Penalties for Theft Convictions in Alabama
Penalties for Theft Convictions in Alabama
If you or someone you know has been charged with theft in Alabama, it's a good idea to know the potential consequences of a conviction. Even minor theft offenses can lead to costly penalties, so it is always critical to seek the legal help you need to minimize or eliminate such penalties. After an arrest for theft, speak with a Montgomery criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Theft Charges and Penalties
Alabama law sets out different charges and penalties for theft, depending on the specific allegations someone faces.
First-degree theft is the most serious theft offense, and it applies to the theft of property valued at $2,500 or more, or the theft of a motor vehicle, regardless of its value. It is a Class B felony, which means those convicted could face significant jail time of two to twenty years in prison.
Theft of property in the second degree occurs when the property stolen is valued between $1,500 and $2,499. Theft in the second degree is a Class C felony and carries a penalty of between one and ten years of imprisonment. Theft in the second degree can also be charged if the property stolen is a firearm, livestock, or a controlled substance, such as prescription medication.
Theft of property in the third degree is a class D felony, and it involves the theft of property valued between $500 and $1,499. It carries with it a penalty of between one to five years in prison.
Finally, theft in the fourth degree, also known as “petty theft,” is the theft of any property valued at less than $500. It is classified as a Class A misdemeanor and punishable by up to a year in jail.
In addition to theft of property, the above charges and potential penalties apply to theft of services based on the value of the services allegedly stolen.
Other Consequences of Theft Convictions
Even if you are not sentenced to imprisonment, a theft conviction can have many other consequences. You might have to comply with strict probation conditions for some time if you avoid jail time. Theft convictions can come with costly financial penalties, including fines, restitution to victims, court costs, and other assessments.
Having a theft conviction on your criminal record can also impact your future. Many employers will not hire people with theft convictions, as it indicates potential trust issues. You might not qualify for professional licensure or employment in fields involving the management or handling of other people’s property or money. These consequences can limit your future, so you want a lawyer working to avoid a conviction on your record whenever possible.
Call Us Today to Speak with a Montgomery Criminal Defense Lawyer
At the Law Office of Richard F. Matthews Jr., we are committed to protecting the rights of people accused of theft crimes and will work to defend against all types of theft-related charges. To get in touch with an experienced criminal defense attorney, call us at 334.398.8408 or contact us online right away.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established. These recoveries and testimonials are not an indication of future results. Every case is different, and regardless of what friends, family, or other individuals may say about what a case is worth, each case must be evaluated on its own facts and circumstances as they apply to the law. The valuation of a case depends on the facts, the injuries, the jurisdiction, the venue, the witnesses, the parties, and the testimony, among other factors.
With offices located in downtown Montgomery, The Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr., serves Montgomery County, Pike County, Elmore County, Autauga County, the River Region of Alabama and throughout the State of Alabama, including Montgomery, Troy, Wetumpka, Prattville, Selma and Tuskegee. No attorney-client relationship is established by requesting a consultation or emailing Attorney Richard F. Matthews, Jr.. Information submitted in such communication is not privileged and may be subject to disclosure.
