Facing a Charge Involving Theft in Georgia? You Need an Experienced Legal Advocate.
If you’ve been charged with a crime involving theft in Georgia, you’re likely facing serious criminal consequences. Depending on the value of the property and the circumstances of the case, theft crimes can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties ranging from fines to years in prison.
At the Waid Law Firm, we defend clients accused of all types of theft crimes in Cobb County, Fulton County, and throughout the Atlanta metro area. Attorney Addison Waid is a former prosecutor who has experience with these cases and knows how to defend them successfully..
Whether this is your first, or a repeat offense, we can help.
Common Types of Theft Charges We Handle
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When a person unlawfully takes or appropriates any property of the owner, intending to deprive him of that property.
Misdemeanor:
Property valued at $1,500 or less
Felony:
Property valued over $1,500 and less than $5,000 in value: 1 to 5 years in prison, or, in the discretion of the judge, as for a misdemeanor
Property with a value of at least $5,000 and less than $25,000: 1 to 10 years in prison, or, in the discretion of the judge, as for a misdemeanor
Property exceeded the value of $24,999.99: 2 to 20 years in prison
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When a person unlawfully receives, disposes of, or retains stolen property that he knows or should know was stolen.
Misdemeanor:
Property valued at $1,500 or less
Felony:
Property valued over $1,500 and less than $5,000 in value: 1 to 5 years in prison, or, in the discretion of the judge, as for a misdemeanor
Property with a value of at least $5,000 and less than $25,000: 1 to 10 years in prison, or, in the discretion of the judge, as for a misdemeanor
Property exceeded the value of $24,999.99: 2 to 20 years in prison
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When a person, with the intent of appropriating merchandise to his or her own use without paying for the same or to deprive the owner of possession thereof or the value thereof, conceals or takes possession of the goods or merchandise, alters the price tag or other price marking on goods or merchandise, transfers the goods or merchandise of any store from one container to another, interchanges one price tag from one item of merchandise to another, or to wrongfully cause the amount paid to be less than the merchant’s stated price for the merchandise.
Misdemeanor:
Property valued at $500 or less
2nd offense carries a minimum fine of $500
3rd offense carries a minimum sentence of 30 days in jail
Felony:
Property valued over $500 carries a sentence of 1 to 10 years in prison,
4th or subsequent offense carries a sentence of 1 to 10 years in prison, and the first year may not be suspended or probated unless, in the court’s discretion, the prosecutor and defendant have agreed to suspend or probate any term of imprisonment
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When a person enters any vehicle with the intent to commit theft or a felony, even if nothing is taken.
Felony:
Punishable by 1 to 5 years or, at the court’s discretion, as a misdemeanor
Common Legal Defenses in Theft Cases
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Lack of Intent
You did not intend to deprive anyone of their property
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Claim of Right
You believed you had permission or ownership
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Mistaken Identity
No reliable evidence connects you to the crime
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Constructive Possession Issues
The property was not under your control
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Unlawful Search or Seizure
Constitutional violations may lead to suppression of
Why Clients Choose
The Waid Law Firm
✔ Former Prosecutor with In-Depth Theft Case Experience
✔ Personalized Strategy Based on the Facts of Your Case
✔ Skilled in Pretrial Motions, Suppression Hearings & Negotiation with Opposing Counsel
✔ Trusted in Cobb, Fulton, and Courts Across Metro Atlanta
✔ Focused on Protecting Your Rights and Your Future
Time matters. The earlier you involve an experienced attorney, the more options you have. If you've been arrested or are under investigation for theft, let us help you navigate your defense.
Get a free consultation
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation so we can discuss your case,
your needs, and your best options moving forward.