Theft & Property Crime Defense Attorneys in North Georgia

Our Practice

Overview of Theft and Property Crime Charges

When you’re accused of theft or property crimes in North Georgia, you’re not just facing legal penalties—you’re facing damage to your reputation, employment prospects, and personal relationships. These charges carry serious consequences that can follow you for years, even for what might seem like minor offenses.

Georgia takes property crimes seriously. Whether it's shoplifting from a local store, alleged burglary, or accusations of stealing from an employer, the prosecution will pursue these cases aggressively. A conviction can mean jail time, hefty fines, restitution payments, and a permanent criminal record that shows up on background checks.

The stakes are too high to leave your defense to chance. You need experienced criminal defense attorneys who understand how theft and property crime cases work in Cherokee, Pickens, Gilmer, and Fannin County courts—and who know how to fight for the best possible outcome.

Our Clients

Types of Clients We Represent

Our theft and property crime defense is designed for people facing:

Common Charges We Defend

Shoplifting/Retail Theft

Taking merchandise without paying, even if you intended to pay later

Burglary

Entering a building unlawfully with intent to commit theft or other crimes

Criminal Trespass

Being on someone else's property without permission

Theft by Taking

Unlawfully taking someone else's property with intent to deprive them of it

Theft by Receiving

Possessing property you knew or should have known was stolen

Criminal Damage to Property

Intentionally damaging someone else's property

Forgery

Altering or creating false documents with intent to defraud

Identity Theft

Using someone else's personal information without permission

Embezzlement

Misappropriating funds or property entrusted to your care

What JL Weaver Law Firm Does Differently

We Don't Just Handle Your Case—We Protect Your Future

We Don't Just Handle Your Case—We Protect Your Future

Most theft and property crime cases get processed through the system with minimal defense. Attorneys encourage quick plea deals to move cases along. We take a different approach. We investigate the circumstances, challenge the evidence, and look for every possible avenue to protect your record and your reputation.

We Know These Courts and Prosecutors

The judges, district attorneys, and court clerks in Cherokee, Pickens, Gilmer, and Fannin counties know our attorneys come prepared. We’ve built relationships based on competence and respect—and that credibility works in your favor when we’re negotiating on your behalf or presenting your case in court.

We Understand the Real Consequences

A theft conviction isn’t just about fines and potential jail time. It can cost you your job, prevent you from getting hired, affect professional licensing, and impact your ability to rent housing. We fight with the understanding that your entire future is at stake—not just the immediate legal penalties.

Fast Response When You Need It Most

When you’re arrested for theft or property crimes, time matters. Evidence needs to be preserved, witnesses need to be interviewed, and your rights need to be protected immediately. We respond quickly to new cases because we know that delays can hurt your defense options.

Our Defense Process

Immediate Case Assessment

We review the charges, examine the evidence against you, and identify potential defense strategies. This includes analyzing police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and any physical evidence the prosecution claims to have.

Strategic Defense Development

Every theft and property crime case is different. We develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation, whether that means challenging the evidence, negotiating for reduced charges, or preparing for trial.

Aggressive Advocacy

We don't just go through the motions. Whether we're negotiating with prosecutors for dismissal or reduced charges, or presenting your case to a jury, we fight for the best possible outcome at every stage.

Protecting Your Record

Our goal is to resolve your case with minimal long-term impact. This might mean seeking dismissal, negotiating for charges that won't appear on background checks, or pursuing expungement options where available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Theft & Property Crime Defense

Can I go to jail for shoplifting?

Yes, even first-time shoplifting can result in jail time depending on the value of the items and your criminal history. Georgia law allows for up to 12 months in jail for misdemeanor theft, and felony theft charges carry much harsher penalties.
In Georgia, theft becomes a felony when the value of the property exceeds $1,500, when it involves certain types of property (like firearms), or when you have prior theft convictions. Felony theft carries much more serious penalties including potential prison time.
Yes, theft convictions typically appear on criminal background checks and can affect employment, housing, and other opportunities. This is why fighting the charges or negotiating for alternatives is so important.
Depending on the circumstances, yes. We’ve successfully gotten theft charges dismissed through various strategies including challenging evidence, demonstrating lack of intent, or negotiating with prosecutors based on our client’s character and circumstances.
Workplace theft accusations are particularly serious because they often involve breach of trust and can result in both criminal charges and civil lawsuits. You need immediate legal representation to protect your rights and your livelihood.
We use transparent flat-fee arrangements with payment plan options so you know exactly what you’re paying for. The cost of defense is typically much less than the long-term consequences of a conviction.

Take Action Now - Your Future Depends On It

Don't let theft or property crime charges derail your future. The sooner you get experienced legal representation, the better your chances of protecting your record and your reputation.

Call JL Weaver Law Firm today for a confidential consultation about your theft or property crime case.

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