Category: Criminal Defense

By definition, property theft represents the knowing and illegal taking of someone’s property for your own gain. You can also commit property theft by knowingly and illegally gaining control over someone else’s property.  AlabamaRetail.org explains that Alabama law provides for three degrees of property theft as follows:  First degree, a class B felony  Second degree, a class… Continue reading How many degrees of theft does Alabama law provide for?

There are several types of criminal offenses that carry with them certain stigmas that it may prove difficult for those in Prattville accused of them to shake free from. The nature of the supposed crime is often such that a mere allegation may be enough to permanently taint one’s reputation.  Yet it often does not… Continue reading Adamsville civic leader faces domestic violence

When you hear about theft crimes, burglary and robbery may sound similar. Both involve theft but the distinction may be lost on those who do not know the legal jargon. After all, criminal law can be complex, particularly when it comes to theft crimes. Fortunately, Rasmussen College, has made some distinctions to better understand what… Continue reading What is the difference between robbery and burglary?

When under investigation for shoplifting or other theft charges, you may feel overwhelmed. The truth about any crime, even shoplifting, is that it can carry long-term consequences. You do have rights to defend yourself, particularly when you believe you did nothing wrong. What happens if you face shoplifting charges when you never planned to steal?… Continue reading Accidental theft does not have to be a shoplifting charge

If you are like most people, you likely do not take the idea of shoplifting very seriously. Unfortunately, however, this attitude could get you in a lot of trouble should you make the unwise decision to “lift” some merchandise from a store and get caught doing so.  Statistics show that people generally justify their shoplifting… Continue reading How seriously should you take shoplifting?

In Alabama, the law treats stealing differently depending upon the circumstances behind it. The court will examine how much force you use, what you steal and the total worth of the stolen product. Based on that, they will make charges and dole out penalties. Today we will look at what differentiates some of these charges. … Continue reading What is the difference between robbery and theft?

These days, jails and prisons across Alabama and the nation are overflowing with criminal offenders, many of whom are there because they committed drug-related offenses. If you are among those currently facing a drug-related criminal charge, you may have valid fears about potentially winding up behind bars, but this may not necessarily be your fate.… Continue reading For some, drug court an alternative to jail time

Although a bill introduced in Alabama’s legislature proposed to raise the threshold, shoplifting remains a felony offense in the Yellowhammer State when the value of the goods is $500 or more. As reported by Alabama Retail, a proposed bill intended to raise the felony threshold to $2,500.  The bill’s purpose was to bring shoplifting offenses under… Continue reading Shoplifting remains a felony when the theft is $500 or more

You may have heard the story a while back about law enforcement caught a serial killer using DNA testing sites. It made national news and showed on local Alabama stations. These sites began popping up as a way for people to learn more about their genealogy. Now, these sites offer a range of services, including… Continue reading How can DNA sites lead to arrests?

Alabama is not one of the states that has decriminalized marijuana. If you are living in the state or have just moved here, you should understand the consequences of getting caught with marijuana. Even being caught with a small amount can have much harsher consequences than in other states. Possession  Alabama is not like most… Continue reading What are the penalties for marijuana possession in Alabama?