West Palm Beach Theft Crimes Lawyer
Personalized Legal Representation to Fight Your Charges
Theft occurs when a person takes the property of another with the intent to deprive, permanently or temporarily, the owner of the item, or with the intent to use the object themselves or allow another person to use it. In Florida, this offense is charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Regardless of the level of charge, a conviction could result in incarceration and/or fines.
The punishments for theft can have long lasting consequences, impacting various areas of your life, including relationships, finances, and employment. If you have been accused, act fast to get a skilled lawyer on your side. When defending a criminal case, you must examine the facts of the situation and build a compelling strategy to tell your side of the story. The theft crimes lawyer at the Law Offices of Greg Rosenfeld, P.A. have the experience needed to build a strong defense.
Ready to discuss your legal options? Call us today at (561) 902-1122 for a free consultation.
Different Types of Theft in Florida
If you're accused of taking someone's property without their consent, you could be charged with theft. The type and level of offense you're charged with, as well as the penalties you could be facing, depend on the value of the item. In Florida, theft is separated into grand theft and petit theft.
Grand Theft
- First-degree grand theft: Stealing property valued at over $100,000 is a first-degree felony. A conviction for this offense could result in a prison term of up to 30 years and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
- Second-degree grand theft: If a person steals property valued at $20,000 or more but less than $100,000, they could be charged with this offense. This is a second-degree felony and is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
- Third-degree grand theft: Taking property valued at $750 but less than $20,000 is a third-degree felony. Conviction penalties include a 5-year prison term and/or a $5,000 fine.
Petit Theft
- First-degree petit theft: A person can face this charge if they take property valued at $100 or more but less than $750. This is a first-degree misdemeanor, which carries a jail term of up to 1 year and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
- Second-degree petit theft: This offense is committed when the property stolen was valued at less than $100. The penalties for a conviction for this second-degree misdemeanor include a 60-day jail term and/or a fine of up to $500.
Retail Theft/Shoplifting
If you are accused of taking merchandise from a store, you could be charged with retail theft (or shoplifting). If you were previously convicted of petit theft from a merchant, you would face the same penalties as those imposed for a second-degree petit theft offense and the judge may subject you to a $50 to $1,000 fine. Retail theft can also be charged as a felony. Whether or not it's charged at this level depends on the value of the item.
Theft Defense in West Palm Beach
The defense process can be complex and time-consuming. However, you don't have to handle it alone. You have the right to assistance of counsel, and we're here to provide the legal advice and guidance you need. At the Law Offices of Greg Rosenfeld, our West Palm Beach attorney has extensive experience in the criminal justice system and knows how to develop effective defenses and fight charges. A strategic defense is an absolute necessity to protect your future.
At the Law Offices of Greg Rosenfeld, we know that a theft charge is a serious matter and can sometimes result from a misunderstanding or false allegations. That's why we will fight aggressively on your behalf to cast reasonable doubt on the prosecutor's case against you.
Learn more about how we can help you by calling us at (561) 902-1122 or contacting us online.