Birmingham Theft Crime Lawyers

Defense for All Types of Theft Charges

Being convicted of theft crimes can lead to significant personal and professional consequences. In addition to severe criminal penalties and restitution, those convicted of theft often lose careers, job opportunities, social trust, and even the right to bear firearms. Anyone accused of a theft crime should seek immediate legal counsel, and an experienced criminal defense attorney from Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. will provide the knowledgeable representation you can trust.

Contact us today to get started on your case!

Our attorneys have received numerous awards and honors and will provide defense solutions for all types of theft crimes, including:

• Robbery/burglary
• Shoplifting
• Theft of services
• Grand theft auto
• Identity theft
• Intellectual property theft
• Theft by deception
• Extortion
• White collar theft

What is Theft by Deception in Alabama?

Theft by deception is when a person or obtains possession of money, labor, goods, or real estate by means of fraud, deceit, scamming or trick. Theft by deception can include simple street tricks and lying all the way to highly sophisticated fraudulent operations.  

Theft Crime Charges in Birmingham, AL

In Alabama, you can be charged with felony theft if the stolen property is valued at $501 or more. Felony theft is commonly referred to as grand theft and the penalties can be quite severe. Theft of property valued at less than $500 is a class A misdemeanor. (Ala. Code § 13A-8-5.) Class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a maximum fine of $6,000.

There are three other levels of Alabama theft charges, all of which can carry severe penalties:

• Third-degree theft – Property valued at between $501 and $1500 and is a class D felony.
• Second-degree theft – Property valued between $1501 and $2,500 along with certain types of property such as credit and debit cards, livestock, and firearms. This class C felony can mean between 1 and 10 years in prison and up to a $15,000 fine.
• First-degree theft – Property valued at more than $2,500, along with all motor vehicle theft and direct person-to-person theft. This is a class B felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $30,000 fine.

Whether you are facing local or federal charges, we will look at all available evidence, including police leads, security camera footage, financial records, and witness statements. We keep clients well-informed throughout the process while allowing them to decide whether to go to trial, accept a plea deal, and other major decisions.

What is considered grand theft in Alabama?

In Alabama, the definition of grand theft, also known as grand larceny, is determined by the value of the stolen property. Theft of property worth $2,500 or more is considered grand theft, while theft of property worth less than $2,500 is considered petty theft.

The penalties for grand theft in Alabama vary depending on the value of the stolen property and other factors, such as whether the theft involved a firearm or was committed against an elderly person or disabled individual.

Class C Felony: If the value of the stolen property is between $2,500 and $10,000, it is considered a Class C felony, which carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

Class B Felony: If the value of the stolen property is more than $10,000, it is considered a Class B felony, which carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $30,000.

It's important to note that the specific penalties for grand theft in Alabama may vary depending on the circumstances of the crime and the defendant's criminal history. It's best to consult with a criminal defense attorney for specific guidance on your case.

Our Birmingham legal team have a strong working relationship with local judges and prosecutors and will work to get charges dismissed or reduced while also letting you know what to expect if your case goes to trial. Thousands of people have counted on us in difficult times and we will provide the same help and direction to you.

Schedule a free in-person consultation today by contacting us at (205) 900-7714 to speak with a Birmingham criminal defense attorney.

No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.