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A theft charge in Georgia can impact every part of your life—your job, your reputation, and even your freedom. Whether you’re accused of shoplifting from a store, taking property from an employer, or facing a felony theft by taking charge, the consequences are serious. But being charged doesn’t mean you’re guilty.
At J. Ryan Brown Law, we represent everyday people who find themselves up against a system that often rushes to judgment. We take your case seriously, examine every detail, and build a defense that’s tailored to your situation. If you’re facing theft charges in Newnan or anywhere in Coweta County, now is the time to act—and we’re ready to help.
In Georgia, theft is not a one-size-fits-all crime. There are many different theft offenses under Title 16, Chapter 8 of the Georgia Code, but the most commonly charged is theft by taking, as defined under O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2.
Under Georgia law:
“A person commits the offense of theft by taking when he unlawfully takes or, being in lawful possession thereof, unlawfully appropriates any property of another with the intention of depriving him of the property, regardless of the manner in which the property is taken or appropriated.”
This means that theft by taking doesn’t require a break-in, force, or deception. If you took something that didn’t belong to you—or kept something longer than allowed—it could qualify as theft.
Examples of theft by taking include:
The severity of a theft charge in Georgia depends largely on the value of the property stolen, but other factors also play a role.
You can be charged with felony theft in Georgia if:
Felony penalties may include:
At J. Ryan Brown Law, we represent clients charged with all types of theft crimes, including:
The basic act of unlawfully taking or appropriating someone else’s property.
Using deceit, trickery, or false representation to obtain another person’s property.
Also known as embezzlement, this involves lawfully obtaining property (such as through employment or a rental agreement) and then using it for your own purposes.
Taking merchandise from a retail store without paying. Penalties vary based on the value and whether it’s a repeat offense.
Knowingly receiving, possessing, or disposing of property that you knew (or should have known) was stolen.
Unlawful taking or retention of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles.
Bibb County
Carroll County
Coweta County
Fulton County
Glynn County
Spalding County
To convict someone of theft by taking in Georgia, the prosecution must prove:
Notice that how the property was taken doesn’t matter. Whether you physically picked something up, moved it from one account to another, or refused to return something entrusted to you, the act can qualify as theft.
This is important because prosecutors often build their cases around assumptions about your intent—and that’s where we come in.
Being charged with theft does not mean you’ll be convicted. At J. Ryan Brown Law, we approach every case with the mindset that it can be won. Depending on the facts of your case, we may raise the following defenses:
If the prosecution can’t prove that you intended to deprive the owner of the property, they don’t have a case. This is especially relevant in:
In many theft cases, especially retail or public settings, the defendant was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. We look closely at surveillance footage, eyewitness reliability, and whether law enforcement rushed to judgment.
If you believed the property was yours—or had reason to believe you had permission to use it—it may not meet the definition of unlawful taking.
If law enforcement obtained evidence without a proper warrant or probable cause, we may file a motion to suppress that evidence.
If this is your first arrest for theft, you may be eligible for a pretrial diversion program or conditional discharge, which could help you avoid jail and even keep the charge off your record.
These alternatives often involve:
We fight to protect your clean record—and in many cases, our goal is complete dismissal.
Based in Newnan, our firm defends clients across Coweta County and surrounding areas, including:
Whether you were arrested at a retail store, investigated at work, or accused in a domestic or civil dispute, we have the experience to help.
We understand the stress that comes with being charged with theft. The thought of jail, fines, and public embarrassment can feel overwhelming—but we don’t let fear dictate the outcome.
Here’s what sets our firm apart:
From start to finish, we keep you informed, involved, and empowered to make the right decisions for your future.
Theft charges can spiral out of control if you wait too long to act. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor shoplifting or felony theft by taking, J. Ryan Brown Law is ready to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation. We’ll explain your options, answer your questions, and get to work on your defense immediately.
