Ave Maria Theft Lawyer

Ave Maria Theft Attorney

Being accused of a crime can be stressful as you face the realities of possible fines and jail time if found guilty. A charge, however, does not mean you will be convicted. A skilled lawyer can help you by reviewing the details of your case and crafting a strong defense. If you are charged with a theft crime, you should have an Ave Maria theft lawyer on your side.

With the team at the Law Office of Donald P. Day, you get a customized defense strategy that begins with an investigation into the circumstances of your case. Our team has the knowledge and experience you need to help you navigate the legal process and ensure your rights are protected while working to reach an acquittal, dismissal, or reduction of the charges. When you have questions, our team has the answers.

Theft in Florida

The Florida Statutes define theft as the unlawful taking of another’s property with the intent to deprive the owner of their rights to it either temporarily or permanently. In doing so, the person who took the property is intending to use the property as their own. The level at which the crime is charged is determined by the value of the property. The two levels of theft in Florida are petit theft and grand theft.

Petit Theft

Petit theft in Florida is an occurrence of theft in which the value of the stolen property is less than $750. If the value of the property is between $100 and $750, it is considered a first-degree misdemeanor and could result in penalties of up to one year in jail and fines of up to $1,000. If the value is less than $100, it would be classified as a second-degree misdemeanor and could result in up to six months in jail and a $500 fine.

Previous convictions of petit theft occurring two or more times could result in a third being charged as a felony. A felony at this stage could result in penalties of up to five years in prison or five years of probation.

Grand Theft

Grand theft in Ave Maria, FL is an occurrence in which the value of the property is greater than $750. Although it is a felony, there are varying levels of property value and circumstances impacting the penalties you could face. These include:

• A third-degree felony generally involves property valued at less than $20,000 and could be a firearm, a vehicle, an animal, or any number of other properties.
• A second-degree felony is when the value of the property is between $20,000 and $100,000 and could involve law enforcement property, medical property, and more.
• A first-degree felony entails property valued at greater than $100,000 and could be the result of stealing cargo, a semi-truck, and more. You may also be charged with a first-degree felony if the theft occurs while actively engaging in other felonious activity.

Proving Theft

In order to convict you, the prosecutor will attempt to prove that you committed the crime of theft beyond a reasonable doubt. During a trial, the prosecution has the duty to prove the following:

• That the accused knew and unlawfully engaged in the theft with the intent of denying the victim of their property.
• That the crime occurred with the purpose of temporarily or permanently depriving the victim their property and using that property to their own benefit.
• That the value of the property appropriately fits the charge the accused faces.

Based on the circumstances, an experienced theft lawyer can help defend you against the accusations you face. A knowledgeable attorney can answer specific questions you may have, help inform you of what to expect, and discuss strategies that could be employed for your case.

FAQs

What Is the Punishment for Theft in Florida?

The punishment for theft in Florida is dependent on the circumstances of the crime and how it is charged. If it is petit theft in which the amount of the stolen property is less than $750, you could face jail time of up to a year or fines of up to $1,000. If there are aggravating circumstances related to the crime, you could face a felony charge instead of a misdemeanor, which could increase the penalties you could face.

How Do You Beat a Grand Theft Charge in Florida?

Beating a grand theft charge in Florida is determined by the circumstances of your case. If you are charged with grand theft, your lawyer will investigate the circumstances and build a defense strategy in an attempt to reach an acquittal, dismissal, or reduction in charges. There is no one-size-fits-all strategy. Speaking honestly and openly with your attorney will help them understand all the facts of your case.

What Makes Theft a Felony in Florida?

Theft in Florida could be charged as a felony if the charges are for grand theft or if there are aggravating circumstances with petit theft. Grand theft occurs when the value of the property is greater than $750. The type of charge you face depends on the circumstances of your case.

How Long Do Prosecutors Have to Press Charges for Theft in Florida?

According to the State of Florida statutes, prosecutors have to file felony charges for theft within five years of the crime occurring. If charges are not filed within the required time period, the prosecution can lose their right to file the criminal charges against you. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations, and it prevents courts from being backed up with old cases. In addition, evidence can degrade as time passes.

Ave Maria Theft Lawyer

If you are facing theft charges, it is essential that you hire a criminal defense lawyer who has the knowledge and experience needed to defend you against the potential jail times and fines you could face. At the Law Office of Donald P. Day, our team works aggressively on your behalf. Contact our offices today.