Savannah Theft Lawyer

In addition, there are many people who are wrongfully accused and even convicted of this crime. Defending your rights and seeking justice is crucial in these situations. In order to make sure this does not happen to you, contact our experienced and successful theft crime lawyer in Savannah, GA, for a free legal consultation if you or a loved one has been accused or charged with a crime. Having our experienced attorney here at Jarrett Maillet J.D., PC, is essential before entering the courtroom and navigating the criminal justice system.

Facing Theft Charges in Savannah, Georgia

Whether you have been accused of misdemeanor petty theft, are facing misdemeanor charges, or are dealing with misdemeanors or felony robbery or theft charges, you need to work with representation that can help you take the steps to protect your rights and your freedom.

When a person has been charged with theft, their whole world can be turned upside down if they are convicted. A theft crime charge, even for a misdemeanor, can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines, short-term imprisonment, and a lasting impact on a person’s reputation and legal standing. Once convicted of a theft crime, people must deal with criminal penalties like imprisonment, fines, restitution, and probation. Penalties like these are never easy to accept and can adversely impact a person’s life for many years.

For this reason, anytime a person has been charged with theft in Georgia, it is extremely important that he or she retain the services of a skilled Savannah theft attorney who can protect his or her rights and protect him or her from enhanced legal consequences.

Felony vs. Misdemeanor Theft: What Determines the Charge

Theft crime cases involve their own particular set of issues, types of evidence, and procedures that should be fully understood by your lawyer for him or her to properly handle your case. Our firm has the ability to handle even the most complex theft charges and has the tenacity to tirelessly defend our clients’ rights every step of the way.

The type of property that is stolen and its worth are the main factors that determine whether a theft will be classified as a felony or a misdemeanor. In Georgia, theft will be considered a misdemeanor if the property that was the subject of the theft is below $500 in value. Handling or possessing stolen goods can also result in a theft charge, regardless of the value of the property.

This is commonly referred to as petty theft or simple theft. Simple theft is often classified as a misdemeanor and can result in misdemeanor charges. Even though these are considered misdemeanors, they are still taken seriously by authorities and can have a significant impact on your reputation and legal standing. The penalties for misdemeanor theft involve a fine of no more than $1,000 and imprisonment for no more than 12 months. Misdemeanor charges for theft can lead to both fines and jail time, making it important to have experienced legal representation.

Felony theft is the theft of property that is valued at more than $500. Depending on the severity of the theft, a judge can decide to deem a theft of items valued over $500 as a misdemeanor. This is solely at the discretion of the judge. If a judge considers the theft to be a felony, the punishment accompanying a conviction will be a sentence of imprisonment not to exceed 10 years (under certain circumstances), but no less than one year.

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 in Savannah, Georgia, or the surrounding counties can have a significant impact on your life. Whether you are accused of petty theft, grand theft, or felony theft, the consequences can include substantial monetary penalties, jail time, and a damaged reputation. Theft charges involve complex aspects of criminal law, and the legal process can be overwhelming without the right support.

Having a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side is essential to protect your rights and defend against theft crimes. Criminal defense attorneys with significant experience in Georgia theft cases understand the nuances of local laws and the strategies used by prosecutors. They know how to challenge insufficient evidence, negotiate for reduced penalties, and build a strong defense tailored to your unique circumstances.

A dedicated legal team will thoroughly review the evidence, identify any violations of your constitutional rights, and work to ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the legal process. If you are facing theft charges, a former prosecutor or seasoned criminal defense attorney can offer valuable insight into how your case may be handled in court, increasing your chances of achieving the best possible outcome.

During a free consultation, your attorney will explain the potential consequences of the charges, discuss your options, and outline a defense strategy designed to protect your best interests. By acting quickly and securing experienced legal representation, you can gain control of your case and defend your future.

In Savannah and the surrounding communities, choosing a local criminal defense attorney means you benefit from their established relationships with judges and prosecutors, as well as their unwavering dedication to protecting clients. Don’t wait—contact a criminal defense attorney today to start building your defense and ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.

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?

In Georgia, the line separating a misdemeanor from a felony depends strictly on the type of theft committed and the total cash value of the property involved. For standard offenses like theft by taking or theft by deception, the crime remains a misdemeanor if the value is $1,500 or less, escalating to a felony once that amount is exceeded. However, theft by shoplifting is a major exception to this rule, as it transforms into a felony when the stolen retail merchandise is valued at over $500. Felony theft cases are processed through the Chatham County Superior Court and carry severe state prison sentences ranging from one to ten years.

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, an individual can be lawfully arrested and charged with theft by shoplifting without ever physically exiting the retail establishment. The prosecution is not required to show that you successfully escaped with the goods, but rather that you acted with an intentional purpose to deprive the merchant of the item’s value. Loss prevention officers and local police routinely use actions like slipping merchandise into a personal bag, hiding items under clothing, altering price tags, or transferring goods into different boxes as definitive circumstantial evidence of criminal intent.

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

Yes, individuals facing a first-time misdemeanor theft accusation in Savannah Municipal Court or Chatham County State Court have distinct legal pathways available to avoid a permanent criminal record. Prosecutors frequently resolve minor property crimes through pre-trial diversion programs, which result in a total dismissal of the charges once the participant successfully completes community service, pays victim restitution, and attends a shoplifting prevention class. Alternatively, a defendant can utilize the Georgia First Offender Act to complete a term of probation, allowing them to bypass an official adjudication of guilt upon successful completion of their sentence.

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

Georgia enforces strict, mandatory penalty enhancements for individuals who accumulate multiple shoplifting offenses, regardless of the dollar amount of the merchandise taken during the latest incident. A first or second conviction for shoplifting items worth $500 or less is treated as a standard misdemeanor, but a third conviction requires a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 30 days and a $500 fine. A fourth or subsequent shoplifting offense is automatically elevated to a felony charge, exposing the individual to a mandatory state prison term of one to ten years that a judge cannot entirely probate or suspend.

What constitutes the crime of Theft by Conversion in Georgia?

Under state law, theft by conversion occurs when a person lawfully obtains funds, vehicles, or personal property under a specific legal agreement to make a designated deployment or return, but then intentionally misapplies those assets for their own personal gain. This charge is frequently filed in commercial business disputes, such as a construction contractor accepting an upfront financial deposit for building materials but failing to perform any work, or an individual failing to return a leased vehicle after a rental contract expires. If the value of the converted property exceeds $1,500, the offense is prosecuted as a felony.

Contact Our Savannah Criminal Defense Attorney

Contact our office today at (912) 713-3426 for a free consultation. We work exclusively in criminal defense, and we provide highly personalized attention, experienced counsel, and a proven reputation. Put our proven record to work for you.

We handle cases throughout coastal and southern Georgia. We work exclusively in the defense of clients charged with state and federal crimes. Call us today.