Augusta GA Theft and Property Crime Defense Attorneys

Georgia law establishes numerous different types of theft crimes. Some thefts are considered misdemeanors, while others are charged as felonies. Below are points you should know about property crimes in Georgia and how an experienced theft crime defense attorney can help. If you or a loved one has been charged with theft, it’s important to protect your rights. Call Fleming & Nelson theft crime defense attorneys in Augusta Ga today.

The Georgia Code

Title 16, Chapter 8 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) lists the numerous theft offenses. By far the most common type is theft by taking, which is spelled out in § 16-8-2. Theft by taking occurs when “…he [or she] unlawfully takes or, being in lawful possession thereof, unlawfully appropriates any property of another with the intention of depriving him [or her] of the property, regardless of the manner in which the property is taken or appropriated.”

Related offenses that could require a theft defense attorney in Augusta, GA are:

• Theft by deception (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-3)
• Theft by conversion (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-4)
• Theft of services (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-5)
• Theft of lost or mislaid property (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-6)
• Theft by receiving stolen property (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-7)
• Theft by receiving stolen property in another state (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-8)
• Theft by bringing stolen property into state (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-9)
• Theft of trade secrets (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-13)
• Theft by shoplifting (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-14)
• Conversion of payments for real property improvements (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-15)
• Theft by extortion (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-16)
• Intent to cheat or defraud a retailer (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-17)
• Entering automobile with intent to commit theft (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-18)
• Conversion of leased personal property (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-19)
• Livestock theft (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-20)
• Removal or abandonment of shopping carts (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-21)

As you can see, the state of Georgia takes theft offenses very seriously. Legislators have taken care to ensure that nearly every theft offense imaginable is codified and that penalties are strictly spelled out. If you’re arrested, it’s imperative you take the matter equally as seriously and contact Fleming & Nelson, theft crime defense attorneys.

Possible Penalties

Property crimes in Georgia can be either felonies or misdemeanors. Generally speaking, when the property is valued at $1500 or less, the crime is considered a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Felony crimes generally involve property valued at more than $1500. Even so, there are certain types of thefts that are automatically considered felonies. For example, theft of a firearm is punishable by up to 5 years in prison. Theft of anhydrous ammonia is punishable by up to ten years in prison. If the property was taken by a fiduciary in breach of a fiduciary obligation or by an officer or employee of a government or a financial institution in breach of his or her duties as such officer or employee that person may be punished by imprisonment for up to fifteen years.

Theft laws in Georgia are complex. As such, you need an attorney who understands them inside and out. A theft defense attorney in Augusta, GA can help you navigate your charges. It’s often the best way to ensure a more positive outcome.

Claiming Innocence with a Theft Defense Attorney in Augusta, GA

At Fleming and Nelson, we represent people regardless of guilt or innocence. However, there may be times when you are actually innocent of theft crimes. Perhaps you have been misidentified or were never asked about an alibi. In those instances, we’ll attempt to secure any exculpatory evidence the prosecution may have, and follow up on the information you give us which may help avoid a conviction

Exculpatory evidence is evidence which tends to prove one’s innocence rather than guilt. In any case, we will always make the district attorney, solicitor general or other prosecutor uphold the law by proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Protect your rights and preserve your good name by contacting an experienced theft crimes attorney in Georgia now.

Confidential Help for Theft Crime Charges

Being charged with any crime can have a profound impact on your life. Being found guilty can have an even greater impact. You’ll have the best chance for the most positive outcome possible when you contact a reliable theft crimes attorney as soon as possible.

Here at Fleming & Nelson, we are theft crime defense attorneys who know how to handle even the most serious theft cases. Contact us at 706-434-8770 for a free consultation to learn more about what your options are.