Huntsville Theft & Property Crime Attorney

Occurrences of theft crime and property crime have increased drastically in the past few years. These crimes are becoming a major problem for law enforcement officials throughout Madison County, Alabama. Many types of theft crimes can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, based upon the value of the item or property stolen. Any theft or property charge can result in jail or prison. Depending on the nature and severity of the offense, charges can be filed in municipal, state or federal court.

If you or someone you love is under suspicion of committing a theft or property crime or is being pursued by law enforcement officials or the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation), you should contact a Huntsville theft or property crimes lawyer immediately. At the Law Offices of Segal & Segal we understand the difficulties faced when accused of a criminal offense. A dedicated Huntsville defense attorney can work to protect your legal rights and protect you against the charges that you may face.

 

Theft Frequently Asked Questions

 

How does the state of Alabama classify theft offenses?

 

Generally, the state of Alabama, classifies theft cases as either a first, second, or third-degree theft.

 

Theft of property first-degree consists of the theft of property which exceeds $2500 in value or property of any value that is taken from the person of another. Additionally, the theft of a motor vehicle and regardless of its value is theft of property first-degree.  There are other ways of committing the crime of theft of property first-degree, but we have lists of the most commonly charged ones here. 

 

The crime of theft of property first-degree is a class B felony.  Generally, the range of punishment ranges from two to 20 years in the state penitentiary for a class B felony, assuming the person has no prior felony convictions.

 

 

 

Theft of property in the second degreegenerally consists of the theft of property which exceeds $500 a night but does not exceed $2500 value and which is not taken from the person of another.  Also included in theft of property second-degree would be any theft of a credit card or debit card regardless of its value or the theft of any fire or rifle or shotgun regardless of its value.  Additional ways of committing the crime of theft of property second-degree would include the theft of a livestock, as well as the theft of any type of controlled substance, as listed under Alabama law.

 

Theft of property second-degree is a class C felony and is punishable by up to a year and a day to 10 years in the state penitentiary. This is assuming that the individual convicted has no prior felony convictions.

 

Theft of property third-degree theft of property which does not exceed $500 in value and which is not taken from a person of another.

 

Theft of property in the third degree is a class A misdemeanor.  A class a misdemeanor carries up to one year imprisonment in the county jail.  Please note that if an individual is charged with theft of property in the third degree in any municipal court (as opposed to a district court) the range of punishment is up to 180 days in jail and a $500 fine.

 

Is there a diversion program available for theft cases?

 

There are some diversion programs available, but whether or not, you could participate in one and whether or not one is available in a particular court you’re in it something that would need to be explored by your attorney.

 

Get a theft charge be reduced through negotiation to a lower grade of theft?

 

Yes, that is something and if appropriate, your attorney could look into.  It could mean the difference between a felony conviction in the misdemeanor conviction, and it could mean the difference between a sense of potential imprisonment, and being on probation.  As the facts of every case are unique, your lawyer would need to look into the summit case-by-case basis.

 

What degree of theft is shoplifting?

 

Shoplifting can constitute any degree of theft, depending on the value of what was taken.  For example, if someone were to shoplift a diamond ring that whose value exceeded $2500 this would constitute the crime of theft of property first-degree. However, if the ring was simply costume jewelry, and its value was under $500, the same act of shoplifting would be a misdemeanor offense.

 

What kind of the defenses are there to a theft case?

 

There is any number of defenses in a case like this.  It depends on the specific facts of each case.  For example, a person who absentmindedly walked out of a store with something in the bottom of their shopping cart, but no intention to steal, would not be guilty of theft. There are times when there is a dispute as to the true ownership of property and whether or not it was in fact stolen and sometimes the defense simply consists of testing in the sufficiency of the state’s evidence..  Sometimes “the defense’”, is not really a defense at all, but consists of the person who is accused in getting some form of counseling or treatment in an effort to get the charges dismissed. In

 

Can any lawyer help me in a case like this?

 

Yes, the attorney will look at all of the facts of your case, as well the specific conditions and circumstances surrounding the matter to determine whether or not the case is one that can be won at trial or if it is a case that is better to be negotiated.  Because an attorney is familiar with the legal system, he or she, should be able to help you navigate through such charges and to help you to obtain whatever the best results are possible given the facts of your specific case.

 

Theft Attorneys & Property Attorneys in Madison County

A Huntsville theft defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Segal & Segal can represent all types of theft crime charges including:

• Theft attorneys
• Burglary attorneys
• Auto theft attorneys
• Extortion attorneys
• Robbery attorneys
• Shoplifting attorneys
• Credit card fraud attorneys
• Government fraud attorneys
• Fraudulent use of a credit card attorneys
• Criminal mischief attorneys
• Receiving stolen property attorneys
• Extortion attorneys
• Pharmacy robbery attorneys
• Copying and sale of recording devices attorneys
• Computer crimes attorneys
• Theft of services attorneys
• Theft by fraudulent leasing attorneys
• Theft of rental property attorneys
• Identity theft attorneys
• Trespass attorneys
• Criminal tampering attorneys
• Arson attorneys
• Forgery attorneys
• Criminal possession of a forged instrument attorneys
• Fraudulent use of a credit card attorneys
• Giving a false name to law enforcement attorneys
• Trespassing attorneys
• Grand theft attorneys
• Grand theft auto attorneys
• Larceny attorneys
• Embezlement attorneys

Hire an aggressive Huntsville theft crimes attorney to minimize harsh penalties, which may include: jail or prison sentence, fines, victim restitution, driver's license suspension, community service, probation, parole, deportation and a lifetime mark on your criminal record. In addition, if convicted of a felony theft crime, it can affect any future opportunities for loans, employment and even hinder obtaining a professional license. By hiring a criminal defense attorney from the Law Offices of Segal & Segal, attorneys begin negotiating on your behalf right away in an effort to have charges lowered, or in some cases even dismissed.

Huntsville Theft Defense Attorneys

If you have been charged with a theft or property crime, please contact the Law Offices of Segal & Segal immediately for a free case consultation. Learn more about your case and how we can help you today!