Theft and other property crimes often result in misdemeanor charges. People accused of shoplifting or taking something that belongs to their neighbor might face misdemeanor theft accusations. However, there are numerous scenarios in which the state might pursue felony charges instead.
What are three of the most common reasons that people accused of theft end up facing felony charges in criminal court?
1. The use of a weapon
If a person has a weapon in their possession or brandishes a weapon while stealing from another person or a business, that turns the situation into an armed robbery. An armed robbery is a violent or forcible felony, which is one of the most serious categories of crimes prosecuted in Georgia.
2. Stealing specific types of property
Theft laws also include provisions allowing for the upgrade of charges in cases where people take certain types of property. Specifically, the theft of a motor vehicle or a firearm is usually a felony, regardless of the circumstances or the value of the property.
3. The theft of valuable property
The total value of the items taken also has an impact on the theft charges brought. Once the value of assets reaches $1,500, the state may be able to pursue felony theft charges.
Anyone accused of a theft offense may need legal guidance, but those accused of a felony theft crime may particularly need support to mitigate the severity of the charges that they’re facing. Exploring a case with a criminal defense attorney can help those accused of a theft or property crime work to avoid a life-altering felony conviction.