Felony Theft of Property

In Alabama, theft is a serious offense with serious consequences. Being up against a theft charge means you face extensive fines and prison time. Additionally, only one form of theft in Alabama constitutes a misdemeanor – the rest are felonies. Don't risk a felony charge ruining your chance at a future. An experienced theft defense attorney can make sure your rights are protected and fight for a favorable outcome in your felony theft case.

Huntsville Felony Theft of Property Attorney

The skilled criminal defense lawyers of Law Offices Of Segal & Segal have almost 40 years of experience fighting for and against cases like yours in Alabama courtrooms. Since they have been both prosecutors and defense lawyers, the attorneys at Law Offices Of Segal & Segal know how to pick apart the prosecution's case while building a strong, comprehensive defense.

If you have been arrested for felony theft of property in Madison County, Morgan County, Limestone County, or Marshall County make the call for your future and contact Law Offices Of Segal & Segal today. Your first consultation is free, so call us at (256) 533-4529 to schedule yours.

Information on Theft of Property in Alabama

Definition of Theft in Alabama

Though it seems like a fairly simple concept, every state has a different definition of theft for legal purposes. In Alabama, theft is defined in Alabama Code Section 13A-8-2 as a person:

Knowingly obtaining or exerting unauthorized control over another person's property with the intent to deprive that person of said property
Knowingly obtaining by deception unauthorized control of another individual's property with the intent to deprive him or her of that property
Knowingly obtaining or exerting control over property that is in a law enforcement agency's custody and which was clearly represented as stolen to the alleged offender by an agent of that agency
Knowingly exerting unauthorized control or obtaining an donated item left on the property of a charitable organization or left in or within 30 feet of a drop-off box or trailer owned by that organization

Property a person can be accused of stealing does not have to include physical things like jewelry or televisions. It can also be stocks, land, contractual rights, wealth claims, or even public utilities. For other definitions regarding stealing, consult Alabama Code section 13A-8-1 or contact an experienced Huntsville felony theft attorney.

Common Madison County Felony Theft Offenses

In Alabama, theft crimes are separated by degrees and then classified under an offense based on the actual value of the stolen item. There is only one form of stealing that qualifies as a misdemeanor, and that is third-degree theft (also known as shoplifting) – which is stealing an item of value that is not to exceed $500. The rest of the theft offenses defined by Alabama law are felonies and are as follows:

Second-Degree Theft of Property

Class C felony
Stealing of property, lost property, or services which is $501-$2,500 in value
Second theft of property in the second or first degree where the value of said property is $251-$2,500
Theft of credit or debit card
Stealing of firearm, rifle, or shotgun
Theft of controlled substance
Stealing of livestock, including cattle, pigs, horses, and sheep
Theft of trademarks or trade secrets

First-Degree Theft of Property

Class B felony
Theft of property, lost property, or services which is $2,500 or more in value
Stealing of a motor vehicle – aka Grand Theft Auto
Theft that involves all of the following:

A common plan or scheme by one or more persons
Object of said scheme is to transfer stolen property to another entity that is buying the property with full knowledge or reasonable belief that the property is stolen
The aggregate value of the property is $1,000 or more within 180-day period

Consequences of Felony Theft Convictions in Huntsville AL

In addition to extensive jail time and fines, a felony conviction could cause the loss of certain rights such as the right to vote, and certain educational and job opportunities. If this is not your first felony offense, the prison time you face will be even longer under Alabama's habitual offenders law. The classes of felonies and their related punishments are:

Class C Felony

Second-degree theft, first offense
Up to 10 years of prison, with a mandatory minimum of 1 year, one day
Up to $15,000 fine or up to double the amount of value stolen

Class B Felony

First-degree theft, first offense
Second-degree theft, second offense
Up to 20 years of prison with a 2-year mandatory minimum
Up to $30,000 fine or double the value amount stolen

Class A Felony

First-degree theft, second offense
Second-degree theft, third offense
Life sentence or 10-99 years of prison
Up to $60,000 fine or double the value of the stolen property

Protecting the Rights of Those Accused of Theft in Madison County

A felony conviction of any kind can have a serious impact on your future, and a stealing of property felony can added the additional stress of mistrust in your social and work life. If you have been charged with felony theft of property in the Huntsville-Decatur area, including Madison, Athens, Albertville, and Scottsboro, contact the experienced felony attorneys at Law Offices Of Segal & Segal. We will protect your rights and fight for a more favorable outcome in your case. Call (256) 533-4529 today to set up your free consultation.