In Florida, theft crimes is a broad term that covers a wide range of offenses. As a result, the penalties for a theft charge vary depending upon the severity of the offense. Nevertheless, being convicted for these crimes can result in imprisonment, fines and other severe penalties. If you have been accused of a larceny offense in Manatee County, you should call our theft lawyers in Bradenton.
If you are facing a theft charge in Bradenton, you might have no idea where to turn or what to do. In such a state of confusion, you might agree to enter a guilty plea without knowing that this charge will remain on your criminal record, affecting your freedom and opportunities in life. No matter how small the theft might seem, you should not take a larceny charge lightly.
In this confusing time, you need a skilled theft attorney to make sure that your record and your rights are protected. The skilled criminal defense attorneys at Goldman Wetzel focus on criminal law and have extensive experience fighting theft charges. With our unique background, we will find the best route for your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Bradenton Theft Crimes: Definition & Sentencing
In a broad definition, theft consists of temporarily or permanently taking or stealing someone’s property without their permission. According to Florida Statute 812.014, an attempt to steal is also considered a theft crime. Depending on their severity, theft offenses are classified from misdemeanors to felonies.
Under this statute, the offense is committed with the intent to either:
- Deprive the owner from exercising their rights to the property.
- So the defendant or other person that is not entitled to the property can use and benefit from it.
There are many offenses that could fall under this definition. Some of the most common theft crimes that we handle at Goldman Wetzel include:
- Petit or petty theft
- Grand theft
- Identity theft
- Robbery
- Fraud
- Burglary
- Theft of controlled substances
- White-collar crimes
If you are facing theft charges and the prosecutor is able to prove that you attempted to sell the stolen property, you face additional charges and stiffer penalties.
Sentencing for theft crimes in Florida
In Florida, the severity of a theft crime is primarily based on the value of the property stolen. Nevertheless, there are other factors that might be taken into account such as the defendant’s prior convictions, whether there was use of violence or damage to the property and, in some cases, the type of item stolen.
Petit theft is the lowest level theft offense and is classified as a second-degree misdemeanor and it is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. In a petit theft charge, the defendant is accused of stealing a property valued at less than $100.
If the stolen property has a value greater than $100 but less than $750, the petty theft will be classified as a first-degree misdemeanor. As a result, if convicted for this offense, you could face up to 1 year imprisonment and a $1,000 fine.
A grand theft offense is considered a felony crime. Depending on the amount stolen, the penalties for this crime range from 5 years up to 30 years imprisonment and a fine between $5,000 and $10,000. If a defendant is accused of stealing more than $750, he or she will face grand theft charges.
In addition to fines and prison sentences, a conviction for theft in Florida can also include the following penalties:
- Probation
- Community service
- Counseling or psychological treatment
- Pay restitution
- Pay all court costs and fees
- Loss of driver’s license
In some cases, a theft offense can be charged as a federal crime which usually results in harsher penalties. If you are facing criminal charges, it is important to have legal representation as soon as possible. Speak to our theft lawyers in Bradenton to know the possible penalties that you might face as well as the legal options available for you.
How Our Theft Attorneys Can Help
When facing accusations for a criminal offense in Florida, you need to take immediate action to protect your rights and fight the allegations against you. When representing clients facing theft charges, at Goldman Wetzel we look closely at the circumstances of your arrest, specifically whether the police potentially violated your rights.
If there was actually a violation of your rights, we can use this to your advantage since the evidence collected will no longer be viable. Our lawyers will also make sure to conduct their own research to find weakness in the prosecutor’s case or to gather compelling evidence that might help us get your charges reduced or dropped.
Dealing with a criminal charge is an overwhelming experience, as a result, you might not be able to notice if the stolen property has been overvalued by the prosecution. The Goldman Wetzel team will make sure that the evidence presented represents the goods in question.
When it comes to theft accusations, there are different defenses that we might be able to use. Some of these defense strategies include:
- Mistaken identity
- Lack of intent
- Violation of your rights
- Confusion with the ownership of the property
With so much at stake, our theft attorneys will provide you with the aggressive and compassionate legal representation that you deserve. If you want to learn the best legal options for your case, we welcome you to schedule a free consultation at (941) 405-5193.
Speak to our Theft Lawyers in Bradenton
Criminal defense attorneys serving clients accused of theft and other offenses Manatee County, Florida.
In Florida, a conviction for a theft crime leads to severe consequences such as steep fines and prison sentences. You owe it to yourself and to your loved ones to make sure that you have a strong and aggressive legal representation.
Goldman Wetzel is a criminal defense law firm with an office in Bradenton that represents clients facing criminal charges in Bradenton, Palmetto, Bayshore Gardens, Manatee County, Sarasota, and surrounding areas.
If you are facing criminal charges, speak to a Goldman Wetzel attorney to see how we can help you. Schedule a free no-obligation consultation with our theft lawyers by calling at (941) 405-5193 or send us an email via secure contact form.