Fort Lauderdale Theft Crime Attorney

Defense Solutions for Florida Property Crime Charges

The State of Florida has several laws related to theft and property crimes, ranging from taking a pack of gum from a convenience store without paying, all the way up to grand theft and fraud, which can involve millions of dollars. Many people don't realize that the State can pursue theft charges regardless of whether or not the accused got away with taking the property.

For example, if you attempt to take an item from a store but are apprehended by security upon exiting the store, and the store then recovers the item you attempted to take, you will still be arrested for theft, and the State will prosecute those theft charges to the fullest extent of the law.

Depending on the details of your case, there may be defenses available to you. Only an experienced Fort Lauderdale property crimes attorney can ensure these defenses are utilized in your case. Call (954) 280-8811 to learn more.

Types of Property Crime Charges

Penalties associated with theft and property crimes can range from fines to extensive prison time, depending on the circumstances of each individual case. A conviction for a property crime often also involves restitution, which requires that you pay money for the damages or stolen property resulting from the charges. Often restitution amounts sought by alleged victims are higher than the actual value of the item.

Property crimes can include:

• Burglary
• Criminal mischief and trespass
• Entry into a property with the intent to commit a crime
• Damaging or destruction of property
• Entry into someone's property without permission
• Grand theft charges
• Shoplifting or retail theft

A conviction for a theft or property crime will likely also cause problems if a background check is run by an employer, property owner, educational facility, or government agency. You can have a permanent mark on your criminal record if the issue is not handled carefully.

What Is the Difference Between Theft and Grand Theft?

In Florida, the difference between misdemeanor theft (petit theft) and grand theft is the value of the property or money stolen. Petit theft occurs when the value is below $750. If the value of the property stolen is over $750, then felony grand theft has occurred.

What are White Collar Crimes?

Economic crimes, also called "white-collar crimes," include offenses related to obtaining money, property, or other benefits using deception or fraud. These offenses include:

• Fraud
• Forgery
• Embezzlement
• Identify Theft
• Money Laundering

Credit card fraud has run rampant in recent years, and law enforcement has cracked down on these crimes more than ever. The internet has also created an entirely new variety of economic crimes that can be carried out with only the use of a mouse and keyboard.

The State often has limited evidence against the accused when it comes to these crimes; however, prosecutors will still go after these cases aggressively to seek a conviction. If convicted, penalties can range from fines and costs, all the way up to extensive prison time, depending on the facts of each individual case.

These crimes often include a high amount of restitution sought by the alleged victim(s), and the money sought may not always add up to the actual amount of loss. It is vital that anyone accused of an economic crime hire an experienced Fort Lauderdale financial crime attorney to secure any electronic or other records that may be helpful to your defense.

Why Hire Our Defense Attorney?

If you are arrested and charged with a theft or property crime in Fort Lauderdale, or even within the State of Florida, it is imperative that you hire an experienced criminal lawyer to handle your case, protect your rights, and seek justice on your behalf. Our attorney at the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Grossman, LLC knows what it takes to develop an effective defense strategy in theft of property crime cases.

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, call (954) 280-8811 immediately to work with an experienced, responsive, and hands-on legal team.