Fighting To Protect Your Future From The Harm Caused By A Theft Conviction

A theft crime occurs when an individual knowingly takes property or money from another individual or business without permission or authorization. Depending on the nature of the theft, charges can be issued at either the misdemeanor or felony level, and can lead to extensive penalties, including fines, probation and even jail time. If you have been charged with a theft crime, it is important to understand the potential penalties you face and the options you have for defending yourself.

At the law firm of Michael J. Griffith, P.A., our Pensacola theft crime lawyers leverage more than 40 years of experience to offer insightful advice on your case. We understand that an error in judgment or rash actions may have led to your charges and work to help you protect your future from a moment of weakness or bad decision-making. In our years in practice, we have represented clients facing a wide range of theft crimes, including:

• Petty theft
• Embezzlement
• Purse snatching or pickpocketing
• Identity theft
• Receipt of stolen goods
• Automobile theft
• Use of stolen credit cards

What is Petty Theft in Florida?

Petty theft in Florida is defined as stealing another person’s property that is valued at $750 or less. The specific penalties for petty theft depend on the value of the stolen property, as well as the defendant's prior criminal record.

If the stolen property is worth $100 or less, petty theft is considered a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by 60 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500. If the stolen property is valued at more than $100 but less than $750, petty theft is a first-degree misdemeanor, which carries a maximum jail sentence of one year and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

What is Grand Theft in Florida?

On the other hand, grand theft is a serious criminal offense that involves intentionally taking property worth more than $750 without the owner's permission.

Grand theft in Florida is classified into three degrees, based on the value of the property stolen:

• Third-degree grand theft involves property valued at $750 or more but less than $20,000. This is a third-degree felony, punishable by imprisonment for up to five years and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
• Second-degree grand theft involves property valued at $20,000 or more but less than $100,000. This is a second-degree felony, which carries a prison term of 15 years and/or a maximum fine of $10,000.
• First-degree grand theft involves property valued at $100,000 or more, or certain types of property, such as a motor vehicle, firearm, or controlled substance, regardless of its value. This is a first-degree felony, which carries imprisonment for more than 30 years and/or a fine not exceeding $10,000.
   

Addressing Every Consequence Of Your Charges

While many attorneys will help you protect yourself from the short-term penalties stemming from a conviction, including the fines and jail time, we also work to protect your long-term future from the harm a conviction can cause; a theft conviction, especially at the felony level, can impair your ability to find a job or rent an apartment, making it important to combat the full impact of your charges, not just the short term penalties.

To protect your future from this damage, we fight your conviction fully, rather than just help you negotiate a favorable plea deal. To do so, we will carefully examine your case, including the evidence against you and any available witness testimony to determine if the prosecution can uphold its burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Should any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case or other deficiencies present themselves, we will use the information to apply pressure on the prosecution to reduce or dismiss your charges.

Of course, the information gained during our investigation can also be used to prove your case in a court trial if the prosecution wishes to push the issue.

Contact Us To Discuss Your Defense Options

If you have been charged with a theft crime, it is important to begin the process of planning your defense as soon after your arrest as possible. Our staff is available to discuss your case 24/7 and will even accept the collect call charges if you want to begin mounting your defense from jail.

Contact us online or call (850) 495-7977 to discuss your charges during a free consultation with an experienced lawyer.