Florida Theft Lawyer

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Theft crimes encompass various criminal activities that involve acquiring another person’s property without consent to permanently deprive them of it. Theft is also categorized as a crime of dishonesty, carrying significant penalties.

A theft conviction, even for a misdemeanor charge, will remain on your permanent record and could cause problems for you down the line. To navigate the complexities of theft charges and understand your options, it is advisable to work with an experienced defense attorney. A Florida theft lawyer could thoroughly review your case and provide valuable guidance.

Examples of Theft Offenses

Some examples of different types of theft offenses include:

• Shoplifting: Involves taking items from a retailer or other store without paying, either by hiding the items or swapping the price tags
• Identity theft: The action of gaining access to personally identifiable information using the personal identity of another for financial gain without authorization
• Grand theft auto: Results from the stealing of a vehicle
• Embezzlement: Results from someone in a position of trust misappropriating the funds for personal gain
• Fraud: Involves intentional deception for financial gain
• Burglary: Involves entering a property unlawfully to commit theft or another criminal action
• Robbery: Occurs when a person forcefully takes property through force or threat of force

The severity of a theft charge will depend on the value of the property in question and other details of the case. A Florida theft attorney could answer specific questions about the charges and sentencing for a conviction after reviewing the details of the case and arrest.

Petty Theft Versus Grand Theft

Petty theft charges result from property valued at $100-$750. Petty theft is a misdemeanor in the first degree and carries penalties of up to $1,000 in fines and 60 days to one year in jail.

Property or money valued at $751 or more is felony theft, and the severity of penalties increases as the value of stolen property increases. Felony offenses in Florida for theft could result in up to 30 years of imprisonment.

Florida’s Robbery Statute

A person who knowingly takes possession of money or other personal possessions from someone else by threatening violence or force is guilty of robbery under state laws. According to the advisement of Florida Statutes § 812.13, four elements must be present to establish guilt for robbery, and those include:

• An individual took property or money from another
• The property in question had monetary value
• The party took the property or the purpose of keeping it temporarily or permanently to deprive the rightful owner of its benefits
• The person allegedly used force, violence, or force to put the alleged defendant in reasonable fear for their safety to obtain their property

The state must successfully establish that the alleged defendant resisted the act against them to obtain physical possession of the items. A theft lawyer in Florida could work to prove that certain elements of theft were not present, challenging the accusations or seeking to establish a defense.

Call a Knowledgeable Theft Attorney in Florida To Talk About Your Case

The state takes theft crimes seriously and will prosecute the cases harshly. Therefore, a well-planned defense to fight the charges is essential.

A hard-working Florida theft lawyer could thoroughly review your case, presenting you with all available options to help determine the best course of action. Do not hesitate—call today to schedule your initial consultation with a member of our team at Price Benowitz.