Cargo Theft

Cargo theft (Alabama Code 13A-8-18.6) is committed when a person knowingly obtains unauthorized control over either of the following:

• A vehicle engaged in commercial transportation of cargo or an appurtenance thereto, including:
  • • A trailer
    • Semitrailer
    • Container
    • Railcar
    • Other associated equipment
• Or the cargo being transported therein or thereon, which is the property of another, with the intention of depriving the other person of the property, regardless of the manner in which the property is taken or appropriated.

Cargo theft that has a collective value exceeding fifty thousand dollars ($50,000):

• A class B felony
• Punishable by a term of 10 to 20 years of imprisonment
• A fine up to one hundred fifty dollars ($150,000)

Cargo theft that has a collective value exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000), but not exceeding fifty thousand dollars ($50,000):

• A class C felony
• Punishable by a term of 5-10 years of imprisonment
• a fine up to seventy five thousand dollars ($75,000)

Cargo theft that has a collective value exceeding five hundred dollars ($500), but does not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000):

• A Class D felony
• Punishable by a minimum of two years imprisonment
• A fine up to twenty thousand dollars ($20,000)

Cargo theft that has a collective value of five hundred dollars ($500) or less:

• A class A misdemeanor

Other possible punishments for cargo theft:

• First conviction of cargo theft, a person may be disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle for a period of one year.
• Second conviction of cargo theft, a person may be disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle for life.

If you have been arrested for cargo theft or any other offense in Alabama, call (251) 444-1444 immediately to speak with an experienced Mobile defense attorney. Your freedom may depend on it.