4 Types Of Theft

In Georgia, theft is the taking or converting of one’s property or services without authorization and with the intent of “depriving” the owner of lawful possession, use, or right to the property or services. There are 4 basic kinds, listed below. For even more free information don’t forget to check out How to Beat a Theft Case.

1. Taking

This one is the most obvious. This includes physically taking something from someone (stealing a wallet from a stranger) or electronically stealing money from a stranger’s account.

2. Deception

This one involves deceiving someone into giving up their property when that person would have been unwilling to do so otherwise, like tricking a stranger into sending you money in order to claim a fake prize.

3. Conversion

Conversion happens when a person converts their lawful use of someone else’s property to unlawful use. For example, an adult child would be guilty of conversion if he used his parents’ money against their intent in order to go on a cruise instead of using it to pay their bills.

4. Extortion

Extortion occurs when someone uses threats of bodily harm, defamation, or legal consequences to unlawfully take someone else’s property.

Penalties for theft are quite harsh. A misdemeanor will result in a prison sentence of less than a year but a felony will result in a prison sentence of more than a year and a $100,000 fine. Georgia judges reserve the right to sentence some felonies (those punishable by 10 years or less) as misdemeanors instead. These theft crimes are known as “wobblers.”

Call the Law Office of Lloyd J. Matthews today at (404) 642-7350 if you’re facing theft charges! We can assist you and will be happy to do so.