Theft Attorney in Lakeland, FL

Providing Dedicated Legal Defense for Those Charged With Theft Crimes

People are taught from an early age not to take things that do not belong to them. Florida law takes a dim view of theft offenses, and prosecutors do not often opt for leniency. Unfortunately, the Florida criminal justice system does not always get things right. Perhaps you were wrongfully charged, or your rights were violated. No matter the situation, a theft lawyer in Lakeland may be able to help.

At DeMichael Law, we have seen what can happen when people are caught up in the legal system. Even if you believe you are guilty of the offense you have been charged with, state and federal law offers various protections that safeguard your legal rights. Due to the complexities of the legal system, it is essential that you fully understand your rights. Therefore, if you are being charged with a crime in Florida, it is essential to act now.

Even a misdemeanor theft conviction can negatively impair your ability to obtain employment, secure housing, or obtain financial aid. Most employers run background checks that can quickly identify an applicant’s criminal history. That being the case, you must hire a criminal defense lawyer who will fight to have the charges dropped or reduced. Contact DeMichael Law and ask to schedule a free, confidential consultation so that we may evaluate your case and determine how we can help.

What is the Definition of Theft Under Florida Law?

In Florida, theft occurs when an individual knowingly takes, uses, or attempts to take or use another person’s property to deprive the person of their property or appropriate it for unauthorized use. Although the definition of theft is relatively straightforward, the statute is more complex than expected.

A variety of acts can fall under the category of theft. Anything from stealing bubble gum from a store to misappropriating funds from a bank account may qualify as a theft offense. The biggest difference in these theft offenses depends on the total amount that has been stolen. Anything under $750 is considered petty theft, a misdemeanor criminal offense. However, theft of property valued at more than $750 is known as grand theft, considered a felony criminal offense.

Theft charges can have serious consequences, severely impacting your rights and future. Whether you have been arrested for a misdemeanor or felony criminal offense, contact our Lakeland, FL, law office and ask to schedule a meeting with our experienced criminal defense attorney immediately.

Why Should I Exercise My Right to Remain Silent if the Police are Questioning Me?

Exercising your right to remain silent is one of the fundamental civil rights guaranteed to individuals under the Constitution. If you are being questioned, you are not obligated to speak with the police. Even if officers tell you that you are not a suspect or that they are just trying to “get to the bottom of things,” the truth is that they are not on your side.

Police often use coercive methods to elicit confessions, which often lead to false confessions. Even if you do not plan to admit to a crime, speaking with the police is not wise. Law enforcement’s main objective is to obtain evidence that leads to a conviction.

Do not fall into this trap. If the police are trying to interrogate you, ask for an attorney to be present during questioning. An experienced criminal defense attorney can advise you during questioning to ensure you do not make incriminating statements that police can use against you.

What Are the Penalties for Theft in Florida?

One important thing to remember is that every theft case is different. However, people often try to compare outcomes between cases, which is impossible due to varying factors. Some of the biggest differences in theft cases relate directly to criminal penalties, which vary based on the severity of a crime.

Petty Theft

The maximum penalties for a first-degree petty theft conviction are typically a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. However, this is only the case if the value of stolen property is between $100 and $750. If the property’s value is less than $100, a person will be charged with second-degree theft, which carries a maximum penalty of 60 days behind bars and a $500 fine.

Grand Theft

When the value of stolen property exceeds $750, the potential theft penalties become far more severe. In these situations, not seeking the help of a Lakeland theft lawyer can be detrimental. For a third-degree grand theft charge, when the value of the property is between $750 and $20,000, a person could be imprisoned for five years and face fines of up to $5,000.

A second-degree theft charge occurs when the stolen property is valued between $20,000 and $100,000. If convicted of this felony offense, a person can face 15 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. When the stolen property is valued at $100,000 or more, a person can face first-degree grand theft charges. If convicted, they may end up in prison for up to 30 years and be fined up to $10,000.

What are Other Legal Considerations That May Accompany Theft Charges?

It is important to understand that other legal considerations may accompany Florida theft charges. For instance, an individual can face first-degree grand theft charges if their actions cause more than $1,000 in property damage, even if the value of property stolen does not exceed $100,000.

Anyone facing charges should also understand that specific situations can lead to enhanced penalties. Habitual felony offenses such as repeated petty thefts and the targeting of elderly victims can all result in enhanced penalties. As a result, Florida laws can be overly complex when determining criminal charges. Due to the confusing laws and legal complexities involved with theft crimes, it is in your best interest to contact a skilled defense attorney in Lakeland, FL, as soon as possible.

Is a Plea Deal in My Best Interest?

When defendants face theft charges in Florida, they may seem to have minimal legal options. The prosecutor may claim they have solid evidence, such as video footage and witness testimony. In other cases, those charged with the crime do not fully understand their rights or how to best fight the allegations against them. It may seem tempting to accept a plea deal in cases with a great deal of evidence or a lack of knowledge regarding the legal system.

A plea offer may be in your best interest, depending on the circumstances. However, you will be better served by allowing a highly-trained theft attorney in Lakeland to help you make an informed decision. In many instances, prosecutors offer these deals because they do not have a strong case. In other situations, they may not be entirely forthcoming regarding the charges you may be facing.

Remember, the prosecutor is on the state’s side and is seeking a conviction. Do not agree to any deal without first consulting with an experienced attorney from DeMichael Law, who can review the proposed offer and determine if it is in your best interest.

Why is DeMichael Law the Right Choice to Protect Me Against Theft Crime Charges?

If you have been accused of theft in Florida, it is crucial to take the charges seriously. Even if you have no prior criminal record, the consequences of a conviction can be disastrous. In addition to potential fines and jail time, you will have a criminal record that will haunt you for the rest of your life. A criminal conviction for a theft crime can negatively affect your ability to get a job, buy a home, and even prevent you from enlisting in the military.

At DeMichael Law, we are committed to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. Sometimes, we can negotiate with the prosecutor to try to have your charges dropped, helping you avoid a conviction. However, if the state is unwilling to work out a fair plea agreement, your case may have to go to trial to be resolved.

The best legal approach will depend on the circumstances of your case, but no matter what issues are involved, we will always be focused on your best interests.

Contact our Lakeland theft lawyer today by calling (863) 216-1831 to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced theft lawyer in Lakeland who will gladly review your case.