Theft Crime Lawyer in Fort Myers
How Serious are Theft Charges in Florida?
With a high concentration of businesses, billionaires, and up-and-coming entrepreneurs, Florida is a wealthy state. To keep commerce flowing and the economy afloat, it’s in the government’s best interest to keep people with money happy. That involves taking theft crimes seriously. In recent years, state and federal authorities have begun cracking down on those accused of theft. This includes individuals at the highest levels of Florida government and academics. As a result, it may be far easier to get arrested on theft charges than you might think.
Trying to navigate a criminal case, especially if you have never been accused of a crime before, can be daunting. One of the most stressful aspects of facing any criminal case is the fear of the unknown. For many people dealing with a theft charge, the unknown of what might happen to them at the end of their criminal case can be intimidating. The importance of seeking legal help to fight against your theft charge cannot be stressed enough.
Far too often, people dealing with a misdemeanor or felony theft charge don’t get the right help for their case, and they end up suffering the consequences. A criminal defense attorney in Fort Myers can reassure you of your rights and can fight to have your charges reduced or dropped altogether. If you have been charged with a theft crime, contact our firm’s experienced and compassionate defense attorney.
What Types of Theft Crimes Can a Theft Lawyer Represent?
Accusations of theft can be difficult to overcome once you have been arrested and charged. Placing your focus on getting the proper representation for your case can help you immensely as your case progresses through the system. Potential theft charges include, but are not necessarily limited to:
- Shoplifting or Retail Theft
- Resisting a Merchant’s Efforts to Recover Stolen Property
- Misdemeanor Petty Theft
- Grand Theft
- Grand Theft of a Vehicle
- Failure to Return Rented or Leased Property
- Theft of Services
- Larceny
- Robbery by Sudden Snatching
Depending on the value of the property you have been charged with stealing, you may be looking at either misdemeanor or felony theft charges. Depending on the charges, you could be facing anything from fines and community service to years behind bars.
What Happens If I’m Convicted of a Theft Crime?
Penalties for theft crimes vary greatly depending on the value of the property that you are being charged with stealing. There are two broad categories of theft: misdemeanor petit theft and felony or grand theft. These categories are further subdivided according to the value of the items in question.
Misdemeanor theft is also called petit or petty theft. Misdemeanor theft covers items or money worth less than $750. Misdemeanor theft is divided between first and second-degree petit theft. Second-degree petit theft is for any item or money worth less than $100. Second-degree petit theft is punishable by up to two months in jail and a $500 fine. First-degree petit theft is for any stolen goods worth more than $100 but less than $750. First-degree petit theft carries a potential sentence of a year in jail and a $1000 fine.
Theft of items or money worth over $750 is a felony. Felony theft is also called grand theft. Like petit theft, grand theft is divided into multiple felony categories. Third-degree grand theft covers items or money worth more than $750 but less than $20,000. Many people accused of felony theft find themselves charged with third-degree grand theft. A sentence of third-degree grand theft is punishable by five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. In many instances, the theft of a car, also called grand theft auto, is considered third-degree grand theft.
Second and first-degree grand theft charges are less frequent but do occur. Second-degree grand theft covers theft of an item or money worth between $20,000 and $100,000. It is punishable by 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Theft over $100,000 is a first-degree felony and is punishable by 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
These are only a few of the potential penalties you might face if arrested and convicted of theft. In addition, you may face other charges directly or indirectly related to the crime. Trespassing, using false identification, and weapons charges are all commonly charged in conjunction with theft. That’s why if you or a loved one has been arrested in Fort Myers, contact our experienced defense attorney.
What are Other Potential Consequences of a Theft Conviction?
Theft convictions can create unique complications. In many instances, people believe they’ve “done their time” and that they can move on with their lives after they get out of prison. In the case of theft convictions, this isn’t necessarily true.
Most workplaces involve the handling of valuable goods or even cash. Under Florida law, employers are permitted to consider your criminal history when deciding whether or not to hire you. If an employer believes your criminal history may impact your ability to perform your job safely, it can affect your employment. Many employers are nervous about hiring people convicted of theft. They may worry these employees would not be trustworthy around cash registers, safes, money bags, or valuable merchandise. This stigma can make it challenging to find desirable employment.
The stigma of being a thief can also impact your personal relationships. Many people believe “once a thief, always a thief” and may stigmatize theft as something a person does almost compulsively. People may worry about having you around their homes or places of employment for fear you’ll steal from them or potentially endanger their employment.
These are only a few potential ways in which a theft conviction can impact your life outside of prison. Additionally, felony convictions impact certain rights such as the ability to vote or own firearms. If you’re a single parent with a custody agreement, a felony conviction may impact the circumstances under which you can visit your children. This is why if you have been arrested on theft charges in Florida, an experienced defense attorney is vital.
What Can a Theft Lawyer Do for My Case?
Many people attempt to “place their faith in the system.” They may believe that police, prosecutors, and judges will simply review the facts of their case and either drop the charges entirely or “let them off with a slap on the wrist.” This is a significant mistake.
Florida has invested a great deal of time, money, and effort in developing a “tough on crime” reputation that entices businesses to relocate here. Part of this involves an aggressive approach to theft crimes. No one likes the idea of thieves taking their hard-earned money and possessions. This is especially true of the type of wealthy individuals and powerful corporations Florida wishes to attract. As a result, police and prosecutors may be especially tough on people accused of theft. This might mean you “pay the price” to maintain Florida’s reputation.
That’s why an aggressive but compassionate defense attorney is vital in every case. A strong criminal defense begins with a thorough investigation surrounding the circumstances of your case. A criminal defense lawyer in Fort Myers can work to uncover evidence and facts that can work in your favor before your case starts or during your trial. From video evidence to eyewitness accounts, having a legal team on your side throughout your criminal case can help you get the results you deserve.
Is Hiring a Theft Crime Lawyer Right for Me?
Even if you don’t go to prison for a long time, a theft conviction can mean the end of your life as you know it. Being labeled a thief can follow you for the rest of your life and impact your ability to work, find a place to live, and develop and maintain happy relationships. In some instances, a theft conviction can even mean decades in prison. Don’t let theft charges stall your life. If you or a loved one has been arrested for theft, don’t hesitate to contact Sherman Defense Firm, P.A.
Melissa Sherman brings 15 years of courtroom experience and a fierce dedication to all of her clients. She knows that keeping up with the day-to-day stress of your theft charge can be overbearing. She’ll take the pressure off of you and put it on the prosecution, utilizing her tested Sherman Defense Technique. She and our legal team don’t want to see you become a statistic, and believe in fighting for the rights and freedoms of every client without compromise.
Florida wants to be seen as tough on crime. Don’t let them be tough on you. If you or a loved one has been arrested for theft in Fort Myers, protect yourself and call Melissa Sherman today at (239) 284-5708 to schedule a free consultation.