Theft in Birmingham

There are hundreds of theft offenses that can be charged in Alabama, each of which is more serious than the next. While being charged with theft does not mean that you will be convicted of the offense alleged, the charge should be taken seriously to ensure that it does not become a conviction, based on a lack of action in developing a defense.

A criminal conviction could result in incarceration, fines, and/or any other requirement that the court deems necessary.

If you have been charged with any theft offense in Birmingham, it is imperative that you find a theft defense attorney in Birmingham with extensive knowledge of Alabama’s theft laws and that will aggressively defend your rights.

Theft in Alabama is knowingly obtaining or exerting unauthorized control over another’s property with intent to deprive the owner. Theft may also include taking services without payment, receiving stolen property, using deception to gain control over another’s property, and extortion.

The value of the property and, in some cases, the circumstance surrounding the theft dictate the classification of the type of theft charged. When the value of the theft exceeds $2,500, it is first-degree theft, which is a Class B felony. Class B felonies are punishable by two to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine that does not exceed a $30,000.

When the value of the item taken exceeds $500 but is not greater than $2,500, the accused may be charged with second-degree theft, which is a Class C felony.

Additionally, regardless of the value of the theft, theft of credit cards, controlled substances, and firearms automatically constitute a Class C felony. This felony is punishable by, at least, 366 days’ incarceration, or as long as 10 years’ imprisonment and up to $15,000 fine.

The lowest classification of theft offenses in Alabama is third-degree theft, which is a Class A misdemeanor. If the value of the property taken is less than $500, it is punishable as a Class A misdemeanor. The penalties for Class A misdemeanors include fines up to $6,000 and incarceration for up to one year.

A Birmingham theft attorney can assist in building a defense unique to the specific charge, facts, and circumstances of an individual’s

In addition to any penalties that are issued by the judge during the sentencing phase in a criminal case or as set forth in the plea agreement, a guilty conviction for a felony offense typically has consequences that extend beyond probation.

Those convicted of felonies lose the right to legally own a firearm, become candidates for elected positions, and may lose the right to vote.

Since Alabama legislatures have not established a definitive list of criminal acts that constitute crimes of moral turpitude, whether a person convicted of theft charges will be able to vote is dependent on each county’s election registrar’s determination.

Accordingly, the penalties for a theft conviction, beyond what is ordered by the court, can have a significant impact on the remainder of a person’s life, but a theft lawyer in Birmingham can help.

While theft charges may seem like minor offenses, the penalties for a conviction can last a lifetime and all of the consequences may not be immediately known.

It is important that you have an expert theft lawyer that can aggressively defend your rights in an effort to get the best outcome possible. Contact a knowledgeable Birmingham theft attorney immediately to have your case assessed.