THEFT DEFENSE ATTORNEY IN GUNTERSVILLE, ALABAMA

Property crimes rates in Alabama continue to rise, according to recent statistics. In 2019, there were over 92,000 cases of theft reported across the state. If you have found yourself in the unfortunate position of facing a theft charge, you should know your rights and what to expect. Having an experienced Alabama criminal defense attorney in your corner can go a long way towards helping you fight these charges and seek a successful outcome.

Guntersville Law, LLC is a firm that is proud to help individuals through tough situations. No matter what charges you may be facing, the attorneys at Guntersville Law, LLC are prepared to offer you the guidance and representation that you need. If you live in or around Guntersville, Alabama and you’ve been charged with theft or a property crime, call or reach out today to schedule your own free consultation.

THEFT UNDER ALABAMA LAW

Theft occurs when someone takes another's property or services without authorization and with the intent to deprive the owner of their property or services. Taking someone else’s property or services can occur physically or by using deceptive measures. It's also considered theft to take lost property without using reasonable measures to find the owner.

Generally speaking, theft is an umbrella term that encompasses the taking of a variety of things. Some of the most common examples of theft include:

• Theft of Property - Stealing someone’s property, such as a car, clothing, or any other possession one owns.

• Theft of Valor - This may be a lesser-known type of theft. It encompasses the Congressional Medal of Honor or any other kind of award bestowed on someone, such as the Purple Heart.

• Theft of Trademark or Trade Secrets - This typically involves stealing something that has been trademarked or a trade secret from a business.

• Theft of Services - Not paying someone for any services that have been rendered.

• Theft of Lost Property - As stated above, this involves taking any lost property without taking any reasonable steps to identify and/or locate the owner.

• Receiving Stolen Property - This involves accepting any kind of stolen property with the knowledge that it has been stolen.

• Tampering with Availability of Gas, Water, or Electricity - This involves stealing or tampering with a source of gas, water, or electricity for unauthorized use.

It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive — there are other actions that constitute theft under Alabama state law.

CLASSIFICATION OF THEFT CHARGES

Not all theft charges are the same. There are different classifications of theft that can lead to different penalties. Theft charges are separated by degree — first, second, third, and fourth. The degree of theft is dependent on the value of what was stolen. The higher the value, the lower the degree. These varying degrees are as follows:

• Fourth-Degree Theft - Theft of property in the fourth degree is considered a Class A misdemeanor charge and involves any theft of property that does not exceed $500 in value. This also involves theft that does not occur between two individuals. For example, shoplifting from a store would be considered fourth-degree theft.

• Third-Degree Theft - Third-degree theft of property is considered a Class D felony charge and involves any theft of property that is valued between $500-$1,499.

• Second-Degree Theft - Theft of property in the second degree is considered a Class C felony charge and involves any theft of property that is valued between $1,500-$2,500.

• First-Degree Theft - First-degree theft of property is considered a Class B felony charge and involves any theft of property that exceeds $2,500 in value. The theft of a motor vehicle, regardless of its value, is also considered first-degree theft.

It’s important to remember that the degree of theft also affects the severity of the punishment. Felonies in Alabama will typically be met with harder punishment than misdemeanors, and the lowest tier of theft (fourth-degree theft) can be classified as a misdemeanor.

YOU DESERVE A STRONG LEGAL DEFENSE

If the person who committed the theft honestly believed, at the time of the alleged offense, that they had a valid claim to the property or services taken, that can be used as a theft defense. This is typically one of the most common defenses, but it can be hard to prove in a court of law. That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney working with you to craft a strong defense that can help you fight the charges against you.

Having an attorney who will protect your rights and provide an aggressive defense for you in court can help you and your future in the long run. Whether you have been charged with theft, larceny, or any other charges under the umbrella of theft, the process is one you don’t want to go through alone. If you or someone you know has been charged with theft, don’t wait. Call or reach out to Guntersville Law, LLC today for reliable legal guidance and aggressive representation.