Theft Crimes Lawyer in Atlanta

Former Prosecutors. Former Judge. Over 100 Years of Combined Experience.

A theft charge in Georgia carries consequences that reach well beyond fines or jail time. Whether you’re facing a shoplifting citation or a felony theft accusation, the strength of the evidence against you determines everything. Our criminal defense team at Ross & Pines brings over 100 years of combined legal experience to these cases, led by three former prosecutors and one former judge. That background shapes how we investigate, prepare, and argue every case we take on.

We handle a wide range of theft charges for clients throughout the Atlanta area, and our approach is the same regardless of charge severity: review the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and build the strongest possible defense from there.

If you’re facing a theft charge in Atlanta, don’t wait to get legal counsel. Call Ross & Pines at (404) 812-4300 to schedule a free consultation and learn what your options are.

Theft Offenses We Defend in Atlanta

Georgia law recognizes several distinct theft offenses, each with its own elements the prosecution must prove. Understanding which charge you’re facing is the first step in building a defense.

Theft by Taking
Under O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2, theft by taking occurs when someone unlawfully takes property belonging to another, or unlawfully keeps property they were given lawfully, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. Intent is a central element, and it’s one the prosecution must establish.

Shoplifting
In Georgia, shoplifting is generally prosecuted as a form of theft by taking involving retail merchandise. What begins as a misdemeanor can escalate depending on the value of the items and any prior history.

Receiving Stolen Property
This charge requires the prosecution to prove the accused knew, or had reason to believe, that the property was stolen. Courts have found that willfully avoiding that knowledge can satisfy this element, which makes the facts and circumstances of each case critical.

Theft of Services
Theft of services involves knowingly obtaining services, accommodations, entertainment, or use of property that a provider offers only for compensation, through deception and with intent to avoid paying. These cases often turn on evidence of intent.

Motor Vehicle Theft
Georgia treats motor vehicle theft as a felony regardless of the vehicle’s value, which means even a first offense can carry serious prison exposure.

How Georgia Classifies Theft Charges: Felony vs. Misdemeanor

Under O.C.G.A. § 16-8-12, the value of the property taken determines whether most theft offenses are charged as misdemeanors or felonies. That distinction carries significant weight at sentencing.

• Misdemeanor threshold: Theft involving property valued at $1,500 or less is generally charged as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail.
• Lower-range felony: Theft of property valued between $1,500.01 and $5,000 is a felony carrying one to five years in prison.
• Higher-value felonies: Longer sentence ranges apply as property values increase above $5,000.
• Value-independent felonies: Certain offenses are charged as felonies no matter what the property is worth, including motor vehicle theft, theft of a firearm, and theft by a fiduciary or by a government or financial institution employee.

Because property value is a fact the prosecution must prove, how it’s established at the charging stage is a legitimate point of challenge. We review the valuation methodology in every case where it bears on the charge classification.

Consequences Beyond the Sentence

A theft conviction in Georgia is classified as a crime of moral turpitude, a designation that can affect professional licensing boards, immigration matters, and background checks long after a sentence is served. The practical reach of a conviction often matters as much as the criminal penalty itself.

Record restriction may be available depending on how a case is resolved, but eligibility isn’t automatic. It depends on the specific charge, the outcome, and the path the case took through the courts. We discuss these possibilities with clients early so that case strategy accounts for long-term outcomes, not only the immediate charge.

How We Defend Atlanta Theft Cases

We begin every case with a careful review of the police reports, witness statements, and any other materials the prosecution intends to rely on. Our team looks for inconsistencies, procedural gaps, and evidentiary problems that can affect how a charge is prosecuted or resolved. From there, we guide clients through each stage of the criminal process, including arrest, booking, first appearance, and arraignment in courts such as the Fulton County Superior Court or the Municipal Court of Atlanta. Many clients have also gone through bond hearings in Fulton County with us present, so they don’t make statements or decisions that could undermine their defense before it has a chance to take shape.

Thorough preparation is where outcomes are built. No client’s situation is routine, and we don’t treat any theft case as if it were.

Facing a Theft Charge in Atlanta? Start with a Free Consultation.

The earlier we get involved, the more options we may be able to preserve. Whether you’re just learning what charges have been filed or you’re already scheduled for arraignment, Ross & Pines is ready to review your case and explain what a defense can realistically look like from here.

Our initial consultation is free. Call us at (404) 812-4300 to speak with our criminal defense team today.