Fighting theft charges can look different for everyone. The value of the item(s) you allegedly stole can seriously impact the severity of your charge, and failing to put forth a comprehensive and compelling defense can lead to you facing life-changing sanctions, including years behind bars and a permanent record as a convicted felon. Because the repercussions of theft charges can be so serious, it is crucial to work with a legal team that has the knowledge and experience to protect your rights.
If you are facing theft charges of any kind, help is available from the expert Wellington theft lawyers at Rossen Law Firm. From the start of an investigation to the conclusion of a criminal trial, our defense attorneys provide custom-tailored legal guidance and work diligently to secure a favorable case result on your behalf.
What Actions Count as Criminal Theft?
In Florida, someone may be charged with and convicted of criminal theft if they use or obtain property they know belongs to another person, with the intention of either depriving the owner of their property’s use or converting the property for their own use on either a temporary or permanent basis. An attempt at obtaining property is also considered theft. In this context, “property” can include physical items like jewelry, paper or electronically stored currency, property-related benefits and rights, and services normally only provided in exchange for compensation.
In addition, this definition covers not only the act of physically taking property from someone else’s person or from inside their home or business, but also wrongfully obtaining something belonging to someone else through an act of fraud, unlawful control, or an unauthorized transfer. A Wellington theft attorney can go into more detail about how a court might view a particular action during a strategy session.
Petit Versus Grand Theft Charges in Wellington
There are five degrees of theft defined under Florida Statutes §812.014, two of which are classified as misdemeanor “petit theft” and three of which are felony “grand theft.” The five degrees are differentiated primarily by the value of goods or services that a defendant allegedly took, as follows:
- Less than $100 – petit theft of the second degree, a second-degree misdemeanor
- Between $100 and $750 – petit theft of the first degree, a first-degree misdemeanor
- Between $750 and $20,000 – grand theft of the third degree, a third-degree felony
- Between $20,000 and $100,000 – grand theft of the second degree, a second-degree felony
- Over $100,000 – grand theft of the first degree, a first-degree felony
Depending on what degree of theft someone is charged with, they may face sanctions upon conviction ranging from as little as a $500 fine and 60-day jail term to as much as a $10,000 fine and 30 years in prison. Furthermore, and as a local theft lawyer can explain, theft of certain types of property and thefts under certain circumstances may be automatically classified as felonies. For example, theft of a firearm is always a third-degree felony, as is theft of between $100 and $750 worth of property from within or around someone’s home.
Talk to a Wellington Theft Attorney About Your Legal Options
Theft cases are complex. Do not try to handle these charges alone. The award-winning Wellington theft lawyers at Rossen Law Firm are here to help you through this time, providing a strong defense and fighting for your future.
We know that mistakes happen. We believe bad things happen to good people, and we are here to ensure that your future is not upended by one criminal charge. Contact our office to learn more about what we can do for you. Your initial strategy session is completely free, so do not hesitate to reach out so we can help you achieve your best future.