Theft is the taking and carrying away of the property of another without permission. Property includes physical objects, services, trademarks, and secrets. Theft crimes are determined by the type of property, who had possession of the property before it was taken (or converted) and if permission was given. For example, a theft of property that occurs in the presence of the property owner by the use or threat of force is a robbery.

Eversole Law Offices represents people in any type of theft or theft related case including the types of crimes listed below:

• Theft - taking and carrying away property of another without permission, keeping property beyond the period of time for which the property owner gave the defendant permission to hold the property (such as when a person overstays his or her rental period of a motel room or keeps a rental car beyond the period of rental).
• Robbery is a theft of property by use or threat of force. It does not matter whether force was used; the mere threat of force is sufficient to charge the crime of robbery. The force used or threatened need not be by use of a deadly weapon (a handgun or assault rifle for example), but can be simply bodily force.
• Burglary is the breaking and entering into the premise of another (business or residence) with the intent to commit a felony once entry has been gained. A burglar need not be armed, but by being armed, he may be charged with additional crimes such as felon in possession of a gun or possession of burglarious tools, which is a separate crime from burglary.
• Embezzlement is the conversion of property entrusted to the alleged defendant by its owner. Embezzlement crimes usually involve employer-employee relationships and money, but they may include other property. Embezzlement is often charged as theft by fraud.
• Fraud is the means by which a theft crime is committed. Theft by fraud means that the alleged defendant took or converted property through fraudulent means such as deception. Prescription fraud means that the alleged defendant acquired a prescription drug by fraudulent representation of a prescription to a pharmacy.
• Shoplifting is the taking and carrying away of property of another without payment.
• Children who are charged with crimes are called juvenile offenders. Their cases are handled in juvenile courts unless the crime committed is of a very violent nature, in which case a juvenile may be moved into adult court.

Penalties

As with most crimes defined by Alabama law, theft crimes are determined by the type of property and its value. Generally speaking, theft crimes range in punishment from probation or community service to fines or imprisonment or both. For example, theft of property valued at $2,500 or more is a felony regardless of whether the property was taken from a private home or a grocery store.

Free Initial Consultation

Eversole Law provides a free initial consultation to people who have been accused, arrested or charged by a federal or state agency for a theft related crime. If you or someone you care about needs legal advice, please call Eversole Law Offices to speak with an attorney today.