Charged with a crime in Georgia? Stealing someone’s cell phone or wallet, for instance, involves the act of taking another’s property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of that property. If you have been arrested and charged with a property crime in Georgia, the team of criminal defense attorneys at Fennell, Briasco & Associates™ is ready to provide strong representation in your defense. Call us today at (770) 956-4030 for a FREE legal consultation about your Georgia arrest.
Types of Georgia Property Crimes
Under Georgia law, property crimes refer to criminal offenses that interfere with another’s use or enjoyment of property. Stealing someone’s cell phone or wallet, for instance, involves the act of taking another’s property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner’s property. Depending on the value of stolen goods or affected property, these crimes can be punished as either misdemeanors (punishable by up to one year in jail and/or fines) or felonies (punishable by more than one year in prison and/or fines).
At Fennell, Briasco & Associates™, we represent criminal defendants in a wide range of property crimes in Georgia. We proudly serve clients accused of:
THEFT
In general, theft is defined as the unlawful taking of another’s property with the intent to permanently or temporarily deprive the owner of such property. There are many types of theft crimes under Georgia law, depending on the type of stolen goods and circumstances of the alleged crime.
For example, you may specifically be charged with:
- theft by taking (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2),
- theft by deception (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-3),
- theft by extortion (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-16),
- theft of lost or mislaid property (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-6),
- cargo theft (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-22),
- theft by receipt of stolen property (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-7).
These crimes can vary by punishment and fines, so it is important to talk to an attorney about your legal strategy.
Shoplifting
Shoplifting is a type of theft. Specifically, shoplifting refers to the act of taking possession of merchandise from a store or retail establishment without paying for the merchandise. Shoplifting can occur by concealing the merchandise in your clothing or personal items, walking out of the store without paying, or altering the price tag on the merchandise.
The penalties for shoplifting vary based on the value of the allegedly stolen goods. If the value of the goods is less than $500, then the crime is punishable as a misdemeanor. If the value of the goods is greater than $500, then the crime is punishable as a felony. Repeat offenders who have faced previous shoplifting charges may face stricter punishments and higher fines.
With the abundance of malls and shopping outlets in the metro Atlanta area, shoplifting crimes are common. If you have been accused of shoplifting at a store in Georgia, the team at Fennell, Briasco & Associates™ can help you pursue the best case for freedom, dismissed charges, and reduced sentencing.
Entering Auto
The unauthorized entry into another’s automobile with the intent to commit theft is punishable as a felony or misdemeanor, at the discretion of the trial judge. For instance, if a person is accused of breaking a car window to steal a purse or opening an unlocked car to steal sunglasses, that person can be charged with the crime of entering auto. For these charges to stick, law enforcement has a tough evidentiary burden of presenting good evidence that links you to the crime. At Fennell, Briasco & Associates™, our criminal defense attorneys help you present your best case against these criminal charges.
Criminal Trespass
Criminal trespass refers to the act of improperly entering another’s real property for an unlawful purpose. Criminal trespass may also refer to the act of entering or remaining on another’s property without the owner’s permission or authorization. In most cases, a trespasser must have notice that they are not allowed on the premises. Trespass laws can often seem unfair, because they hinder your ability to move from one place to another, even in situations where you might feel like you did nothing wrong. To consult a criminal trespass lawyer in Georgia, contact the team at Fennell, Briasco & Associates™ about your case.
Vandalism
Vandalism laws and ordinances are usually handled at the local level. Specific laws against vandalism and graffiti may vary based on the city or county where the conduct occurs. For instance, in Marietta, Georgia, those convicted of violating the graffiti ordinance can be punished by up to 6 months in prison and up to $1,000 in fines. In Roswell, Georgia, the crime of vandalism refers to the act of disfiguring, defacing, damaging or altering any portion of private or public property. To learn about your legal recourse for a vandalism or graffiti charge in Georgia, schedule a consultation with a criminal defense attorney in your area.
Criminal Damage to Property
Destruction of property (by physical damage, fire, explosives, or other means) can result in a criminal conviction. If the value of the damaged property exceeds $500, then you can face more than a year in prison for this criminal offense. Activities that involve interference with public utilities, like sewer lines, power lines, public transit, or other services, can also carry increased penalties. For many clients, criminal destruction of property was an accident that was never intended to have serious criminal consequences. To learn more about representation in your case, contact our team today.
Other Property Crimes
There are many different types of property crimes under Georgia law. No matter the charges against you, a skilled criminal defense attorney is your best path towards freedom and reduced charges. If you have been accused of a property crime in Georgia, contact the team at Fennell, Briasco & Associates™ today.
What penalties can you face?
Find a Lawyer to Represent You
A single criminal charge shouldn’t define you. At Fennell, Briasco & Associates™, our team of criminal defense attorneys has helped thousands of clients across the State of Georgia in fighting against charges of theft, shoplifting, and other property crimes. We strive to deliver a high-powered legal defense that seeks to minimize the long-term effects of your criminal charges. Contact us today for a free legal consultation. (770) 956-4030
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