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Theft Crimes Defense

In the state of Florida, when you take an item or items that do not belong to you, this can constitute a theft crime.  Theft crimes range from stealing someone’s car to breaking into someone’s home to shoplifting a tube of lipstick at the mall. As a general rule, the more expensive the items you stole or the more elaborate your scheme to take items, the more serious the consequences will be. Taking items directly from a person using violence or threats of violence can also result in more serious penalties.

A conviction for theft crimes can be a misdemeanor or a felony. You may find yourself serving time in jail, paying fines or doing community service. You may also find yourself with a criminal record that follows you around for the rest of your life. To avoid these serious consequences, it is always best to speak with a Palm Beach criminal defense attorney when accused of theft crimes. The knowledgeable legal professionals at Musca Law have handled all types of theft crime cases and can help you to make an informed choice on plea-bargaining or on raising defenses to avoid conviction.

Theft Crimes Defense in West Palm Beach

A broad array of different criminal acts are considered to be theft crimes in Florida, as any unlawful taking of items that belong to someone else can be considered a theft crime. Some specific examples of theft crimes include:

  • Larceny/theft: (Fl. Stat 812.014.) In the state of Florida, a person commits larceny or theft if he knowingly takes or uses someone else’s property with intent to temporarily or permanently deprive the rightful owner of use or possession.
  • Grand Larceny: (Fl. Stat 812.014(4)(c). Grand larceny or grand theft involves the taking of items valued at more than $300 or the taking of motor vehicles or firearms.
  • Burglary: Fl Stat. 810.01) Burglary means entering or remaining in a dwelling or structure with an intent to commit a crime inside.
  • Robbery: Robbery involves using fear or force to deprive the rightful owner of items or money. ((Fl Stat. 812.13).
  • Fraud: Fraud generally refers to using dishonest means or deceptive practices to take something that does not belong to you. A variety of fraud crimes exist in Florida including those punished under False Pretenses and Frauds (Fl. Stat. 817.02-817.569) and Offenses Related to Financial Transactions (Fl. Stat. 896.101-896.108).
  • Carjacking: Car-jacking refers to taking a motor vehicle using force, threats of force or violence (Fl. State 812.133).
  • White Collar Crimes: White-collar crimes include healthcare fraud, mortgage fraud, money laundering, tax fraud, real estate fraud, credit card, fraud, insider trading, and participation in organized crime, among others. Most white-collar crimes are a form of theft crimes since they involve using a position of power or influence to take items that do not belong to you.

Theft crimes may be misdemeanors or felonies and penalties range from community service and fines to jail and prison time. However, there are several defenses that can be raised for theft crimes, including lack-of-intent, lack of evidence, a constitutional rights violation, or a case of mistaken identity. It may also be possible to enter into first time offender/diversion programs to avoid criminal charges for theft or to arrange a plea bargain to minimize the consequences of conviction for a theft crime.

Residents of Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Wellington, Jupiter or other areas in Palm Beach and West Palm Beach can contact Musca Law for help when accused of theft crimes.

Don’t gamble with your freedom, future and reputation. If you are facing theft crimes charges in Palm Beach County, call the Palm Beach criminal defense lawyers at Musca Law for a free consultation. 239-277-5297. Phone answered 24/7.