Property Crimes Attorney in Fairhope | Theft Offenses | Shoplifting

If you have been arrested for theft, shoplifting, or other property-related offense in Baldwin County, Mobile County, or Escambia County, Alabama, Michael Pylant is a property crimes attorney in Fairhope that can help you get your life back on track. Our law firm has over 18 years of criminal defense experience working as both a Baldwin County prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney. We have never backed down from a difficult case. Contact our law office today at (251) 455-1730 to speak with a qualified criminal defense lawyer to evaluate your case today.

In Alabama, property crimes are one of the most common and frequent offenses. Our Fairhope law office regularly represents individuals charged with the following property crimes:

• • According to Alabama law, theft of property ranges from the first degree to the fourth degree, or common theft. Theft charges can be complicated and are based on many different factors.
  • There are several scenarios that could cause an individual to be charged with theft of property in the first degree. Two common factors that will constitute theft of property in the first degree are (1) if the value of the property stolen is greater than $2,500 or (2) there is theft of a motor vehicle, regardless of value. Theft of property in the first degree is considered a Class B felony.
  • Theft of property in the second degree is considered a Class C felony. Certain criteria has to be met for an individual to be charged with theft of property in the second degree. If (1) the value of the property stolen is between $1,500 and $2,500, or (2) there is theft of a firearm, regardless of value, (3) or the stealing of livestock are some of the ways an individual could be charged with theft of property in the second degree.
  • Theft of property in the third degree is considered a Class D felony. To be charged with theft of property in the third degree, (1) the value of the property stolen must be between $500 and $1,499 or (2) the theft is a credit card or debit card, regardless of value.
  • Theft of property in the fourth degree is considered a Class A misdemeanor. For a property crime charge to be considered theft of property in the fourth degree, the value of the property stolen must be less than $500.

If you are facing a theft of property charge, regardless of the severity, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the nature of the charges against you and build a solid defense in your case. Arrested for theft at Hangout Music Fest? Contact Fairhope property crimes attorney Michael Pylant today to discuss your case today!

• • Alabama does not have laws specifically in regard to the penalties of shoplifting, but rather reverts back to the law regarding theft of property charges. Therefore, if an individual shoplifts in Alabama, they face the possibility of being charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense depending on the value of the goods stolen.

• • Under Alabama Criminal Code § 13A-8-16, a person commits receiving stolen property when the individual intentionally receives, retains, or disposes of stolen property knowing that it has been stolen or having reasonable grounds to believe it has been stolen.

• • According to Alabama law, the act of burglary takes place when a person knowingly and unlawfully enters or remains unlawfully in a dwelling with intent to commit a crime therein. A person can be charged with burglary in the first degree, burglary in the second degree, or burglary in the third degree. Being charged with burglary is a felony offense in Alabama that ranges from a Class A felony to a Class C felony, respectively.

• • Being charged with robbery is a very serious offense in Alabama. An individual can be charged with robbery in the first degree, robbery in the second degree, or robbery in the third degree. Being charged with robbery is considered a felony offense, ranging from a Class A felony to a Class C felony.
  • A person commits the crime of robbery if while committing a theft, the individual uses force or threatens the use of force in the taking or escaping with the stolen property. The degree of robbery is heightened if the individual is aided by another person, armed with a deadly or dangerous weapon, or causes serious bodily harm to another.

• • According to Alabama law, a person can be charged with extortion if they knowingly obtain by threat control over the property of another, with intent to deprive him of the property.

• • A person can be charged with criminal trespassing if they knowingly enter or remain unlawfully in a dwelling. Criminal trespassing is a misdemeanor and can be charged in the first degree, second degree, or third degree.

• • A person commits the crime of criminal mischief when an individual intentionally damages the property of another. Criminal mischief can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the value of the property damage.

Baldwin County Theft Lawyer

Property crimes covers an array of offenses in Alabama with an even more complicated range of penalties. Whether you are facing a minor offense or a more serious charge, an experienced Baldwin County criminal defense attorney can help you prepare a defense that protects your future.

The criminal defense law firm of Michael A. Pylant represents clients throughout Baldwin County, Mobile County, and Escambia County, Alabama including the municipalities of Fairhope, Daphne, Spanish Fort, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Foley, Summerdale, Robertsdale, Loxley, Bay Minette, Mobile, Saraland, Atmore, and Brewton.