If you’ve been arrested for a theft crime in Florida, you may be surprised by the penalties you’re facing. Even a misdemeanor or petit theft can land you in jail. If you are accused of stealing $300 or more in property, or you’ve been convicted of prior shopliftings, you can be facing a felony charge. It’s essential to hire an experienced theft crimes lawyer to defend you in your case. In Ormond Beach, FL, theft attorney Amanda Kazzi uses her experience as a former prosecutor and current private defense lawyer to represent the accused. Call today to discuss the charges against you.
Types of Theft Crimes
Strictly speaking, theft is categorized by the police as a property crime, but it is often charged in addition to other crimes that may also be viewed as property crimes or crimes against persons. Theft involves the act of intentionally depriving another of their property, either permanently or temporarily, without their permission. The Ormond Beach Police Department and other Seminole County law enforcement agencies frequently charge these property crimes involving theft.
Petit Theft
Petit theft is charged when the property amount is less than $300. Barring various exceptions, theft of property under $300 is a misdemeanor.
Grand Theft
When the aggregate property value exceeds $300, it’s considered grand theft.
Theft of a Firearm
In Florida, this is charged as a felony, regardless of the value of the gun.
Burglary
Burglary is the unlawful entering of the property of another to commit a crime. Because there does not have to be an underlying charge — just the intent to commit a crime — burglary and theft can be charged together. Criminal mischief is another charge that is often included with burglary. In addition to buildings, Florida also has a burglary of a conveyance charge that applies to cars. Burglary is a felony in the state of Florida.
Fraud or Embezzlement
The penalties for these crimes are based on the amounts stolen. Because fraud often involves multiple victims, it’s not unusual to face a fraud count for each victim.
There are, of course, many other property crimes and theft crimes that are charged at the state and federal levels. If you’ve been arrested for a theft crime, contact Kazzi Law to discuss your case with an expert Florida theft lawyer.
Theft Charges in Florida
Many theft crimes are misdemeanors because of the low dollar amounts. But even if you have a misdemeanor charge, you could face mandatory court appearances, jail time, restitution, probation, community hours, and fines. Additionally, your criminal record can make it difficult for you to find employment, particularly if the victim was a former employer. If you’ve been charged with a far more serious theft crime or property crime, you could stand to lose a lot more. Don’t risk jail or prison and the loss of your reputation. Contact an experienced theft crime lawyer to discuss your case today.
How a Theft Crimes Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve been arrested for theft, contacting a criminal defense lawyer is one of the smartest moves you can make. An experienced attorney can look at the evidence against you and determine whether there are legal loopholes to pursue. For instance, the prosecutor must prove intent. For a conviction, they must show that you knowingly appropriated the property. Even if the evidence against you is compelling, the prosecutors often have room to negotiate with theft charges. You may be able to get the charges against you substantially reduced. If you’re in Ormond Beach, talk to Florida theft attorney Kazzi about your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Theft in Florida
The following are some of the most commonly asked questions about theft crimes that we receive at Kazzi Law. For specific information about your case, call our Ormond Beach office today.
If I was charged with stealing several smaller items, can I be charged with grand theft?
In order for your case to meet the requirements for grand theft, the aggregate amount of the property must exceed $300. For instance, if you’re accused of stealing four tires, each with a value of $100, the aggregate amount would be $400. You would be charged with grand theft as opposed to four counts of petit theft.
Can I be arrested if my friend was the one who actually stole the property?
In Florida, you can be charged as a principal of the first degree if you participated in the crime. It’s not enough that you were just in your friend’s presence when they committed the theft, but if you acted as a lookout, for instance, you could be charged along with your friend.
Can I be arrested for shoplifting if I didn’t leave the store?
If you conceal an item but don’t attempt to leave a business, it’s not considered theft. However, the police can charge you with theft once you pass all points of sale, even if you haven’t left the store. So, if you walk past the registers without paying, you are opening yourself up to a theft charge.
Ormond Beach, FL Theft Crime Lawyer
Attorney Amanda Kazzi of Kazzi Law is an experienced, diligent Florida theft lawyer. Call today to schedule a consultation.