Atlanta Theft Crimes Lawyer Who Is A Former Prosecutor

Last updated on November 21, 2025

Theft crimes can have lifelong consequences, both legally and in the real world. Many potential employers will not hire someone or will have serious apprehensions about hiring someone, who they know has been convicted of stealing something that does not belong to them.

If you are facing allegations related to theft, hiring experienced legal counsel can mitigate the damage. At Kyle H. Jarzmik Law, I am a criminal defense attorney who is also a former district attorney. Contact my Atlanta law office to discuss how I can protect your rights against these serious charges.

Information About Theft Under Georgia Law

Georgia law defines various methods of theft under O.C.G.A. Title 16, Chapter 8. The state must prove that the accused intended to deprive the owner of their property. Below are some of the most common theft-related charges that people face in Georgia:

• Theft by taking: To unlawfully take property belonging to someone else or to have lawful possession of someone else’s property but then appropriate it for yourself. This category includes shoplifting.
  
• Theft by conversion: Obtaining someone’s property legally, but diverting it for your personal use in violation of the original agreement. Specifically, this covers renters who fail to return high-value property after a written demand for return.
• Theft by fraud: Using deceit or artful practice to obtain property. Examples include creating a false impression, failing to correct a false impression, obstructing someone from getting accurate information and promising services with no intent to provide them.
• Theft of services: You commit theft of services when you use deception to avoid payment to obtain services or the use of personal property that is offered only for compensation.
• Theft of lost or mislaid property: Gaining control of property that you know is lost without taking reasonable steps to return it to the rightful owner.

The specific charge depends on the manner in which the accused allegedly took or misused the property. As a criminal defense lawyer, I can often negotiate clients’ charges down to less severe ones.

The Penalties And The Felony Thresholds

The severity of punishment for most Georgia theft crimes depends on the fair market value of the property involved. The defendant’s history of prior theft convictions can make a sentence more severe. The court classifies many low-value thefts as misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail. However, the charges quickly escalate to felonies with increasing value:

• Felony (one to five years): If the property value is between $1,500.01 and $4,999.99.
• Felony (one to 10 years): If the property value is between $5,000.00 and $24,999.99.
• Felony (two to 20 years): If the property value exceeds $24,999.99.

Additionally, any person convicted of a third or subsequent theft offense is automatically guilty of a felony. It is a felony regardless of the value of the property stolen and is punishable by one to five years in prison.

Get Your Free Consultation With A Criminal Defense Lawyer

Your job and your criminal record are at stake if you do not have a theft crimes attorney. At Kyle H. Jarzmik Law, I know how the Georgia courts work and I know how to defend you. To schedule a completely free initial consultation, call me toll-free at 770-676-3565 or send me an email.