A Theft Conviction Can Ruin Your Career

Few things look worse on a job application than a conviction for theft. Every business cares about its finances, products and property, so hiring someone who has a record of stealing is often unthinkable.

Don’t let a criminal conviction for theft endanger your career options or future. Instead, take action to get a knowledgeable attorney on your side who can fight the charges you face. Turn to Steven M. Frey, founder of The Frey Law Firm in Jonesboro.

Experienced Theft Defense Lawyer In Clayton County

For more than 30 years, Steven Frey has been vigorously fighting for the rights and futures of individuals across Clayton County and throughout Atlanta. He handles a wide array of theft-related felonies and misdemeanors, including:

• Shoplifting: Taking merchandise from retail stores without payment, often involving security camera evidence and loss prevention testimony
• Retail theft: Broader category including price switching, return fraud and other deceptive practices targeting businesses
• Robbery: Taking property from another person through force or intimidation, carrying severe felony penalties
• Burglary: Unlawfully entering buildings or structures with intent to commit theft, regardless of whether anything was actually taken
• Carjacking/grand theft auto: Stealing vehicles through force or deception, often involving federal charges when vehicles cross state lines
• Identity theft: Using another person’s personal information for financial gain, increasingly common in digital transactions
• Credit card theft: Unauthorized use of payment cards or account information, including both physical and online fraud

“What I enjoy most about practicing criminal law is the ability to make a real difference in people’s lives. I also enjoy the challenge of taking a case to trial and succeeding on my client’s behalf.” — Attorney Steven M. Frey

Misdemeanor Vs Felony Theft – Know The Stakes

In Georgia, taking property worth $500 or more is often considered a felony crime. If convicted of felony theft, you are looking at one to 10 years in prison. If the stolen goods are worth less than $500, it will likely be considered a misdemeanor offense. In that case, you could face up to one year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.

In Georgia, taking property worth $500 or more is often considered a felony crime. If convicted of felony theft, you are looking at one to 10 years in prison. If the stolen goods are worth less than $500, it will likely be considered a misdemeanor offense. In that case, you could face up to one year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. It’s important to understand that the specific charges and penalties can vary significantly based on the type of theft, such as shoplifting or theft by deception, and the accused’s prior criminal history.

How An Attorney Can Protect Your Future

Understanding the penalties of a theft conviction helps you appreciate why aggressive defense becomes essential regardless of the charge level. Even seemingly minor theft charges can create devastating long-term consequences that far exceed the immediate legal penalties. A theft conviction remains on your criminal record permanently, affecting employment opportunities, professional licenses, housing applications and educational prospects for years to come.

A skilled theft defense lawyer can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, negotiate reduced charges or pursue alternative sentencing options that minimize the impact on your future. Common defense strategies include:

• Challenging evidence collection procedures and witness reliability
• Negotiating pretrial diversion programs that avoid conviction upon completion
• Pursuing reduced charges through plea agreements with prosecutors
• Identifying constitutional violations that could result in case dismissal

Early intervention often provides opportunities to resolve cases through programs that avoid conviction entirely while protecting your reputation and future opportunities.

Guidance For Parents Of Minors Charged With Theft

When your child faces shoplifting or theft charges, the decisions you make can affect their future for decades. Juvenile theft convictions often impact college admissions, scholarship eligibility, military service and employment prospects long after your child reaches adulthood.

Georgia’s juvenile justice system offers rehabilitation-focused alternatives that may avoid permanent criminal records. However, navigating these options requires understanding complex legal procedures and deadlines. Available options often include:

• Community service programs that teach responsibility while avoiding conviction
• Counseling and education programs addressing the underlying causes of theft behavior
• Restitution agreements that make victims whole while demonstrating accountability
• Sealed juvenile records that protect your child’s future opportunities

Professional legal representation helps protect your child’s future while addressing the underlying issues that led to the charges and connecting families with appropriate resources.

Call The Frey Law Firm For A Consultation

Talk with Steven Frey about your particular situation in a one-on-one consultation. Call 770-676-1431 or send him an email today. His office is conveniently located close to the courthouse in Jonesboro.