Convicted of Theft in Georgia? Misdemeanors, Felonies and Wobbler Offenses

Theft by taking covers the majority of theft convictions in Georgia. In other states, you may hear it called larceny. It means taking or possessing something that belongs to someone else, whether temporarily or permanently depriving them of it. It can include both property and services, the value of which is determined by the fair market value at the time the owner was deprived.

Misdemeanor Theft

In Georgia, misdemeanor theft is any theft of property or services valued under $1,500. These cases are usually very straightforward and carry penalties of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A judge may allow you to serve your time outside of working hours so you can continue employment, but only if your sentence is six months or less. Multiple misdemeanor theft convictions can result in wobbler offenses.

Felony Theft

While some felony theft charges fall into the broader category of “property or services valued at $25,000 or more,” and conviction can result in jail time anywhere between two and twenty years, Georgia has many more specific felony theft crimes. For example, if an offender has stolen property from someone aged 65 or older valued over $500, they may receive a prison sentence of between five and ten years. Another example is theft of destructive devices like guns or explosives, which could mean between one and ten years for a first offense and five years for each subsequent conviction.

Wobbler Offenses

Wobbler offenses may be classified as misdemeanors or felonies by the value of the property or services stolen. They give the judge the freedom to decide whether to adjust the penalties handed down based on the circumstances of the case. Theft valued between $1,500 and $5,000 typically carries misdemeanor penalties, but could receive harsher sentences if the crime was particularly heinous. A judge sentencing a higher-value crime between $5,000 and $25,000 could offer leniency and a misdemeanor penalty.

Being accused of theft by taking can be a simple matter, as it is in many misdemeanor cases, or much more complex if you’ve been convicted of a wobbler offense. Felony theft convictions require experienced criminal defense to ensure you have strong representation in court. If you’ve been arrested for theft in Georgia, call us today to schedule your consultation with the Law Office of Jeff Manciagli.