Effectively Navigate Your Theft Case with Proven
Clayton County Theft Defense Attorneys
One single decision shouldn’t define your entire future. Our team dedicates itself exclusively to defending people in their teens and twenties facing theft charges throughout Jonesboro, Morrow, Forest Park, and throughout Clayton County, Georgia.
At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, we understand what’s at stake for young people accused of theft in Clayton County. We create defense strategies centered on YOUR goals and future, not one-size-fits-all solutions. The choices you make now can affect your life for years – let our team help you navigate this challenge.
Theft cases in Clayton County are typically prosecuted at the Clayton County Justice Center in Jonesboro, with misdemeanors handled by the Solicitor General’s Office and felonies by the District Attorney’s Office. With major shopping destinations like Southlake Mall, Tanger Outlets, and various retail centers throughout Riverdale and Morrow, shoplifting allegations are particularly common.
The most straightforward form of theft occurs when someone unlawfully takes or appropriates property with the intention of depriving the owner of it. This includes everything from shoplifting to taking a vehicle without permission.
Under Georgia Code § 16-8-2, theft by taking is defined as unlawfully taking or appropriating “any property of another with the intention of depriving him of the property, regardless of the manner in which the property is taken or appropriated.”
Shoplifting is one of the most common theft charges facing teens and young adults in Clayton County. Under Georgia Code § 16-8-14, shoplifting occurs when a person:
Retail establishments throughout Clayton County, particularly in the Southlake Mall area and Tanger Outlets, often have sophisticated loss prevention teams and security systems that lead to theft charges.
This occurs when someone obtains property through deceitful means. Under Georgia Code § 16-8-3, a person commits theft by deception when they:
This might include writing bad checks, creating fraudulent returns, or misrepresenting items for sale.
Theft by conversion occurs when someone lawfully obtains property but later unlawfully keeps, sells, or disposes of it. This often involves rental property, borrowed items, or property held in trust that someone later decides to keep or sell.
This involves obtaining services without paying for them, such as leaving a restaurant without paying, using another person’s streaming account without permission, or using utilities through illegal connections.
Our approach to defending your theft charges centers entirely on your specific goals.
Unlike many law firms that apply a standard approach to every case, we take time to understand what matters most to you. Your defense strategy will align with your unique priorities, whether that’s avoiding a conviction entirely, keeping the matter off your permanent record, or minimizing penalties.
Our team has extensive experience with Clayton County’s court system and understands the local approach to theft prosecution. We’re familiar with the tendencies of local prosecutors, judges, and loss prevention departments at major retailers.
Theft crimes require intent to deprive the owner of property. If you accidentally walked out with merchandise, believed you had permission to use property, or intended to return something, this may form the basis of a strong defense.
Surveillance footage, especially in busy retail environments, isn’t always clear. Misidentification by security personnel or witnesses is more common than many realize.
If you had a legitimate claim to the property in question, this can be a complete defense to theft charges.
Evidence obtained through illegal searches may be excluded from court. We carefully examine whether law enforcement and security personnel followed proper procedures.
The prosecution must prove every element of a theft charge beyond a reasonable doubt. We hold them to this high standard at every step.
First-time offenders may qualify for this program, which typically includes:
Upon successful completion, charges are dismissed without a conviction on your record.
Georgia’s First Offender Act allows eligible defendants to plead guilty without being formally convicted. After successfully completing the sentence, the charge is discharged without a conviction and the record is restricted from public view.
Similar to First Offender status, conditional discharge allows certain offenders to complete probation and have their case dismissed without a conviction.
Our team can evaluate your eligibility for these programs and help determine if they align with your goals.
Not necessarily. For first-time offenders, especially teens and young adults, there are several options that may keep a theft charge off your permanent record, including diversion programs, conditional discharge, and First Offender Act protection.
Simply paying restitution doesn’t automatically lead to dismissal of charges, particularly in Clayton County where retailers often pursue prosecution regardless of restitution. However, restitution can be an important component of negotiating a more favorable resolution.
First-time shoplifting offenders for items valued under $500 rarely receive jail time in Clayton County, though it is legally possible. Our goal is to help you avoid not just jail time but the conviction itself.
Immediately. Important evidence like security footage may be overwritten or discarded, witnesses’ memories fade, and critical deadlines approach quickly. The sooner our team can begin working on your case, the more defense options we typically have available.
Lack of intent is a valid defense to theft charges. If you genuinely forgot to pay for an item or were distracted at checkout, this could form the basis of your defense – but you need proper legal representation to effectively present this defense.
If you or someone you care about is facing theft charges in Clayton County, contact our legal team to discuss your situation. A consultation will help you understand your options and determine the most effective path forward.
Our consultation process helps determine if we’re the right fit for your specific case and goals. We don’t take every case that contacts us – we focus on clients where we can make a meaningful difference.
Take the first step toward protecting your future. Call our office today to schedule your consultation.
Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm
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