Will I have to go to prison for a theft crime?

Depending on the value of goods involved in a theft crime or whether an offense involved aggravating factors like the possession/use of a firearm, a theft offense may constitute either a misdemeanor offense for which a defendant may face a jail term of a year or less or a felony offense for which a defendant may face prison time. A court’s decision to impose a term of incarceration for a theft-related offense will depend on factors such as the nature/severity of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history or acceptance of responsibility, and the need to protect the public from future crimes.

How can a West Palm Beach theft crimes lawyer help me?

When facing prosecution for a theft-related offense, a theft crime defense attorney in West Palm Beach, FL, can help you stand up for your rights and interests and fight for your reputation and future by: Investigating your charges to secure all available evidence that can help build a compelling defense Evaluating the facts and circumstances surrounding your charges to identify potentially effective case strategies Helping you understand your charges and the potential outcomes and preparing you for what to expect at each stage of the case so you can make informed decisions to protect your interests Fighting the prosecution’s case by moving to exclude unlawfully obtained or inadmissible evidence or challenging the sufficiency of the evidence Vigorously pursuing the best possible resolution under the circumstances, even when that means taking your case to trial to advocate your innocence

West Palm Beach Theft Crimes Lawyer | Theft Crime Defense Attorney West Palm Beach, FL

Brandon Dinetz Criminal Defense Attorney

Theft Crime Defense Attorney in West Palm Beach, FL, Defending Against Theft-Related Accusations in Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and Throughout South Florida

Have you been charged with a theft crime in South Florida? The potential consequences of an arrest or conviction can have catastrophic effects on your reputation, freedom, and future. Let West Palm Beach theft crimes lawyer Brandon Dinetz help you fight your theft charges and pursue a favorable resolution. With years of experience handling cases in Florida’s criminal justice system, including as a former prosecutor, Brandon knows what it takes to build compelling defense strategies that protect clients’ rights and interests. Contact BD Law as soon as possible for an initial case review to discuss your legal options for pursuing a fair outcome for your theft charges.

Types of Theft Crimes We Handle for Clients

Examples of theft-related crimes that a theft crime defense attorney in West Palm Beach, FL, from our firm can help you face include:

Theft: A person commits theft by knowingly obtaining or using, or attempting to obtain or use, another person’s property with the intent to either permanently or temporarily deprive the other person of the right to or benefit of that property or appropriate the property.
Dealing in stolen property: The law prohibits selling or dealing in property that one knows or should know has been stolen or supervising the theft and sale of stolen property.
Robbery: A person commits robbery when they take money or property from a person or that person’s custody with the use of force, violence, or assault, with the intent to temporarily or permanently deprive the custodian or owner of the money/property.
Carjacking: A person commits a carjacking when they take a vehicle away from another person or that person’s custody with the use of force, violence, or assault, with the intent to temporarily or permanently deprive the custodian or owner of the vehicle.
Burglary: Burglary occurs when a person enters a dwelling, building, or conveyance with the intent to commit a criminal offense inside (such as theft or robbery) unless the premises are open to the public and the person is invited or licensed to enter; burglary also occurs when a person, notwithstanding any license/invitation to enter, remains within premises with the intent to commit an offense.

Facing Criminal Charges? BD Law Can Help.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Speak With Our Top-Rated
Criminal Defense Attorney

(561) 778-5213

Penalties for Theft Convictions Under Florida Law

Penalties for many theft offenses under Florida law depend on the value of the items involved in the offense. The higher the dollar value of the stolen goods, the more severe the penalties. Other factors can also increase the grading of a theft-related crime, such as the use of force or possession/use of a deadly weapon. Sentencing ranges under Florida law include:

Second-degree misdemeanor: Up to 60 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500
First-degree misdemeanor: Up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000
Third-degree felony: Up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000
Second-degree felony: Up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000
First-degree felony: Up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000

A court can also impose restitution as part of a defendant’s sentence for a theft conviction. Restitution requires a defendant to compensate their victim(s) for the financial losses the victim(s) incurred due to the defendant’s crime.

Finally, a theft conviction can have long-lasting consequences beyond incarceration, fines, or restitution. A criminal record with a theft conviction can reflect unfavorably upon an offender when they apply for jobs, housing, financial services, or admission to educational programs, as organizations may view a person with a theft conviction as less trustworthy.

Defenses in Theft Cases

Defendants facing theft charges in Florida might raise various legal or factual defense arguments to contest the prosecution’s case, such as:

Consent from the owner to take the money/property
Mistake of fact/law (the defendant believed the property was theirs or they had a legal right/authority to take the property)
Alibi
Mistaken identity
Unlawfully obtained evidence/statements from police searches/questioning

Contact Attorney Brandon Dinetz Today to Discuss Your Options After Getting Charged with a Theft Crime

After the police arrest you for theft in South Florida, don’t wait to talk to a West Palm Beach theft crime lawyer about your legal options for pursuing a favorable resolution to your case. Contact BD Law today for a confidential consultation to discuss how we can assist you by protecting your rights, reputation, and future from the consequences of an arrest or conviction.