Criminal Lawyer Defending All Types of Theft Offenses

 

A theft crime is the act of taking another person's property or money without their permission. A theft offense can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony crime, depending on the type of items stolen, value of the property, and the criminal history of the defendant. A theft offense that involves the Internet crossing state lines can be charged as a federal crime in addition to a state crime.

 

Petty Theft / Shoplifting/Grand Theft

 

In Florida, theft offenses are divided into petit theft and grand theft. When a person is accused of theft, the crime is assigned a charge based on the circumstances specific to that case. For example, the charges would be determined based on the value and type of property stolen.

Petit theft generally is charged when the value of the property is of lower value. This is the most minor theft offenses, and it is defined by Florida Statute § 812.014 as a person who commits theft on items of financial value up to $300.

The offense can be a misdemeanor of the first or second-degree. Often for items valued up to $100, petit theft is considered a second-degree misdemeanor. If the offense involves between $100 and $300, it is a first-degree misdemeanor.

The most common type of petit theft in South Florida is shoplifting. According to Florida Statutes § 812.015, someone can be charged with this offense if that person has taken merchandise or property out of a store, changed a label or price tag or moved merchandise to a different container with the intent deprive the merchant of the item.

Grand theft, on the other hand, typically involves knowingly taking someone else’s property valued at $300 or more with the intent to deprive that person of the property, according to Florida Statute § 812.014. This charge also could apply if a certain type of property was involved or when aggravating circumstances such as the use of a motor vehicle are present. 

Grand theft can be a felony of the first, second or third-degree, depending on the circumstances of the crime. Simple grand theft is a third-degree felony and involves theft of property with a value of $300 to $20,000. The crime can be a second-degree felony if the value is between $20,000 and $100,000, and it can be a first-degree felony if it is more than $100,000.

An example of grand theft can be dealing in stolen property. According to Florida Statute § 812.019, this charge can be levied if someone knowingly participates in trafficking property they knew was stolen or if a person organizes others who deal in stolen property. Carjacking also is a form of grand theft.

 

 

Grand theft is charged when property is taken without the owner's permission and the value of is over $300. It is normally charges as a felony offense, but could be charged as a misdemeanor crime. If you are convicted of a grand theft felony offense, you could receive state prison time, large fines, restitution, probation or parole, court-ordered counseling, and community service. Any type of theft crime conviction can be used to increase future sentences if you are convicted of another theft crime in the future.

 

Burglary

 

If you are being charged with any type of theft related crime in South Florida, you should contact Alan S. Bernstein P.A.. These types of offenses can carry severe penalties ranging from fines and restitution to jail or prison time, depending on the seriousness of the infraction. A key factor in defending clients in a theft crime case is to make all attempts to avoid a conviction that can be used against them later by a potential employer. Alan S. Bernstein P.A. defends people throughout the counties of Broward, Dade, Palm Beach, Hendry, and Glades against all types of theft crime charges.

 

Common Theft Offenses

 

Our criminal defense lawyers will fight aggressively to protect your rights. Our firm will thoroughly investigate the allegations and evidence brought against you to find weaknesses in the case. Any rights violations can be challenged as part of a strategic defense. This can allow us to take immediate action in an attempt to have the charges against you reduced or dismissed.

 

 

Theft and property crimes usually are committed when someone knowingly takes or uses the property of someone else with the intent to keep the property for his or her own use or for the use someone who is not the rightful owner. This could be either permanently or temporarily.

Alleged offenders who commit theft and property crimes often think the offenses are petty. The offenders do not think they will get in trouble. However, these types of offenses can lead to severe punishments and jail time. They even can serve as a roadblock toward future and current employment opportunities.

Because of the severity of the charges, working with a qualified South Florida theft lawyer at Alan S. Bernstein P.A. can give you the opportunity to effectively defend your name during this difficult process. You also will be able to construct a defense strategy that helps get the charges reduced or completely dismissed.

 

There are numerous strategies for defending all theft cases.

For example; shoplifting and petit theft crimes can be defended in many ways.

 

There are times when you are not committing theft on purpose. You are not aware that you are committing a crime. This is when the theft lawyer comes in so that he can prove your innocence. There are also people who have developed the chronic habit of stealing all sorts of items. These kind of folks need the help of a theft lawyer to prove that they are not stealing intentionally and that they need to seek help.

A theft lawyer can help them avoid punishment or jail time for their theft charge and then get treatment or help. The lawyer can prevent them from suffering from serious repercussions such as jail time and instead just get a counseling sentence.

 

A theft lawyer can create an excellent defense on your behalf which can help reduce the severity of your penalties. He is an trained professional in these types of cases so he has the capacity to prove your innocence. He can claim that the police have dealt with your case in an inappropriate manner. The lawyer has the knowledge to formulate a creative and convincing defense for your theft charge that can possibly prove your innocence ad avoid any penalties.

 

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Charged with theft offense in South Florida?

 

If you or a member of your family are under investigation or have already been arrested for any type of theft offense, you will need to immediately consult with a criminal defense lawyer who is familiar with defending these type cases. We know how to aggressively pursue every opportunity to seek a lesser charge or a dismissal. Early intervention by our law firm can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Our legal team will thoroughly examine all the evidence against you in order to build a strong defense.

A conviction on a theft charge can result in long-term consequences in your life. The resulting criminal record can follow you for years, making it difficult for you to get a job, hold certain professional licenses, and apply for credit among other things.

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Alan S. Bernstein P.A. is a fierce advocate for the Constitutional rights of the accused, and we will work tirelessly and aggressively to prevent the conviction of our client.

 

 

For an aggressive defense of your rights, contact South Florida criminal defense attorney Alan S. Bernstein P.A. for a free consultation. Call today and put an experienced effective advocate on your side who will defend your rights.

Call 954-925-3111 or 954-347-1000 on evenings and weekends.