Common Theft Charges and Penalties

Common Theft Charges and Penalties

Were you aware that the nationwide larceny-theft rate in America was 1,398 cases per 100,000 of the US population? Petty and grand theft are serious problems in every city in the US, and Montgomery, Alabama, is no different. 

According to Alabama law, the crime of theft happens when an individual seizes control of another individual’s services or property without authorization and with the purpose of depriving someone of their services or property.  

Those who have been suspected of theft can face many different charges and penalties depending on the crime of theft they committed. If you’re facing legal troubles for theft allegations, you should always speak with a Montgomery criminal defense attorney at Luck Law. 

What Are the Common Theft Charges In Montgomery?

There are many types of theft charges that someone could face if they have been accused of stealing someone else's service or property. Below we have discussed a few of them. If you have been accused of any of the below, we can help you at Luck Law.

• Armed Robbery: If someone holds a weapon of any kind, including a knife or gun, while committing a theft, the crime is classified as an armed robbery. 
• Robbery: In most instances, robbery carries larger penalties than regular larceny because it usually involves violence, threats, and intimidation. 
• Fraud: Should a person convince another person to part with their money or property under false pretenses, it’s known as fraud. Often this type of theft crime doesn’t involve violence. 
• Embezzlement: When someone steals someone else's assets like money or property when they have been entrusted with keeping those assets safe, it's known as embezzlement. In most instances, this crime occurs in corporate or employment settings. 
• Bad checks: Those who write bad checks to pay for things using an account with insufficient funds are also thieves. However, a person can only be convicted if it's proven that they willfully wrote and attempted to use a bad check. 
• Shoplifting: Those who steal goods from a retail establishment can be charged with shoplifting. 
• Vehicle theft: When a person steals or attempts to steal an automobile, including a car, motorbike, bus, truck, or trailer, they can be charged with car theft 

What Are The Common Penalties For Theft Charges?

There are four classifications of thefts, and which category relates to your case will depend on the severity of your theft. Below we have briefly discussed the four common penalties for theft charges according to the four tiers. 

First-Degree Theft

If you have stolen property that is valued at more than $2,500, according to Alabama law, you can be charged with first-degree theft, which is a class B felony. A person who steals a vehicle can be charged with first-degree theft. 

The penalties for a first-degree theft (a class B felony) in Alabama could result in you being imprisoned for a minimum of two years and a maximum of 20 years. You could also be charged with a fine of up to $30,000. 

Second-Degree Theft

Should you be accused of stealing property valued at between $1,500 and $2,500, you could be charged with second-degree theft, which is a class C felony. In Alabama, second-degree theft can involve stealing controlled substances, firearms, and even livestock. 

The penalties for a class C felony (second-degree theft) include possible imprisonment for between one year plus one day and ten years and or a hefty fine of no more than $15,000. 

Third-Degree Theft

If you stole services or property valued at more than $500 but less than $1,500, you could be charged with third-degree theft. A third-degree theft includes theft of a debit or credit card. 

Since third-degree theft is classified as a class D felony in Alabama, it carries a penalty of no less than one-year and one-day imprisonment with a maximum term of up to five years. Additionally, you could face a fine of no more than $7,500 or have to endure prison and pay a fine simultaneously. 

Fourth-Degree Theft

Surprisingly the lowest theft offense level is fourth-degree theft. In Alabama, a fourth-degree theft is classified as a class A misdemeanor. If you stole property or services valued at less than $500, you could face jail time with a prison sentence of no more than one year and or a fine of up to $6,000.

Speak With A Montgomery Criminal Defense Lawyer Today To Discuss Your Theft Case

Now you know more about the common theft charges and penalties in Montgomery, Alabama. If you have been charged with theft, you have the right to seek counsel from a Montgomery attorney. The professional attorneys at Luck Law can help you fight a theft charge by working alongside you to build a winning case. To speak with us about your circumstances and case particulars, you can  contact us here, and we will be in touch. 



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