Being convicted of a theft crime in Birmingham, AL can have severe consequences. If you are accused of theft, you need an experienced Birmingham theft crimes attorney to handle your case. Call the lawyers at Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. at (205) 930-9800 today.
A conviction for theft can result in severe criminal penalties. It may also lead to collateral consequences for your personal and professional life. Our Birmingham theft crimes attorneys at Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. have over 100 years of combined experience. Our legal team understands what is at stake for you. You can trust our Birmingham theft crimes attorneys to aggressively fight to protect your rights and interests.
Contact us today for a free consultation today. We are available 24/7 to discuss your situation.
How Our Birmingham Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help if You’ve Been Charged With Theft Crimes in Alabama
If you are charged with a theft crime, you need to take the charges seriously. Acting quickly can increase your chance of presenting an effective defense to the charges. At Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C., our attorneys are skilled negotiators and aggressive trial lawyers. We are dedicated to defending your freedom and your rights.
When you hire our top-rated defense attorneys in Birmingham, Alabama, you can trust we will:
- Investigate your charges to gather evidence that we can use to challenge the state’s case against you
- We explain your legal options and how the law applies in your case
- We identify potential legal defenses and develop a legal strategy to give you the best chance of an acquittal
- We fiercely fight for you during all phases of your criminal case
- Analyze the evidence in your case to build a strong defense
- Hire the best experts to challenge forensic evidence when needed
- Aggressively negotiate fair plea agreements if that is in your best interest
- Fiercely argue on your behalf during all court proceedings
Our Birmingham criminal defense lawyers have top ratings from national organizations. We have received awards and recognition from The National Trial Lawyers, Best Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, Avvo, Expertise.com, and Super Lawyers. Both of our senior partners have served as past presidents of the Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
We will give your case the attention and dedication you deserve. Call now for a free case evaluation with one of our Birmingham theft crimes lawyers.
Our Birmingham Defense Lawyers Handle All Types of Theft Crimes
There are numerous types of theft crimes in Birmingham. Our attorneys handle all types of cases involving theft, including:
- Grand theft auto
- Robbery and burglary
- Theft of services
- Intellectual property theft
- White collar theft
- Shoplifting
- Theft by deception
- Identify theft
- Extortion
Regardless of the theft charges, you need experienced legal counsel. The potential penalties for theft convictions can be severe.
What Are the Penalties for Theft Crimes in Birmingham, AL?
The Alabama Code defines several types of theft crimes in Title 13A Chapter 8. The value of the stolen property determines the degree of the charge and the potential penalty for a conviction. You could be charged with a felony or a misdemeanor.
Theft crimes in Birmingham include:
Fourth-Degree Theft
Theft of property valued at less than $500 is a Class A misdemeanor offense. A conviction is punishable by up to one year in county jail and a maximum fine of $6,000.
Third-Degree Theft
Theft of property valued between $501 and $1,500 is a Class D felony. A conviction is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $7,500.
Second-Degree Theft
Theft of property valued between $1,501 and $2,500 is a Class C felony. It also includes theft of certain types of property, such as debit cards, firearms, credit cards, and livestock. A conviction is punishable by one to ten years in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000.
First-Degree Theft
Theft of property valued at more than $2,500 is a Class B felony. A conviction is punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $30,000.
Shoplifting
Shoplifting is treated as a theft of property. The charges and penalties are based on the retail value of the property. Therefore, if you stole property worth $1,000, you can be charged with third-degree theft and serve up to five years in prison for a conviction.
Theft of Services
A person steals services when they obtain services they know are only available when paying for them. The services are obtained by threat, deceptions, or other unlawful means. The charge depends on the value of the services stolen. For example, if you steal services worth $300, you can be charged with fourth-degree theft.
Receiving Stolen Property
Knowingly receiving, purchasing, or concealing stolen property is a crime. The charge depends on the value of the property. Therefore, if you knowingly purchase a stolen item worth $1,700, you can be charged with second-degree theft.
Theft of Lost Property
Finding and keeping lost property is a crime if you know who owns it and do not attempt to return it. As with other theft crimes, the charges are based on the value of the property.
Potential Defenses to Theft Crimes in Birmingham, AL
Our attorneys analyze the factors in your case and the evidence to determine potential defenses. Defense to theft crimes may include:
Lack of Intent
A person must intend to permanently deprive the owner of their property for theft to occur. Presenting evidence that you did not intend to steal the property can be a valid defense. For example, you thought the property belonged to you, or you intended to return the property to the owner.
Consent or Abandonment
Proving that the owner gives you permission to take or use the property may be a valid defense against theft. Likewise, proving the owner abandoned the property may be a valid defense to theft charges.
Intoxication
Intent is a requirement for theft crimes. If you are intoxicated or otherwise impaired, you might not have been capable of forming intent. If so, you may have a valid defense to the charges.
Duress
If someone forced you to steal property, you might be able to argue that you were under duress. For example, someone may have threatened to hurt your child if you did not steal money from your employer.
Entrapment
Law enforcement officers may run a sting operation to catch suspected criminals. However, it is unlawful for officers to convince someone to commit a crime they would not have committed otherwise. If an officer convinces you to steal property, you might be able to use entrapment as a defense.
What Are the Collateral Consequences of a Conviction for Theft Crimes in Alabama?
Criminal penalties are only one of the consequences for theft convictions. You may experience one or more collateral consequences. Collateral consequences impact your personal and professional life. They include, but are not limited to:
- Poor Job Prospects: Many employers run background checks. A conviction for theft may cause you to be taken out of consideration for a job.
- Difficulty Finding a Place to Live: Landlords may also run a background check. A theft conviction could result in losing the chance to rent a home or apartment.
- Loss of Professional Licensure: Some professional licenses may be revoked for a criminal conviction.
- Loss of Rights: Felony convictions can result in the loss of some rights, such as voting or owning a firearm.
- Loss of Student Loans: A theft conviction on your record may prevent you from qualifying for some student loans.
Having a criminal history can cause many problems. Working with an experienced defense attorney gives you the best chance of avoiding a conviction.
What Should I Do if I’m Arrested for Theft in Birmingham, AL?
When facing theft crimes in Alabama, taking steps to protect your legal rights is essential. Do not talk to the police if they arrest you for theft crimes. Do not answer questions or make a statement. Trying to explain that you are innocent can make matters worse.
Instead, exercise your right to remain silent except when asking for an attorney. The more you talk, the worse you make it for yourself. Police officers may lie to you and tell you they can help you. Do not fall for their tricks.
Contact a theft crimes lawyer for a free consultation as soon as possible. Until you meet with an attorney, do not discuss the charges with anyone. The only person you want to speak with is the attorney.
Tell the attorney everything about what happened. Be completely honest because the attorney cannot represent you effectively unless they know all the circumstances related to the theft charges.
Work with your attorney to gather information and evidence by responding to your lawyer’s requests as soon as possible. Your attorney will discuss your legal options, including whether it is in your best interest to accept a plea deal or take your case to trial.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Birmingham Theft Crimes Lawyers
If you are facing theft charges in Birmingham or elsewhere in Alabama, we can help. Call Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. at 205-930-9800 to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced Birmingham theft crimes attorneys. We will work diligently to secure the best possible result in your case.