Bonita Springs Theft Lawyer

Bonita Springs Attorney

Theft is a serious crime in Florida with harsh consequences. There are many kinds of theft, including identity theft, grand theft, and petty theft. No matter the type, if you are accused or convicted of theft in Florida, it may be time to hire a Bonita Springs theft lawyer.

What Are the Main Categories of Theft in Florida?

In its most basic sense, theft involves stealing something from someone else. The legal definition of committing theft is when a person knowingly uses or obtains the property of another with the intent to deprive them of said property. In Florida, theft is divided into two main categories: petit theft and grand theft. The categorization and penalties for each are determined by the value of the property that was stolen.

Petit theft crimes are typically treated as misdemeanors, while grand theft of the first, second, and third degree are treated as felonies.

Petit Theft

Petit theft can be a first- or second-degree misdemeanor, depending on the value of the items stolen and whether they were taken from someone’s home. If the items stolen were valued at $40 or less but were taken from a home, it is a first-degree misdemeanor, and if the items stolen were valued between $100-$750, it is a first-degree misdemeanor. If the items stolen were less than $100 but not taken from a dwelling, it is a second-degree misdemeanor.

It should be noted that petit theft can be treated as a felony if the person has been previously convicted of theft crimes.

Grand Theft

Grand theft can be in the first, second, or third degree, depending on where and how the property was stolen, as well as the value of the property. Grand theft, in the first degree, is the unlawful taking of another’s property valued at over $100,000 or if it was a semi-trailer deployed by a law enforcement officer or cargo valued at $50,000 more.

Grand theft in the second degree is the unlawful taking of another’s property valued between $20,000 and $100,000. The value can be lowered if it is emergency medical equipment, law enforcement equipment, or cargo that has entered the stream of interstate commerce.

Grand theft in the third degree is the unlawful taking of another’s property valued between $750 and $20,000, or if it was a person’s will, a firearm, a motor vehicle, a commercially farmed animal, or a host of other instruments.

What Are Examples of Theft?

In addition to stealing a person’s items such as cash, jewelry, property, or motor vehicles, theft can also include identity theft or writing bad checks. Theft can include stealing from a person’s home, shoplifting, or stealing someone’s wallet from a restaurant table, for instance.

Other Consequences for Theft

A theft conviction is serious and can remain on your record permanently, which impedes your ability to secure housing or employment. You may also get your driver’s license temporarily suspended or suspended for a long period of time if you are a repeat offender. There are also civil repercussions in addition to criminal repercussions, such as being required to compensate the victims for their losses.

When Should I Hire a Lawyer?

You should hire a lawyer soon after you are arrested for a theft crime. Your lawyer can inform you of your rights as well as negotiate your fines and/or sentencing if you are convicted. An experienced lawyer can build a solid legal defense to protect your rights and to avoid your being sentenced to jail time.

FAQs

Can You File a Legal Claim Against a Lawyer for Stealing Money?

Yes, you can file a legal claim against a lawyer for stealing money in Florida. When a lawyer steals money, it is an abuse of power, and you can pursue legal action against them under the civil theft statute under state law. You can file a claim stating that your lawyer took money from you without your permission.

How Much Is a Lawyer for Identity Theft?

The cost of a lawyer for identity theft depends on the lawyer’s experience, the complexity of the case, the value of the identity theft, and who it was stolen from, as well as the location of the lawyer’s firm. Knowing these factors can give you a better idea of how much a lawyer will cost.

What Type of Lawyer Should I Hire If I’m Convicted of Theft?

In Bonita Springs, if you are convicted of theft, you should hire a criminal defense attorney. A criminal defense attorney may have more experience dealing with theft cases rather than other attorneys. These attorneys are familiar with the laws surrounding theft and can build your legal defense in front of a judge and possibly negotiate your sentencing and fines.

Do Police Take Identity Theft Seriously?

Yes, police take identity theft very seriously. Since identity theft can result in a major loss for the victims, police take it seriously. Identity theft requires law enforcement to conduct an investigation, which requires a lot of time, money, and resources. It may be difficult to hunt down perpetrators of identity theft, which is why it is taken seriously.

Contact the Law Offices of Donald P. Day

Whether you are charged or convicted of a theft crime, hiring a lawyer may prove to be invaluable. You should know your rights and be guided through the legal process with an experienced legal team like the one at the Law Offices of Donald P. Day. We are ready to offer you a solid defense, so contact us today for a free consultation.

With our legal team on your side, you can rest assured that you are getting the quality legal support you need to successfully resolve your case. The sooner you get our legal team involved, the better your chances of success are. Our legal team has the experience and resources necessary to help you explore the full extent of your legal options. We are committed to helping you through every stage of your legal claim.