Have you ever taken something that was not yours? Most people have, even if it was something insignificant. Maybe you stole a candy bar from the store. Perhaps you borrowed a video game from a friend with the intention of never giving it back.
These are examples of theft. Georgia defines this as theft by taking. Shoplifting is a common type of theft. While theft is common, it can be punished harshly. Here’s a look at Georgia theft laws and the penalties involved.
What the Law Says
Ga. Code § 16-8-2 defines theft by taking as when a person unlawfully takes or appropriates another person’s property with the intention of depriving them of the property. It does not matter how the property was taken or misappropriated. Examples of theft by taking include unlawfully taking someone’s property, unlawful appropriation of someone’s property, being in possession of stolen property, and deliberate adverse possession.
There are other types of theft in Georgia. One is theft by deception, which occurs when a person obtains property by any deceitful means or artful practice in order to deprive the owner of the property. This may involve lies and false impressions.
Theft by conversion is also common. This involves lawfully obtaining funds from leased or rented personal property. Examples include failure to return rental equipment, selling property owned by someone else, or cashing a check made out to someone else.
There is also theft of services, which, as the name implies, involves nonpayment of services. This includes illegally accessing internet services from a subscriber, failing to pay for lodging, or failing to pay for a meal or entertainment.
What Penalties Could I Face?
In Georgia, theft charges and penalties are based on the value of the property stolen. Misdemeanor theft by taking applies when the value of the property stolen is determined to be $1,500 or less. It is punishable by up to one year in jail.
Felony theft by taking applies when the value of the property stolen is greater than $1,500. The penalties you will face are based on the value of the property. For property valued between $1,500 and $5,000, a person can face one to five years in prison. When the property is valued between $5,001 and $25,000, it is punishable by one to 10 years in prison.
Contact Our Atlanta Criminal Defense Attorneys Today
Theft is common in Georgia, but that does not mean that it is a minor crime. Depending on the amount stolen or the value of the property, you could face felony charges and many years in prison.
If you are facing theft charges, contact Ghanayem & Rayasam. We will work to minimize the impact of this crime on your criminal history and help you deal with the challenges you will face. Schedule a consultation by calling (404) 561-0202 or filling out the online form.