Savannah Theft Lawyer

People accused of a property crime are presumed innocent unless the prosecution proves the charge in court. Some accusations result from misunderstandings, disputed ownership, questions about intent, or weak evidence. If you have been accused of a crime, a Savannah theft lawyer can review the allegations, explain the criminal justice system, and help protect your constitutional rights.

Jarrett Maillet J.D., PC, provides criminal defense services to people facing theft charges in Savannah and Chatham County. Our former prosecutor understands how the state may build a case and how a defense attorney can challenge weaknesses in that evidence. If you need a theft lawyer or a Savannah criminal defense lawyer, contact our office for an initial consultation about your circumstances.

Facing Theft Charges in Savannah, Georgia

Whether you are facing misdemeanor theft, felony charges, shoplifting allegations, or another property-related offense, the consequences should be taken seriously. Georgia theft charges can range from misdemeanor charges to serious felony offenses depending on the type and value of the property, prior convictions, and other circumstances. A criminal defense attorney can explain what the prosecution must prove and the possible criminal penalties that apply to your matter.

The value of the allegedly stolen property is especially important under Georgia law, but value is not the only issue. The type of property, how it was allegedly obtained, the accused person’s intent, and prior convictions may also affect how the crime is charged or punished. Possession of stolen property can also lead to criminal charges when the prosecution alleges the person knew or should have known that the property was stolen.

A conviction can result in jail, probation, restitution, community service, and other penalties. It can also create problems with work, professional licensing, housing, and personal reputation. A theft crime lawyer can review the case early, challenge unsupported accusations, and work toward the best outcome available under the facts.

Felony vs. Misdemeanor Theft: What Determines the Charge

Georgia does not use one value threshold for every theft offense. For several crimes covered by O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2 through 16-8-9, property valued at $1,500 or less is generally punished as a misdemeanor. When the value is at least $1,500.01 but less than $5,000, the offense may carry one to five years of imprisonment, although the judge has discretion in some circumstances to impose misdemeanor punishment.

For property valued at $5,000 but less than $25,000, Georgia law provides a potential sentence of one to ten years, again with some sentencing discretion. When the property exceeds $24,999.99, the possible sentence increases to two to 20 years. Prior convictions can also affect the classification and maximum sentence, so a lawyer should review both the alleged value and the person’s record before assessing the charge.

Shoplifting has a separate value rule. Under Georgia’s shoplifting statute, merchandise worth $500 or less is generally treated as a misdemeanor, while shoplifting property worth more than $500 can result in a felony punishable by one to ten years. Because shoplifting and other theft crimes use different thresholds, the exact statute charged matters when evaluating possible penalties and building a strong defense.

Common Types of Theft Crimes We Defend in Georgia

Theft cases in Georgia generally involve some of the following alleged crimes:

• Employee theft and embezzlement
• Fraud and white collar crimes
• Computer crimes
• Burglary (home, business, vehicle)
• Low-level robbery
• Vehicle theft and unauthorized use traffic violations
• Identity theft and credit card fraud
• Check fraud
• Forgery and possession of forged instruments
• Receiving stolen property
• Shoplifting

Theft charges can be complex and require a careful examination of all the facts involved. The Savannah theft attorneys at Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. are dedicated to defending clients against a wide range of theft crime charges, including shoplifting and other theft-related offenses. Whether you are facing a petty or grand theft crime charge, you need a tough and experienced criminal defense attorney to help you navigate the allegations. Our firm also has extensive experience defending clients in other criminal defense matters, such as DUI, ensuring comprehensive legal representation.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Facing theft charges can be stressful, especially when you do not know what will happen next. A criminal defense attorney can explain the legal process, review police reports and witness statements, request evidence, and identify inconsistencies that may weaken the prosecution’s case. A lawyer can also examine whether law enforcement respected your constitutional rights during a search, seizure, questioning, or arrest.

Experienced defense attorneys can challenge evidence, file appropriate motions, negotiate with the prosecutor, and represent clients in the courtroom. In some cases involving less serious allegations, negotiations may result in reduced charges, alternative resolutions, or other outcomes, but no lawyer can promise a particular result. A former prosecutor can provide added insight into how the state may evaluate the evidence while developing a defense on the client’s behalf.

The initial consultation is also a chance to evaluate the attorney. Ask about experience with similar theft offenses, courtroom work, communication style, possible legal strategies, and the firm’s fee structure before deciding who should represent you. A good criminal defense lawyer should provide a realistic assessment of the case, answer questions clearly, and give each client personalized attention rather than promising the best possible outcome before reviewing the evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Theft Crimes Defense in Savannah, GA

When is a theft crime charged as a felony versus a misdemeanor in Savannah or Chatham County?

