charges reduced or dismissed, and we are always prepared to fight for you in court.

Your Theft Questions Answered

A theft charge can leave you with many questions about your legal rights and options. Here are some of the questions we hear most often from our clients:

What is considered theft?

Theft involves intentionally taking someone else’s property without their consent. This can include shoplifting, burglary, robbery, embezzlement and fraud. The specific charge depends on the value of the property and the circumstances of the alleged crime.

What are the different categories of theft and the associated charges in Alabama?

In Alabama, the law groups theft under several related offenses, and the potential charge depends on the value of the property, the type of property and the circumstances of the taking. The legal penalties can range from a misdemeanor to a serious felony with prison time and fines.

Theft of property

Theft of property is the broad category for unlawfully taking someone else’s property with the intent to deprive the owner of it. In Alabama, the degree of the charge depends on the property’s value or whether the item is protected property, such as a car, firearm or controlled substance.

First-degree theft is the most serious and can be charged as a Class B felony, often involving property worth over a higher dollar amount or theft of a motor vehicle regardless of value. Second-degree theft is a Class C felony and can involve property above a lower threshold. Third-degree theft is a Class D felony or sometimes a misdemeanor. Felony convictions can bring prison sentences, probation, restitution and fines.

Theft of lost property

Theft of lost property involves finding property that belongs to another person and keeping it or failing to take reasonable steps to return it, while intending to keep it permanently. Alabama treats this as theft when the person knows or should know that the owner can be found.

The degree of the offense depends on the value and type of property. If the value is high or the property is specially protected, the charge can rise to a felony; lower-value property may lead to a misdemeanor or a lower-level felony charge. Penalties can include jail or prison time, restitution and a permanent criminal record.

Theft of services

Theft of services covers using services without paying for them, such as utility services, hotel rooms, restaurant services or transportation. The seriousness of the offense will depend on the value of the services obtained. Smaller amounts may result in a misdemeanor-type charge, while larger amounts can become a felony.

Shoplifting and retail theft

Shoplifting is the act of removing merchandise from a store without paying, switching price tags, concealing goods or otherwise depriving a retailer of property. The level of the charge depends heavily on the value of the merchandise and any prior theft history. Lower-value shoplifting may be charged at a lower level, while repeated conduct or higher-value theft can become a felony.

Retail theft convictions can lead to jail or prison, fines, community supervision and a civil demand from the store besides criminal penalties.

Receiving stolen property

Receiving stolen property occurs when someone knowingly obtains, possesses or disposes of property that another person stole. To prove the offense, prosecutors must show that the person knew the property was stolen or had reason to believe it was stolen. The charge level depends on the value and type of property, much like theft charges.

Depending on the facts, the offense may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Penalties can include jail or prison time, restitution and forfeiture of property.

Theft by deception, fraud or conversion

This type of theft happens when a person uses lies, false promises or misrepresentations to obtain property, money or services. Examples include scams, embezzlement-like conduct, false billing or misusing another person’s funds.

In Alabama, these offenses are often prosecuted under theft statutes or related fraud laws. The charge will depend on the amount of money or value involved and the method used. Larger losses can lead to felony charges with significant prison time, while smaller losses may result in lesser charges.

Motor vehicle theft

Alabama usually charges motor vehicle theft as a higher-level theft offense, no matter the vehicle’s exact value, because the law gives special protection to vehicles. A conviction can lead to felony charges, along with potential prison time, fines, probation and restitution. If someone took the vehicle during another crime, prosecutors may bring additional charges.

Burglary-related theft

If someone takes property during an unlawful entry into a home, business or vehicle, prosecutors may charge both theft and burglary. Burglary carries more serious penalties because it involves entering a place unlawfully with the intent to commit a crime inside. Alabama’s burglary charges can lead to significant penalties, and prosecutors may also charge the theft separately, depending on the facts of the case.

Penalties and sentencing considerations

In Alabama, the penalties for theft vary based on the offense degree and the individual’s criminal history. Misdemeanor-level theft can result in jail, fines and restitution, while felony theft can lead to prison sentences, supervision after release and large fines.

Prior convictions, use of force, theft from vulnerable victims, and theft involving firearms or large amounts of money can increase punishment.

If I have been arrested for shoplifting, what charges will I face?

Shoplifting charges vary depending on the value of the stolen goods. It can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Even a misdemeanor shoplifting conviction can have lasting consequences.

If I know I am under investigation for a theft crime, do I still need a lawyer?

Absolutely. Having a criminal defense attorney by your side from the beginning is crucial. We can protect your rights during the investigation and potentially prevent charges from being filed in the first place.

Do Not Wait – Contact Us Today

If you are facing a theft charge in Alabama, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact our lawyers at Radney, Radney & Jackson, LLC, in Alexander City at 256-570-6139, or complete our online form to schedule a consultation. We will discuss your case, answer your questions and provide the strong legal advocacy you need.