Common Penalties for Theft in Alabama
If you find yourself facing charges related to theft of property in Alabama, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential consequences that lie ahead. Under Alabama law, theft offenses are classified based on various factors, with Theft of Property 4th being a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine not to exceed $6,000.00.
Theft charges are designated by the dollar amount of the property in question. If you are charged with creating a false impression, violating a fiduciary duty or confidential relationship through deception, you need an attorney knowledgeable and experience. Attorney Terry Luck is well-versed in navigating the intricacies of such cases and will provide essential legal guidance. Having the expertise of Attorney Terry Luck by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Common Penalties for Theft in Alabama
Being charged with and convicted of a theft offense in Alabama can lead to various criminal penalties. In order for you to be convicted of the charge, the state prosecutor must prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecutor is able to satisfy this burden legally, then it will be up to a judge to issue a criminal penalty or sentence in your case. The penalties for most theft offenses in Alabama depend upon the amount of property or money that the accused allegedly stole.
One of the best ways to avoid criminal penalties for a theft charge is to avoid a conviction altogether. An experienced criminal defense attorney at Luck Law may be able to help you do this by asserting a strong legal defense on your behalf in court. We can meet with you to discuss the circumstances of your theft charge and determine if you might be eligible to assert a viable legal defense. If not, we will work to help you minimize your potential penalties in the criminal case.
Defining Theft under Alabama Law
In the State of Alabama, a person can be charged with and convicted of a theft offense if he or she knowingly exerts or obtains some degree of unauthorized control over someone else’s property. In order for the accused individual to ultimately be convicted of the theft offense, he or she must specifically intend to deprive the true property owner of the property at issue. Theft offenses also include using some form of deception to take another person’s property, stealing money from a drop box that is designated for a charity, or taking possession of property that has been stolen – and that is in police custody.
Potential Penalties for a Theft Conviction
If you are ultimately charged with and convicted of a theft crime in Alabama, the sentencing judge will determine the penalty or penalties in your case. Theft charges in Alabama can be Class B felonies, Class C felonies, Class D felonies, or Class A misdemeanors, depending on the amount of money or property that is at issue. A conviction for one of these offenses can lead to any of the following potential penalties:
- Payment of monetary fines
- Restitution
- Jail Time
- Probation
In terms of jail time, a conviction on a Class C felony, for example, can lead to a maximum of ten years of incarceration in a state prison. A Class D felony conviction can lead to a maximum of five years’ incarceration. Repeat theft offenders could face even more jail time.
Talk to a Skilled Montgomery Criminal Defense Attorney Right Away
Experienced theft defense attorney Terry Luck of Luck Law will zealously advocate for your legal interests and ensure that your rights remain safeguarded while your criminal case is pending.
For legal consultation and case evaluation with a knowledgeable Montgomery criminal defense attorney, please call us today at (334) 262-5455 or contact us online for more information about how we could assist you with defending against your criminal theft charge.
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