Theft
Theft Criminal Defense Lawyers in Alabama
A theft charge is more than a legal hurdle. It directly attacks your livelihood, future, and reputation. Our theft criminal defense lawyers are committed to sticking to the facts of your situation and fighting for a resolution with minimal damage.
The Importance of Early Legal Representation
Theft crimes have lasting consequences. Early legal intervention is critical. Our firm provides a quick case assessment and evidence review. Then, we negotiate for reduced charges or case dismissals. If you need to go to court, we defend you aggressively.
Understanding Theft Charges in Alabama
In Alabama, theft offenses are based on the value of the stolen property, as well as any specific circumstances. Our experienced theft criminal defense lawyers bring decades of combined legal experience to your case.
Theft of Property in the First Degree
First-degree theft is a Class B felony. It’s punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $30,000. It typically involves:
- Theft of property valued over $2,500
- Theft of a motor vehicle, regardless of value
- Theft directly from a person, irrespective of value
- Organized theft involving over $1,000 within 180 days
Theft of Property in the Second Degree
Second-degree theft is a Class C felony and includes the following crimes:
- Theft of property valued between $1,500 and $2,500
- Theft of firearms, rifles, or shotguns
- Theft of controlled substances
- Theft of livestock
Theft of Property in the Third Degree
A Class D felony, third-degree theft is punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, and fines up to $7,500. This crime typically includes the theft of property (valued between $500–$1,499) or the theft of a credit/debit card.
Theft of Property in the Fourth Degree
Fourth-degree theft is a Class A misdemeanor. It is the theft of property valued at $500 or less. Punishment includes up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $6,000.
Frequent Questions About Theft Charges in Alabama
Whether it's a shoplifting allegation or a complex white-collar case, a theft charge is an attack on your character. At JB Brown Criminal Trial Practice, we fight to tell the human side of the story. Here are the questions our fellow Alabamians ask most frequently.
In many states, "larceny" is still used as a specific legal term, but Alabama has simplified this. Under the Alabama Code, all forms of taking someone else’s property are consolidated under the single heading of "Theft of Property." This includes larceny, embezzlement, and shoplifting.
While you won't find the phrase "grand theft auto" in the Alabama law books, the crime is taken extremely seriously. In Alabama, stealing a motor vehicle is automatically classified as Theft of Property in the First Degree. The value of the car doesn’t affect the charge.
Yes. In Alabama, even a "minor" theft (Fourth Degree) can result in up to a year in local jail. For felony-level theft, the stakes jump significantly to include prison.
The charge depends on the property value. The threshold for a misdemeanor is property valued at less than $500. Anything higher than $500 is a felony.
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