If you have been accused of theft, you can face more than just damage to your personal reputation. A criminal conviction can lead to steep fines, jail time, and other consequences that follow you for years. Instead of taking the risk of defending yourself in court, let a dedicated criminal defense attorney assist you with fighting back.
An Atlanta theft lawyer can handle every aspect of your case, from evaluating the state’s evidence to determining the best strategy at trial. The right legal counsel could give you the best shot at avoiding a guilty verdict.
Theft is the act of taking someone else’s property without their permission with the intent of depriving them of it. This offense can cover a wide range of allegations, from shoplifting from a convenience store to keeping a borrowed car with the intent of never returning it.
To secure a conviction, the government must prove several elements beyond a reasonable doubt. They must show that the property in question belonged to someone else. There must also be evidence that the accused took that thing of value for their own benefit with the intention of depriving the owner of it.
Theft is not always limited to taking something without permission. It can also involve conversion, where the accused unlawfully retains property entrusted to them temporarily. An Atlanta theft attorney can assess these allegations and develop a strong defense strategy.
The value of the allegedly stolen property largely determines the severity of the consequences upon conviction. If the total value is less than $1,500, the state may classify the offense as a misdemeanor, carrying a maximum jail term of one year. If the value exceeds this amount, the state classifies it as a felony.
The potential sentence increases as the value of the allegedly stolen property rises. For property worth between $5,000 and $25,000, a defendant faces one to ten years in prison. At the highest level, a guilty verdict can result in up to 20 years of incarceration.
There are different ways for an Atlanta theft attorney to fight these charges. One common approach is to argue that the defendant had consent to take the property. This can be a useful approach when the entire case is based on an honest misunderstanding. There may also be grounds to argue that the accused lacked the necessary intent to commit the crime. Keep in mind that the state must show an intent to interfere with the owner’s possession.
A common defense strategy targets weaknesses in the state’s case. The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt—a high standard that is often difficult to meet.
Allegations of stealing can have a lasting impact on your reputation, but they pale in comparison to the consequences of a criminal conviction. The stakes are high in these cases, which makes the support of skilled legal counsel vital.
Now is the time to put your trust in an Atlanta theft lawyer. Reach out today to discuss your defense options during a private consultation.
