Theft and Property Crimes

 

In Alabama, there are a very wide variety of different crimes involving property. These crimes run the gamut from misdemeanors all the way up to Class A Felonies, the most serious classification of offenses. The differences in these offenses often center around the value of the property taken and the circumstances of the taking. For example, taking a $15 pair of earrings from a department store is normally a shoplifting misdemeanor. This action is considered less serious because the value of the item is low and the danger to other people is low as well. However, if a person takes the same pair of earrings from the same store but is confronted by the clerk at the store entrance, the offense can quickly become a Robbery which is a much more serious crime.

Because of the complexities of the different property crime statutes in Alabama, and the fact that most defendants don’t know how an offense can escalate to a more serious offense, it is very important that if you are accused of something along these lines, you do not make any statements to the police. The proper thing to do when you are accused of a crime, particularly a Theft, Burglary, or Robbery, is to politely tell the police that you are exercising your Constitutional Right to remain silent, and then hire an experienced and competent Alabama Criminal Defense Attorney to protect your rights. If you or a loved one has been accused of a crime in Alabama, contact the Law Offices of Christopher E. Allen today for a free consultation.