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Criminal charges

theft

A person commits the criminal offense (crime) of theft—also known as stealing—by unlawfully taking or appropriating the property of another person or entity with the intent to deprive the owner of the property.

Taking or appropriating property is generally unlawful if it is done without the owner's effective consent—for example, if the property was taken by threat, deception, or extortion.

In Alabama, theft is defined under the Alabama Criminal Code Section 13A-8-2 and subsequent sections. A person commits the crime of theft if they knowingly obtain or exert unauthorized control over the property of another, with the intent to deprive the owner of their property. This includes taking property through deception, threat, or without the owner's consent. Theft offenses in Alabama are classified based on the value of the property taken, with theft of property in the fourth degree (involving property valued at less than $500) being a Class A misdemeanor, and higher degrees of theft involving larger amounts being classified as felonies. The severity of the charges and the penalties upon conviction increase with the value of the property stolen. Additionally, theft by deception, services, or receiving stolen property are also specified within the statutes, each with its own set of criteria and penalties.

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Criminal charges

theft

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Alabama State Code

Alabama State Code

Criminal charges

theft

Articles