Aggressive Defense for Theft & Property Crimes

Georgia law distinguishes between simple theft and more severe property crimes based on the value of the property and the means used to take it. We defend clients against all categories of these charges.

Shoplifting ($O.C.G.A. 16-8-14$) is one of the most common theft offenses.

• Focus: Shoplifting can quickly escalate from a misdemeanor (value under $\$500$) to a felony based on the value of the items taken or repeated prior offenses. A felony conviction brings mandatory prison time risks.

• Defense Focus: We aggressively challenge the evidence of intent to steal. Did the client accidentally forget to scan an item? Was the alleged theft caught on grainy camera footage? We scrutinize the testimony of Loss Prevention officers.

• Severity: Burglary ($O.C.G.A. 16-7-1$) is a serious felony that requires proof of intent to commit a crime (usually theft or a felony) upon entering a dwelling, building, or vehicle without authority. Simple criminal trespass is a misdemeanor.

• Defense Focus: We argue lack of intent (the entry was for an innocent reason) or challenge the evidence connecting the defendant to the scene, focusing on the validity of searches, seizure of evidence, and identification procedures.

• Severity: Robbery is a violent felony ($O.C.G.A. 16-8-40$) involving the use of force, intimidation, or threats to take property. This charge carries serious felony sentencing risks, including mandatory prison terms.

• Defense Focus: Our strategy focuses on challenging the evidence of force or intimidation (often arguing the crime was simple theft, not robbery) and scrutinizing the identification evidence (e.g., eyewitness vs. video).

These cover broader categories of property crimes, such as stealing a vehicle, misapplying property entrusted to you, or fraudulently taking money through deceit. We defend against these charges by challenging the client's authority over the property and the element of fraudulent intent.