Atlanta Theft Crimes Lawyer Guiding You Through Theft And Fraud Accusations
Being charged with theft by shoplifting, theft by taking or other theft and fraud crimes can have very serious consequences. At Hirsch Criminal Defense, attorney Matt Hirsch takes these charges very seriously. He works closely with clients from the moment he takes their case and guides them through the legal system toward a resolution. He has helped people throughout DeKalb, Cobb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties.
If you or someone you love has been accused of theft or fraud crimes, he can answer your questions and help you determine the right criminal defense strategy for your unique situation.
Were you charged with theft by taking from an employer? Many times, a company will blame every financial shortage they have on an accused employee. Attorney Hirsch will work diligently to ensure that if you are charged with theft by taking from an employer, you are not falsely accused by a company trying to account for unrelated financial losses.
In addition, attorney Hirsch represents individuals who have been charged with having stolen goods in their possession.
Seeking To Protect Your Freedom And Reputation
Theft crimes can be very serious charges that can carry felony punishment of up to a ten-year sentence. In addition to up to a ten-year sentence, you may be facing a large restitution amount to be paid to the alleged victim and to be tacked on to your sentence. Attorney Hirsch will work diligently on your behalf to attack the charges and secure a resolution for your situation.
If the situation of your theft case calls for a negotiated resolution, you can count on attorney Hirsch to professionally and discreetly negotiate on your behalf with your best interests in mind.
At Hirsch Criminal Defense, you will find an attorney who diligently represents people who have been accused of fraud crimes in DeKalb County and throughout the greater Atlanta area. These white collar crimes can have a serious impact on your future, so he takes the charges seriously. He prepares your case for trial by building a strong and effective criminal defense that takes into account the facts of your case.
Defending Clients In Many Fraud Situations
The firm can provide representation for many different types of fraud, including:
- Check fraud
- Bank deposit account fraud
- Fraud activity or false statements during a bankruptcy proceeding
- Bribery
- Using a computer to commit fraudulent acts
- Forgery
- Defrauding government agencies
- Health care-related fraud
- Medicare and Medicaid fraud
- Mail and wire fraud
- Mortgage fraud
- Public corruption
- Securities fraud
- Tax fraud
- Credit card fraud
- Embezzlement
- Counterfeiting
Many of the cases attorney Hirsch handles involve the alleged theft of ATM cards. In these cases, defendants face charges relating to both the theft and use of the card (financial transaction card theft and financial transaction card fraud) – even if these separate charges relate to only one event. Prosecutors often use the double charges as leverage in your case. They agree to drop one if you plead to the other. Many lawyers encourage you to take this deal. However, it is not always the best way to protect your interests.
Criminal defense lawyer Matt Hirsch has the experience necessary to pursue favorable results in your fraud case. Settlement isn’t always the best option. In fraud cases, like other areas of criminal defense, he does not hesitate to take your case to trial if necessary.
Representing Your Best Interests
If you are accused of theft by shoplifting or theft by taking from a corporation, and you try to negotiate your way out of it on your own, the corporation often will want you to sign your rights away in order to get you to agree to a payment plan or a guilty plea. The corporations have lawyers working for them, and you should have an experienced attorney working for you.
Important Questions About Theft Charges In Georgia
Defendants facing theft or fraud accusations often need clarity about how charges are classified, what options exist for dismissal and how convictions might impact their professional lives. Attorney Hirsch addresses these critical concerns with clients throughout Atlanta and the surrounding areas.
What is the difference between misdemeanor and felony theft in Georgia?
The difference between misdemeanor and felony theft in Georgia is determined by the value of the property allegedly stolen. If the property value is $1,500 or less, you face a misdemeanor theft charge with penalties up to 12 months in jail. If the property value exceeds $1,500, the charge becomes a felony with prison sentences ranging from one to ten years, depending on the value involved.
Certain types of theft are automatically charged as felonies regardless of value, including theft by taking from an employer, theft of a motor vehicle and theft of firearms. Attorney Hirsch examines the evidence regarding property valuation and challenges inflated assessments that could elevate your charges from misdemeanor to felony.
Can shoplifting charges be dismissed in Atlanta?
Yes, shoplifting charges can be dismissed in Atlanta under certain circumstances. Attorney Hirsch pursues dismissal by challenging the prosecution’s evidence, identifying violations of your constitutional rights and negotiating with prosecutors when weaknesses exist in the case against you.
Common grounds for dismissal include:
- lack of proof that you intended to steal
- mistaken identity
- insufficient evidence that you concealed merchandise or passed the last point of sale
- violations of proper arrest procedures.
First-time offenders may also qualify for pretrial diversion programs that allow them to complete community service and stay out of trouble for a specified period. Upon successful completion, the charges are dismissed and do not result in a conviction on your record.
Will a theft conviction affect employment in Georgia?
A theft conviction will significantly affect your employment opportunities in Georgia because it involves dishonesty, which employers view as directly relevant to trustworthiness. Many employers conduct criminal background checks, and a theft or fraud conviction can disqualify you from consideration regardless of your qualifications.
Positions involving financial responsibilities, access to inventory or handling cash are particularly difficult to obtain after a theft conviction. Professional licenses in fields like nursing, real estate and insurance may be denied or revoked following a conviction for crimes involving dishonesty. Attorney Hirsch fights aggressively to avoid convictions, pursue dismissals or negotiate reduced charges that minimize the damage to your career and future employment prospects.
Do Not Do It Alone. Get Help From Our Atlanta Theft Crimes Lawyer.
Accused of stealing? Know your rights and fight back. To schedule your consultation with the attorney at Hirsch Criminal Defense, use the contact form or call the Atlanta, Georgia, law office at 404-919-7096.