Theft and Property Crimes in Alabama: Degrees, Penalties, and Defenses

A theft charge can follow you for years. It can affect your job, your housing, and your reputation. Understanding theft and property crimes Alabama law can help you make sense of the charges against you and prepare for what comes next.

Alabama breaks theft and property crimes into different degrees. Each degree carries its own penalties. Below, we walk through how these charges work and what defenses may apply to your case.

What Counts as a Theft or Property Crime?

Theft happens when someone knowingly takes another person’s property without permission. The goal is to permanently deprive the owner of that property. Alabama law covers many types of theft, including shoplifting, burglary, robbery, and receiving stolen property.

These charges fall under our criminal defense practice areas, since they often overlap with other offenses depending on the circumstances of the arrest.

Degrees of Theft in Alabama

Alabama divides theft into degrees based on the value of the property taken. The higher the value, the more serious the charge becomes.

Theft in the First Degree

This is the most serious theft charge. It applies when the property taken is worth $2,500 or more. It also applies to theft of a firearm or a vehicle, regardless of value. First-degree theft is a Class B felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Theft in the Second Degree

This charge applies when property value falls between $1,500 and $2,499. Second-degree theft is a Class C felony. A conviction can lead to up to 10 years in prison.

Theft in the Third Degree

This is the least severe theft charge. It applies when property value is under $1,500. Third-degree theft is a Class A misdemeanor. However, a conviction can still result in up to one year in jail.

Other Common Property Crimes

Beyond basic theft, Alabama recognizes several related property crimes. These include:

• Burglary. Entering a building unlawfully with intent to commit a crime inside.
• Robbery. Taking property through force or the threat of force.
• Receiving stolen property. Possessing property you know or should know was stolen.
• Criminal mischief. Intentionally damaging someone else’s property.
• Shoplifting. Taking merchandise from a store without paying for it.

Each of these charges carries its own degree structure and penalties, similar to theft. Some cases also involve weapons, which can lead to additional firearms and weapons charges.

Penalties Beyond Jail Time

A theft conviction affects more than your freedom. It can also lead to a permanent criminal record, restitution payments to the victim, and probation. Many employers run background checks, so a theft conviction can make finding work more difficult for years.

Common Defenses to Theft Charges

Every case is different, but several defense strategies commonly apply to theft and property crime cases. These include:

• Lack of intent. Prosecutors must prove you intended to permanently deprive the owner of their property.
• Mistaken identity. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts are not always reliable.
• Ownership disputes. Sometimes the accused genuinely believed the property belonged to them.
• Illegal search and seizure. If police obtained evidence unlawfully, that evidence may be inadmissible.

An experienced attorney can also review whether your rights after arrest were properly honored during the investigation. Violations here can significantly affect the outcome of your case.

Why You Need an Experienced Attorney

Theft and property crime cases often hinge on small details. Prosecutors must prove specific facts beyond a reasonable doubt, and even minor inconsistencies in their evidence can create room for a strong defense.

Attorney Scott Crongeyer has defended countless clients throughout Mobile County against theft and property crime charges. He knows how local prosecutors build these cases and how to challenge weak evidence effectively.

Contact Scott Crongeyer Today

If you’ve been charged with theft or a property crime in Mobile County, don’t face it alone. Call Scott Crongeyer at (251) 333-4339 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation.