Theft Defense Attorney in Daytona Beach, Florida

Theft crimes are some of the most devastating convictions on a person’s record. The stigma associated with a theft conviction could make someone an outcast in society. The negative consequences of a theft conviction could haunt you for the rest of your life, which is why you need to take accusations of stealing someone’s property seriously.

If you are facing theft charges in Daytona Beach or elsewhere in Florida, consider speaking with a theft defense attorney to fight for your legal rights. Each case is different and requires a unique approach to achieve a favorable outcome; reach out to our knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer at DaytonaDefense.com to discuss your defense options.

We represent people facing theft charges in Daytona Beach, Palm Coast, DeLand, New Smyrna Beach, Port Orange, as well as Volusia and Flagler Counties in Florida.

Theft Under Florida Law

Under Florida law, theft involves the taking or use of someone else’s property without their permission or authorization. The legal term “theft” is used to describe different offenses in Florida, including but not limited to:

• Larceny

• Misappropriation

• Stealing

• Conversion

• Embezzling

• Shoplifting

The prosecution must prove that the defendant had the intent to commit theft in order to find them guilty. In other words, the prosecution must prove that the defendant facing theft charges intended to deprive the property owner of the use or possession. The intended deprivation must be either temporary or permanent.

Classification of Theft Charges

Florida law divides theft charges into two types: petit theft and grand theft. The classification of theft depends on the value of stolen items.

1. Petit theft. Petit theft is categorized into two subcategories: petit theft of the second degree and petit theft of the first degree. The degrees depend on the value of the stolen property. Under Florida law, both of the charges are misdemeanors.

2. Grand theft. If the stolen property is valued over a certain amount, the defendant is facing criminal charges for grand theft, which is classified as a felony in Florida. There are three subcategories of grand theft: third degree, second degree, and first degree. Again, these degrees depend on the value of the items stolen.

The punishment for theft charges in Florida depends on the classification of the offense, the value of the stolen property, and other factors. No matter your circumstances, theft charges in Florida are not something to take lightly.

Possible Penalties for Theft Charges

The severity of possible penalties for petit theft in Florida depends on a variety of factors, including the number of prior theft convictions on the defendant’s record. The punishment for grand theft is much more severe because these charges are classified as felonies in Florida.

In addition to imprisonment and fines, the possible consequences of a theft conviction may include:

• Loss of employment

• Inability to secure a new job

• Suspension of your driver’s license

• Loss of professional opportunities

• Loss of trust and a damaged reputation

• Negative immigration consequences

Penalties for theft can be severe, which is why it is in your best interests to fight against the charges. Your future—and your freedom—are too important to risk. Contact a skilled theft defense lawyer to aggressively represent you and pursue a strong defense.

Common Theft Defenses

There are a variety of defenses to choose from when facing theft charges. Depending on the circumstances of the offense, your lawyer could use the following theft defense strategies to defend you against the charges:

1. Lack of intent. If you did not have the intent to actually steal and deprive the owner of the property, you cannot be guilty of theft. However, proving the lack of intent could be challenging depending on the facts of your case.

2. You believed the property was yours or you had the owner’s permission to take or use it. Many individuals are charged with theft due to misunderstanding and lack of communication. If this sounds like your situation, you might avoid a conviction.

3. Entrapment. The entrapment defense applies when the defendant can prove that they were persuaded to steal an item by a law enforcement officer.

4. Duress. If someone else threatened you with violence to steal someone else’s property, you could use the duress defense to fight against the charges.

There are no one-size-fits-all solutions in criminal justice. Consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney to identify the best defense strategy for your particular case.