The answer depends on the specific Georgia statute, the value and type of property, and sometimes prior convictions. For many offenses such as theft by taking, theft by deception, and theft by conversion, property valued at $1,500 or less is generally subject to misdemeanor punishment, while property valued above $1,500 can expose a person to felony sentencing. Property worth at least $5,000 or more than $25,000 can carry greater punishment under Georgia law.

Shoplifting follows a different rule. Merchandise valued at $500 or less is generally misdemeanor shoplifting, while property worth more than $500 can support a felony shoplifting charge. This difference is why a theft lawyer should identify the exact statute before estimating the possible penalties.

Is simply concealing an item enough to be charged with shoplifting in Savannah, even if I never left the store?

Yes. Under Georgia statute O.C.G.A. § 16-8-14, prosecutors do not always have to show that a person walked out of the store with merchandise. Shoplifting can include concealing or taking possession of merchandise, changing a price tag, moving merchandise into another container, switching labels, or wrongfully causing the amount paid to be less than the stated price when done with the required intent.

Intent is still part of the offense. A prosecutor must prove more than an innocent mistake or accidental act. A defense attorney can review surveillance footage, witness statements, store records, and the accused person’s actions to determine whether the evidence actually supports criminal intent.

Can a first-time offender charged with misdemeanor theft in Savannah avoid a criminal conviction?

Possibly, but the available options vary depending on the charge, criminal history, evidence, prosecutor, and court. Some first-time defendants may qualify for diversion or another resolution that can help them avoid a traditional conviction after completing stated requirements. Those requirements may include restitution, education programs, probation conditions, or community service.

Georgia’s First Offender Act may also apply in some cases, but eligibility and the effect of the law should be discussed with an attorney before entering a plea. A lawyer can determine whether diversion, First Offender treatment, negotiation, or taking the case to trial makes sense based on the person’s best interests and the strength of the evidence.

What are the statutory penalties for repeat shoplifting convictions under Georgia law?

Georgia increases the penalties for repeat shoplifting convictions. For merchandise worth $500 or less, a second shoplifting conviction carries a fine of at least $500 in addition to or instead of any imprisonment imposed. A third conviction requires specific forms of confinement or monitoring under the statute and may also involve additional treatment requirements.

A fourth or subsequent shoplifting conviction can be treated as a felony even when the latest merchandise is worth $500 or less. The statute provides for one to ten years of imprisonment, subject to specific sentencing provisions. Prior convictions therefore matter greatly when defense attorneys evaluate the possible consequences of a new allegation.

What constitutes the crime of Theft by Conversion in Georgia?

Theft by conversion generally involves property or money that a person first receives lawfully but later uses or disposes of in a way that violates a legal agreement or obligation, with the required criminal intent. For example, allegations can arise from disputes involving entrusted funds, vehicles, equipment, or property that was supposed to be returned or used for a specific purpose. Not every contract dispute or failure to repay money is automatically a crime.

The value of the property can affect sentencing if a person is convicted. For theft offenses covered by Georgia’s general theft penalty statute, property valued above $1,500 may expose the accused person to felony punishment, with greater sentencing ranges applying at higher values. A Larceny lawyer or theft crime lawyer familiar with Georgia property offenses can examine whether the prosecution can actually prove both conversion and criminal intent.

Contact Our Savannah Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are facing theft charges, contact Jarrett Maillet J.D., PC, at (912) 713-3426 to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Our law firm focuses on criminal defense and provides personalized attention to clients accused of theft, shoplifting, fraud, burglary, embezzlement, and other offenses. An experienced Savannah criminal lawyer can explain the allegations, discuss possible defenses, and help you understand what may happen next.

Jarrett Maillet is a former prosecutor with extensive knowledge of Georgia criminal law and local court procedures. Our legal team is committed to protecting clients’ rights, examining weaknesses in the state’s case, and advocating for them throughout the legal process. A theft lawyer familiar with Chatham County can also communicate with prosecutors and pursue negotiations when doing so serves the client’s goals.

We handle state and federal criminal matters throughout coastal and southern Georgia. If you need a Savannah theft lawyer, criminal defense attorney, or Larceny lawyer for a property crime accusation, contact our firm to discuss your options. Having experienced counsel can help you make informed decisions and pursue the best outcome supported by the evidence and the law.