THEFT IN GEORGIA IS A CRIME OF MORAL TURPITUDE

Theft of property, goods, or services can occur in several forms. A theft can either be a felony or a misdemeanor. Theft is a crime of moral turpitude whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony. It is the type of crime that most employers have a difficult time overlooking. After all, they reason, if you steal from someone else, why wouldn't you steal from them?

 

THEFT GENERALLY

The value of the property stolen generally determines whether the theft is a misdemeanor or a felony. Again there is an exception for Theft by Shoplifting.

Sentencing for theft can be found in OCGA § 16-8-12. Most theft cases involve the below penalties. For other types of theft and penalties, please reference the statute:

(a) A person convicted of a violation of Code Sections 16-8-2 through 16-8-9 shall be punished as for a misdemeanor except:

(1) (A) If the property which was the subject of the theft exceeded $24,999.99 in value, by imprisonment for not less than two nor more than 20 years;

(B) If the property which was the subject of the theft was at least $5,000.00 in value but was less than $25,000.00 in value, by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than ten years and, in the discretion of the trial judge, as for a misdemeanor;

(C) If the property which was the subject of the theft was at least $1,500.01 in value but was less than $5,000.00 in value, by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years and, in the discretion of the trial judge, as for a misdemeanor; and

(D) If the defendant has two prior convictions for a violation of Code Sections 16-8-2 through 16-8-9, upon a third conviction or subsequent conviction, such defendant shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years and, in the discretion of the trial judge, as for a misdemeanor;

Robbery and Armed Robbery
Other felony theft is just the minor league compared to Robbery and Armed Robbery.

 

Burglary
Burglary is often thought of as theft. However, not all burglaries involve theft.

THEFT BY SHOPLIFTING
Please note that Theft by Shoplifting has it's own page.

FORGERY
There are four types of forgery in Georgia.