Pooler Theft Crime Lawyer

Pooler Theft Crime Attorney

Theft charges are taken very seriously in Georgia. Depending on the details of your case and the exact nature of the alleged offense, you could be looking at penalties ranging from minor fines all the way to significant jail time. Without a strong defense, you don’t stand much of a chance in court, and you could suffer the full extent of all available penalties. Theft can mean many different things, and a Pooler theft crime lawyer can help you defend yourself against charges.

The legal team at Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. understands how difficult and overwhelming it can be to face criminal charges of any kind, including charges of theft. You may not know what to do next or how to defend yourself. That’s where an experienced criminal defense lawyer comes in. A good lawyer can help you figure out your next steps and mount a strong defense. Whether you’re facing charges for theft, domestic violence, drug crime, or aggravated assault, a conviction can land you with a criminal record, which may negatively impact your future.

Theft Charges in Georgia

While certain crime statistics for Pooler are not widely available given the city’s smaller population, there were well over 1,000 arrests for theft and larceny in Chatham County in 2023 alone, as well as 176 specifically for motor vehicle theft. It may be wise to avoid areas in Chatham County that have a higher crime rate, such as East Savannah. Pooler ranks among the safest cities in the state, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its own issues with theft.

A person commits the crime of theft when they intentionally take something that doesn’t belong to them. Intent is the most important part of a theft case. In order to successfully get a conviction, the prosecution needs to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Your defense lawyer doesn’t necessarily have to definitively prove your innocence. They only have to create reasonable doubt.

Getting Arrested for Theft

Depending on the circumstances of the arrest in Pooler, getting arrested can be a humiliating and overwhelming experience on its own. You may feel like you’ve already lost and there’s nothing that can be done to get you out of this. That might not be the case, and it’s important that you don’t lose hope. You are always innocent until proven guilty, no matter what you’re being charged with. You always have certain constitutional rights that cannot be infringed upon.

It is vital to your case that you exercise your right to legal counsel and your right to remain silent. The police may not have as much evidence against you as you’ve been led to believe. They may be counting on a confession to clinch their case against you. You don’t have to say anything to the police that you don’t want to. Simply ask for your lawyer. When they arrive, let your lawyer talk for you.

Possible Defenses Against Theft

The most important thing that a theft crime lawyer can offer you is a strong legal defense strategy. You may have more options than you think. It’s important to figure out the most effective defense you could mount and move forward with that.

Here are some possible defenses against a theft charge that you might be able to use:

• Lack of Intent: Above all, a lack of intent may be your strongest defense. You may be able to argue that while you did take something that didn’t belong to you, you didn’t do it on purpose and never had any intent to steal. For example, you may have taken an item that you mistakenly thought belonged to you, or you may have borrowed an item with the intention of returning it.
• Permission: Another possible defense against theft is that you had received permission from the property’s owner to possess, use, or take said property.

FAQs

Q: How Can You Beat a Theft Charge in Georgia?

A: There are many ways you can potentially beat a theft charge in Georgia. Above all, you must prove that there was no intent to steal. You must establish that you always intended to return the item in question or that you had no idea you had actually stolen it. A strong defense lawyer can help you put together a solid defense using this as a foundation.

Q: When Is Theft a Felony in Georgia?

A: For a theft charge to jump from a misdemeanor to a felony in Georgia, the value of the stolen property in question has to exceed a certain amount. The penalties for a felony theft charge can include several years in prison, depending on the item, the details of the case, and whether there were additional aggravating factors. Certain items, such as firearms or explosives, may render an automatic felony charge regardless of value.

Q: How Do You Fight Theft Charges?

A: The most effective way to fight theft charges is to hire an experienced theft crime lawyer who can help you mount a strong defense. They can explore possible defense strategies like mistaken identity or permission, gather evidence to defend you, and consider alternative resolutions such as a plea bargain. The more evidence you have that supports your position, the higher your chances of winning your case.

Q: Do You Need a Lawyer To Fight Theft Charges?

A: You do not legally need a lawyer to fight theft charges; however, it is highly recommended that you hire one anyway. The last thing you want is to be unprepared as you go up against a seasoned prosecutor with no legal support. Having the right lawyer can make all the difference as you navigate a difficult situation.

Reach Out to a Theft Crime Lawyer Today

Facing theft charges can be intimidating, especially if you don’t have any experienced legal support behind you. You should consider reaching out to a theft crime lawyer who can help you put together a defense.

The legal team at Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. understands how difficult it can be to defend yourself against criminal charges. We can help you build up your case, gather evidence, and make sure your interests are protected. Contact us to speak to a valued team member about your case.