Tybee Island Theft Crime Lawyer

With years of experience defending individuals accused of all kinds of criminal charges, Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. is here for you. Our firm believes that every resident of Georgia has the right to legal representation when they have been accused of a crime, and we are here to handle every aspect of your defense. From the moment you are brought in for questioning related to the alleged crime, we can be by your side, advocating for your freedoms.

Understanding Theft in Tybee Island, Georgia

In the city of Tybee Island, there is an average of 2,211 theft crimes committed annually per every 100,000 residents. This is slightly higher than the national average and necessitates the need for a theft defense lawyer when one is charged with these crimes. In Georgia, an individual can be convicted of a theft offense if they are found guilty of unlawful taking or appropriating another individual’s property with the intent to deprive them of that property.

The most common theft offenses in Tybee Island include the following:

• Theft by taking: This offense includes the physical taking of another individual’s property with the intent to deprive them of the objects or items.
• Theft by deception: This offense is another way of referring to fraud and can include wire fraud, mail fraud, mortgage fraud, or insurance fraud.
• Theft of services: This crime occurs when an individual has allegedly used a service without paying for it.
• Theft by shoplifting: This crime happens when an individual is allegedly guilty of taking merchandise from a retail establishment.
• Theft of trade secrets: This crime can occur when an individual has allegedly stolen the intellectual property belonging to another business or entity.
• Theft by receiving: This crime occurs when an individual allegedly and knowingly receives property from another individual that has been stolen.
• Other forms of theft can include theft by extortion, livestock theft, defrauding or cheating a retailer, obtaining property by false promises, and theft by the conversion of leased personal property.

To be successfully convicted of a theft crime in Tybee Island, there are five main elements that are used to establish an individual’s guilt. These elements include:

• The owner of the property that has allegedly been stolen: This can be proven through photos, eyewitnesses, and receipts of purchases.
• The value of the property that has allegedly been stolen: This can be proven through receipts, current online sales prices, the fair market value, and professional appraisals of similar properties.
• Who currently is in possession of the property in question: If the individual who is not the owner is found to be in possession, their chances of facing a successful theft crime conviction increase.
• If the individual facing charges committed the crime with a knowing intent to deprive the owner of the property: This is the most important part to prove in any theft crime case.

How a Defense Attorney Can Help

When you find yourself facing theft crimes in Georgia, you need an attorney who understands the local legal system and how these cases often operate. Though Georgia is considered to be one of the states least impacted by retail theft, it still occurs every day, and when it does, even if you are innocent, having an attorney by your side is vital. When you work with the team at Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., we can review your case and implement potential defense, including:

• Having an alibi: One common defense is being able to prove that you were somewhere else during the time the alleged crime was committed.
• Suffering mistaken identity: In cases where eyewitnesses may be unreliable, your attorney can work to prove that you were wrongly identified.
• There is a lack of evidence: The prosecution must be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty, and if there is inadequate evidence, it can weaken your case.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Charge in Georgia?

A: It can be difficult to offer an exact number as to how much a criminal defense lawyer might charge for their services in Georgia. This is because there are several variables often involved in these cases that can impact your lawyer’s final cost analysis. These factors include the complexity and duration of your case and the experience and skill level of your lawyer.

Q: What Are the Penalties for Theft in Tybee Island?

A: There are several penalties you can face for a theft crime charge in Tybee Island, depending on the nature and severity of your alleged crime. These penalties can include probation, community service, lengthy prison sentences, substantial court fees, and legal fines, losing the right to vote, becoming ineligible for certain loans, having increased difficulty in finding housing or employment, and having a permanent criminal record.

Q: What Is Livestock Theft?

A: In Georgia, livestock theft occurs when an individual unlawfully takes or is in possession of livestock belonging to another individual with the intent to deprive the original owner of their property. If you are convicted of livestock theft in Tybee Island or the surrounding area, you may face imprisonment for no less than one year and, no more than ten and a fine of up to $1,000.

Q: How Is Shoplifting Defined in Georgia?

A: Shoplifting is a serious theft offense in Tybee Island, Georgia. It occurs when an individual has allegedly taken possession of merchandise without paying for it, changes the price tags on goods in a retail establishment in order to purchase the item for a lower cost, or transfers the goods of a store from one container to another.

Facing Theft Crime Charges in Tybee Island? We Can Help

In Georgia, theft crimes can be complex, and it is vital that you hire an attorney who understands the nuances involved in these cases, especially how they are handled at the local level in Tybee Island. With years of experience handling both misdemeanor and felony theft crime charges, Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. is here for you. Contact our offices today to schedule your consultation with our legal team.