Birmingham Theft Crime Attorneys

Aggressively Defending Against Theft in Alabama

Being charged with a theft crime can be a terrifying experience. Regardless of the type or severity of the charges against you, it’s imperative to seek sound counsel from an experienced theft crime attorney as soon as possible to avoid life-altering repercussions. That’s where our Birmingham attorneys come in. At Revill Law Firm, we have an in-depth understanding of criminal law to aggressively defend your rights and hard-earned reputation. 

Whether you simply weren’t thinking or made an honest mistake, our highly skilled attorneys are here to deliver the robust defense you deserve. Our top-rated defense lawyers have years of experience and a proven track record of results to defend your rights while protecting against reputational damage. When your future and freedom are on the line, don’t forgo your right to reliable representation. No matter your circumstances, we can fight tirelessly to dismiss or reduce the charges against you. 

Charged with theft? Securing an experienced defense is crucial to avoid lifechanging penalties. Call (205) 928-6544 to schedule a free consultation. 

What Constitutes Theft in Alabama? 

Theft is a crime codified in Alabama Code §13A-8-1. It's defined as knowingly obtaining or exerting unauthorized control over the property of another with the intent to deprive the owner of their property. 

Theft extends to a broad range of offenses, including:  

• Robbery
• Burglary
• Shoplifting
• Theft of services
• Theft of lost property
• Intellectual property theft
• Receipt of stolen property

According to state law, theft also extends to using deception to take another's property, taking possession of stolen property in the custody of a law enforcement agency, and taking property that has been deposited in a dropbox belonging to a charitable organization.   

Is Theft a Felony or a Misdemeanor? 

In Alabama, theft may be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the unique circumstances of the case. Keep in mind that even misdemeanor charges can result in harsh consequences, including hefty fines and even jail time. Regardless of the allegations against you, securing representation from an experienced theft defense attorney is critical to clearing your name and safeguarding your freedom. 

The penalties for a theft crime conviction primarily depend on the value of the stolen merchandise. In some cases, however, other factors may also play a role in sentencing, such as the type of stolen property, the circumstances surrounding the theft, and whether the defendant has prior offenses on their record. 

What Are the Penalties for Theft? 

Depending on the severity of the offense, theft can be charged in varying classes with varying penalties. There are four degrees of theft, including:

Theft in the First Degree

First-degree theft is the most severe type of theft offense. If the value of the stolen merchandise totals more than $2,500, the defendant can face Class B felony charges. If convicted, penalties include: 

• 2-20 years in prison 
• Up to $30,000 in fines

Keep in mind that the theft of any vehicle, regardless of value, is considered first-degree theft. Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney is essential to drop or reduce the charges against you and avoid severe penalties. 

Theft in the Second Degree

If the value of the stolen merchandise falls between $1,500 and $2,500, this constitutes theft in the second degree. Third-degree theft constitutes a Class C felony. A conviction is punishable by: 

• Up to 10 years in prison
• Up to $15,000 in fines

Regardless of property value, the theft of firearms, certain controlled substances, or livestock is also considered second-degree theft. 

Theft in the Third Degree

Third-degree theft is committed when the value of the stolen items is more than $500 but less than $1,500, resulting in Class D felony charges. If convicted, this offense is punishable by:

• Up to 5 years in prison
• Up to $7,500 in fines

Theft in the Fourth Degree

As the least severe theft offense, fourth-degree theft is typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor in Alabama. Defendants commit theft in the fourth degree when the stolen merchandise is valued at or under $500. If convicted, criminal penalties may include:  

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Up to $6,000 in fines

Enhanced Penalties for Theft

In many cases, the court will enhance the criminal penalties for repeat felony offenders. Final sentencing generally depends on the quantity of past convictions and the felony class for the current offense. It’s imperative to partner with a trusted defense attorney who can build you a strong defense and support your claims with compelling evidence. 

5 Ways to Defend Against Theft Charges

There are various strategies to defend against theft charges. Common defenses include: 

1. Lack of intent: To constitute theft, the defendant must have acted knowingly and with intent to deprive the owner of his or her property. If there was no criminal intent behind the alleged criminal behavior, this can result in the dismissal of charges. 
2. False allegations: If you were misidentified as the culprit in a theft crime, your lawyer may argue that the allegations against you are false by establishing an alibi in your defense and supporting your claim with compelling evidence, such as eyewitness interviews or security camera footage. 
3. Challenging inadmissible evidence: In criminal cases, the prosecution bears the burden of proof, meaning the opposing counsel must prove "beyond a reasonable doubt" that you committed the offense in question. If the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence to meet the standard of proof or relies on inadmissible evidence to pursue a conviction, your lawyer can work to remove this evidence and reduce or dismiss the charges you're facing. 
4. Ambiguous ownership: If ownership of the stolen property is ambiguous, undefined, or shared between multiple individuals, your attorney may employ this strategy to establish that you genuinely believed you had rightful ownership of the stolen property. 
5. Coercion or duress: If you were coerced to commit theft against your will, such as while under duress by a friend, coworker, or family member, your lawyer can fight to get the charges reduced or dismissed by establishing compelling evidence in your defense.   

Remember, consulting with an experienced theft crime attorney is paramount before implementing any defense, as your lawyer can evaluate your unique circumstances with a practiced legal eye to determine the most appropriate and effective strategy to employ in your defense. 

Top-Rated Criminal Defense Attorneys in Birmingham

At Revill Law Firm, our award-winning attorneys have extensive experience defending clients in a wide range of criminal defense cases. From drug crimes to DUI defense to white-collar crimes, our firm has a longstanding reputation for obtaining extraordinary results for the accused in Birmingham and beyond. We believe every person is entitled to a second chance, which is why our team is committed to protecting your life, liberty, and future. Don’t throw away your reputation by failing to secure a well-fortified defense. Turn to a firm you can trust to aggressively pursue the results you deserve. 

Regardless of the charges against you, seeking sound counsel is paramount to restoring your freedom. Contact us online to discuss your case with a seasoned criminal defense attorney.