Legal Question in Criminal Law in Georgia

Depending on the value of the items taken, the longest you can serve in prison is 60 years. Even if you avoid jail time, a theft conviction makes you virtually unemployable for life. It goes without saying that you need a lawyer immediately.

If the property is valued at $1,500.00 or less, the crime shall be punished as a misdemeanor (maximum sentence one year and $1000 fine). If the property is valued at $1,500.01 but less than $5,000.00, the crime is punished as a felony. Punishment will range from 1 to 5 years imprisonment. The judge has the discretion to punish the crime as a misdemeanor. If the property is valued at $5,000.00 but less than $25,000.00, the crime is punished as a felony. Punishment will range from 1 to 10 years imprisonment. The judge has the discretion to punish the crime as a misdemeanor. If the property is valued at $24,999.99 or more, the crime is punished as a felony. Punishment will range from 2 to 20 years imprisonment. The judge does not have the discretion to punish this charge as a misdemeanor.