Theft charges encompass multiple crimes that involve taking or using something that belongs to someone else. All theft crimes are serious matters with potentially significant consequences.
The Smyrna theft lawyers at the Ghanouni Teen and Young Adult Defense Firm believe no one should be judged by decisions they made on their worst day, and a misunderstanding or mistake should not haunt a young person for a lifetime.
Whether the situation a person is facing is due to poor decision-making making, or a mistake on the part of law enforcement, we work with our clients to craft an effective defense with careful attention to limiting the long-term consequences of a situation and empowering a young person to have every opportunity for their future.
Contact us today to schedule a time to speak with a member of our team.
Many of the theft laws in this state appear in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated §16-8-2 through 16-8-25. Theft by taking, receiving stolen property, stealing services, shoplifting, and theft by deception are all theft crimes.
The severity of a theft charge depends on the circumstances. The value of the allegedly stolen property or services determines whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. In some cases, the judge has discretion on how to treat a specific crime.
Stealing specific types of property, such as a firearm, anhydrous ammonia, or a grave decoration, can also lead to felony charges.
When teenagers and people in their 20s face accusations, experienced counsel can protect their legal interests and futures. Our firm’s knowledgeable legal team offers years of experience serving local youth and families. We compassionately guide each case, focusing on the young person’s overall goals beyond the allegations.
Whether you or your loved one are facing charges in juvenile court or an adult court, such as a Municipal, State, or Superior Court, our team may be able to help.
Georgia’s juvenile justice system handles individuals 16 and under who are accused of a crime. There are exceptions when an especially serious crime merits treating the alleged offender as an adult, but young people accused of theft typically go through the juvenile system.
While the juvenile justice system aims to rehabilitate adolescent offenders, significant punishments are possible for theft crimes. The specifics of the incident and the minor’s history influence outcomes, but the stakes can be high.
Judges have numerous sentencing options, including:
Whether your goal is to fight the case through legal issues at a trial or to seek a negotiated outcome, skilled lawyers can help. While there are many similarities between the adult criminal process and the juvenile process, there are also distinct differences. This makes working with a Smyrna attorney familiar with the juvenile justice system paramount to effectively helping you with theft charges and minimizing the long and short-term effects they have on a young person’s life.
Anyone 17 or older must face charges in the adult criminal system. This can bring much harsher sentencing. Most importantly, an adult conviction creates a permanent criminal record, which can create lifelong barriers to jobs, education, professional licensing, and more. With so much at stake, securing experienced legal representation is important.
In Smyrna, low-level misdemeanor theft charges brought by the Smyrna Police Department may be handled by the Smyrna Municipal Court, while Cobb County State or Superior Court hears more serious misdemeanors and felony cases. Our attorneys have experience handling cases in these courts, which can help young adults facing theft allegations.
A young person’s age, the details surrounding the crime, and the accused’s criminal history all influence how a prosecutor handles a situation.
Depending on the circumstances, our Smyrna attorneys could challenge the prosecutor’s evidence of whether a theft took place or, if there was a theft, the value of the property allegedly taken. Either of these challenges, if successful, could result in dismissal or a reduction of charges.
Our legal team at the Ghanouni Teen and Young Adult Defense Firm works diligently to achieve the result that is in alignment with our client’s goals and has the least impact on a young person’s future.
Young people and their parents are often terrified to be involved with the criminal justice system. Concern is certainly warranted, but the situation is not hopeless.
When you or your loved one is charged with theft, the consequences can be serious, and the impact on the future is profound. Before moving forward, it is wise to fully understand your options.
Schedule a consultation with our legal team to evaluate your specific case details. We provide high-value, customized guidance to empower informed decision-making. Every situation is unique, and we invest focused time in assessing whether our team is the right fit to address your needs.
Our consultations aim to bring clarity and direction during difficult situations. We look forward to learning more about your circumstances and goals.
Yes, an experienced attorney may be able to get felony theft charges reduced to a misdemeanor through negotiations or trial.
Yes, records related to juvenile delinquency adjudications can potentially be sealed. However, the process of sealing juvenile records can be challenging for someone unfamiliar with the process. An experienced juvenile defense lawyer can help navigate the process.
Consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. They can help navigate possible charge reductions and resolutions that minimize the long-term impacts of a criminal case.
At Ghanouni Teen and Young Adult Defense Firm, our team brings years of experience navigating Georgia’s criminal justice system. We uncover strategic options tailored to your situation that other firms may miss. Beyond simply minimizing penalties, we chart a path forward focused on our client’s future education, employment, and community standing.
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