Theft Lawyer in Birmingham, AL

 

Have you been accused of shoplifting a few items or committing a more serious theft offense? We recommend calling Alabama Criminal Lawyers to speak with a knowledgeable and experienced theft lawyer.

Alabama takes theft very seriously. You face jail time for theft worth under $500—the lowest possible theft offense. You also face years in prison, probation, and high fines for a theft that constitutes a felony. Given the harsh penalties for theft, you need a skilled criminal defense lawyer to defend you.

To talk with one of our theft lawyers, contact us online or call (205) 981-2450 to set up your free consultation.

Alabama Theft Laws

In Alabama, theft of property and theft of services can be charged in the first, second, third, or fourth degrees. Whether you face a misdemeanor or felony theft charge depends on what you stole and its value.

• Theft of Property (AL Code §13A-8-2)– You can be charged with a theft if you knowingly obtain or exert unauthorized control over another person’s property with the intent to deprive the other of their property. You also can be charged with a crime for theft by deception in Alabama. This may constitute lying to the other person, failing to correct a misrepresentation or wrong impression, or developing a scheme to steal money or property.
• Theft of Property in the First Degree in Alabama (AL Code §13A-8-3) – When the value of the stolen property exceeds $2,500; the property is a motor vehicle, no matter its value; or the theft is part of a common plan or scheme to transfer at least $1,000 in stolen property within 180 days to individuals who know the property is stolen, then you will be charged with a Class B felony in Alabama.
• Theft of Property in the Second Degree in Alabama (AL Code §13A-8-4)– If you are accused of stealing property valued between $1,500 and $2,500, any type of firearm, a controlled substance, or livestock, then you will be charged with a Class C felony.
• Theft of Property in the Third Degree in Alabama (AL Code §13A-8-4.1) – If you allegedly stole property worth between $500 and $1,499 or a credit or debit card, then you will be charged with a Class D felony.
• Theft or Property in the Fourth Degree in Alabama (AL Code §13A-8-5) – Theft of property worth less than $500 is a Class A misdemeanor in Alabama. This may also be called a petty theft charged.
• Theft of Services in Alabama (AL Code §13A-8-10) – You can be charged with theft if you intentionally obtain services that you know are available for compensation by deception, threat, false token, or any other means of avoiding payment. You also can be charged with theft of services if you have control over the disposition of those services and you divert them for your own benefit.
• Theft of Services in the First Degree (AL Code §13A-8-10.1) – If you are accused of stealing more than $2,500-worth of services, you will be charged with a Class B felony.
• Theft of Services in the Second Degree (AL Code §13A-8-10.2) – When stolen services are valued between $1,500 and $2,500, then second-degree theft of services is a Class C felony.
• Theft of Services in the Third Degree (AL Code §13A-8-10.25) – If the theft of services is valued between $500 and $1,499, it is a Class D felony.
• Theft of Services in the Fourth Degree (AL Code §13A-8-10.3) – If you allegedly stole services valued at less than $500, you will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.

If you are accused of stealing another person’s property or services, then you should contact a theft attorney as soon as possible. You need to discuss the differences among first-, second-, third-, and fourth-degree theft in Alabama, including the potential penalties.

You face jail time, even for misdemeanor theft, and you need to work with someone who can aggressively defend you against these charges.

We Handle All Theft Charges

You may be accused of another type of theft crime in Alabama. Whatever the specific charge and the misdemeanor or felony class, call Alabama Criminal Lawyers to speak with a theft lawyer right away.

We can defend you against any theft and theft-related charges, including:

 

Shoplifting (AL Code §13A-8-2 – §13A-8-5)

Alabama does not have a separate shoplifting statute. Instead, shoplifting is charged as theft of property. Whether you face a misdemeanor or felony charge depends on the items stolen and their value.

 

Robbery (AL Code §13A-8-40 – §13A-8-44)

You can be charged with robbery in the first, second, or third-degree if you steal property directly from another person. You will face first-degree robbery if you are armed with a deadly weapon or cause another person serious physical injury. This is a Class A felony.

You will face a Class B felony for second-degree robbery if you use force against another person to overcome their physical resistance or threaten to use imminent force, and you are aided by another person. If you use force or threats to obtain property without assistance, then this is robbery in the third degree and a Class C felony.

 

Burglary (AL Code §13A-7-5 – §13A-7-7)

You can face charges for first-degree burglary if you knowingly and unlawfully enter a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime inside, and you are armed with explosives, cause physical injury to another person, or are armed with a deadly weapon and use or threaten to use it. This is a Class A felony.

If you perform this offense in a building other than a dwelling, or if you break into a dwelling to commit a theft or felony inside without a weapon or causing injury, then you will be charged with a Class B felony for second-degree burglary. If you knowingly enter or remain in a dwelling, occupied building, or unoccupied building to commit a crime, then you face a Class C felony for third-degree burglary.