Fort Lauderdale Theft Attorney

Get Skilled Legal Defense Against Theft Crime Charges

Nothing is more unnerving than being accused of a crime you didn’t commit. If you have been accused or arrested for theft in Fort Lauderdale, take these accusations seriously. Immediately seek an experienced theft lawyer to protect your rights and help you fight the charges.

At George Reres Law, P.A., we understand how overwhelming it is to be accused of criminal charges. We are dedicated to providing our clients with the personalized attention and aggressive defense they deserve.

You were arrested for theft, and you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Although it may seem like all hope is lost, it’s important to remember that you are innocent until you are proven guilty. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can protect your rights, investigate the charges against you, and build a strong defense to get the best possible outcome in your case. Contact George Reres Law, P.A. today at 954-543-1186 for a free initial consultation.

What Is Theft?

In the state of Florida, theft is defined as the unlawful taking of property with the intent to permanently or temporarily deprive the owner of their right to the property or appropriating the property for their own use. The value of the property stolen will determine what degree of theft the offender will be charged with: petty theft (the value of which does not exceed $750) or grand theft (the value of which exceeds $750).

There are many different types of theft that can occur, but some of the more common include shoplifting, burglary, robbery, and identity theft.

Shoplifting/Retail Theft

Shoplifting is defined as taking merchandise from a store without paying for it. This can be done in a number of ways, such as hiding items in a purse or pocket, leaving the store without paying or switching price tags.

Burglary

Burglary is defined as unlawful entry into a structure with the intent to commit a crime. This can be done through forced entry, such as breaking a window, or by more subtle means, such as picking a lock.

Robbery

Robbery is defined as the taking of property from another person by force or the threat of force. This can be done through physical violence, such as hitting or kicking the victim or using a weapon.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is defined as the unauthorized use of another person’s personal information to take over their financial accounts or open new ones in their name. This may involve stealing the victim’s wallet or credit card, accessing their bank account online, or filing a tax return in their name.

What Are the Legal Penalties for Thefts?

The penalties for theft in Florida depend on the value of the property stolen and the type of theft alleged to have been committed.

For petty theft, there are varying degrees of crime. For example, if less than $100 was alleged to have been stolen, it is considered petit theft of the first degree. If the item stolen was more than $100 but less than $750, it is petit theft of the first degree. Each of these crimes is considered a misdemeanor in the second and first degree, respectively. A second-degree misdemeanor would result in up to 60 days in prison and a $500 fine. A first-degree misdemeanor would result in one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Penalties increase significantly if the charge is grand theft. All grand theft charges are considered felonies. Felony convictions come with much harsher punishments, including prison sentences and expensive fines. For example, third-degree grand theft, in which $750 or more but less than $20,000 was stolen, is a felony of the third degree. A conviction for this crime could result in up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

What Are the Defenses to Theft Charges?

There are a number of defenses that can be an effective response to theft charges. Some of the more common defense strategies include the following:

• Lack of intent to permanently or temporarily deprive the owner of their rights to the property: For someone to be convicted of theft, they must have had the intention to permanently or temporarily take the property from the rightful owner. If this can’t be proven, then the charges may be reduced or dropped entirely.
• Lack of knowledge that the property was stolen: In order for someone to be convicted of theft, they must have known that the property was stolen. If this can’t be proven, then the charges may be reduced or dropped entirely.
• Claim of right: This defense applies when the accused has a good faith belief that they are entitled to the property. For example, if someone were given a gift they later discovered was stolen, they would not be guilty of theft.
• Consent: This defense applies when the property owner gives the accused permission to take or use the property. For example, if someone borrowed a friend’s car and refused to return it, they would not be guilty of theft.
• Duress: This defense applies when the accused individual was forced to commit the theft under the threat of violence. For example, if someone were held at gunpoint and told to take money from a bank, they would not be guilty of theft.
• False allegations: Accusations of theft are sometimes made maliciously or in error. The defense may argue that the accused was wrongly identified, or the theft did not occur. 
• No proof of ownership: In many cases, the prosecution must prove that the stolen property belonged to someone else. If they are unable to do so, the case may be dismissed. 
• Property recovery: If the property was returned or recovered, the prosecution may be less likely to pursue the case or may offer a reduced sentence. 

Contact George Reres Law, P.A. Today for Strong and Compassionate Service

If you have been charged with a theft crime in Florida, speaking with an experienced theft attorney who can fight against your theft charge is of great importance. Contact George Reres Law, P.A. today at 954-543-1186 for the criminal defense attorney you need for your case.

FAQs About Theft Crimes in Florida

If you are facing theft crime charges, it is important to understand the implications and the steps you should take to protect your rights. Read answers to common questions about theft crimes in Florida.

At George Reres Law, P.A., we have devoted our practice exclusively to criminal defense. We have extensive experience representing clients in a wide range of criminal cases, from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. Contact our firm at 954-543-1186 and let our Fort Lauderdale theft attorneys fight for you.