Aggressive Defense for Theft Crimes Charges in Orlando
There are many offenses that could be categorized as a theft crime. Simply put, a person will be arrested on theft charges in Florida when they knowingly and intentionally take, use, or steal another person’s property or assets without consent. Accepting property that is known to be stolen is also a theft crime in Florida. If you have been arrested for committing a theft crime, hiring an experienced Orlando criminal attorney is of utmost importance. A dedicated and skilled criminal defense team can look out for your best interest throughout the criminal process, as well as aggressively defend you against the prosecution’s accusations. The consequences of a theft conviction can follow you for years, affecting employment opportunities and your personal reputation in Central Florida.
Theft Crimes & Penalties
At Rivas Law Firm, we defend clients against all types of theft crimes, including:
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Shoplifting
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Carjacking
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Credit Card Theft
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Identity Theft
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Embezzlement
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Robbery/Armed Robbery
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Burglary
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Fraud (theft by deception)
If you have been arrested for committing any of these theft crimes, your charges will be classified as either petty theft or grand theft. Petty or petit theft refers to misdemeanor theft offenses in which the value of the property is less than $750. Recent Florida law changes have also introduced enhanced penalties for organized retail theft involving multiple participants. In cases where the value of the stolen property is $750 or more, the charges will be classified as follows:
Grand theft in the third degree: the value of the property was over $750 but less than $20,000, punishable by up to five years in prison.
Grand theft in the second degree: the value of the property was between $20,000 and $100,000, punishable by up to fifteen years in prison.
Grand theft in the first degree: the value of the property was more than $100,000, punishable by up to thirty years in prison.
The penalties for a theft crime depend on the degree of the charges. For example, grand theft in the first degree—the most serious of all theft charges—is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and extremely high fines, whereas a petty theft offense may result in no jail time at all if handled correctly by a skilled criminal defense attorney. Additionally, a second conviction for petit theft automatically becomes a felony, regardless of the property value, which significantly increases potential prison time and fines.
Defense Strategies for Theft Cases in Orlando
An experienced Orlando criminal defense lawyer understands the complexities of theft charges and knows how to challenge the prosecution’s evidence. Common defense strategies include disputing the intent to steal, claiming ownership or right to possession of the property, and identifying violations in how police conducted the arrest or investigation. Many theft cases lack sufficient evidence, and a skilled criminal defense lawyer can expose weaknesses in the state’s case. If you work with a state attorney’s office or face charges in Orange County criminal courts, having representation from a criminal defense team with a track record of success makes a significant difference in achieving a favorable outcome.
How an Orlando Defense Attorney Can Help You
When you’re charged with a theft crime, you need aggressive representation from someone who understands Florida’s criminal justice system. An Orlando criminal defense attorney at Rivas Law Firm will thoroughly investigate your case, review police reports, examine surveillance footage, and interview witnesses. We work to identify any procedural errors or constitutional violations that could result in charges being dismissed or reduced. Our goal is to protect your rights and achieve the best possible resolution, whether through negotiation with the state attorney’s office or trial before a jury in criminal court. With more than 20 years of combined experience defending theft crime cases in Central Florida, we know what it takes to successfully challenge the prosecution’s accusations and help you move forward.
Contact an Orlando Theft Crimes Attorney
A theft crimes conviction will take a heavy toll on your future. Therefore, it’s important to find an Orlando criminal attorney who has a proven record of success. At Rivas Law Firm, we have more than 20 years of combined experience, and have helped many clients avoid the repercussions and penalties associated with a theft crimes conviction. We are very skilled at defending people against these charges, and know what needs to be done to resolve our clients’ cases in the best possible outcome.
Our criminal attorneys have successfully defended clients facing shoplifting charges, grand theft auto cases, burglary allegations, and fraud accusations throughout the Orlando area. When your freedom and future are on the line, you deserve experienced representation from attorneys who understand how to navigate Florida’s criminal courts and work effectively with the state attorney’s office to reach favorable resolutions.
Call 407-644-2466 to speak with an experienced and aggressive Orlando criminal defense attorney at the Rivas Law Firm.
To schedule a consultation to discuss your case, please contact an Orlando theft crimes lawyer at Rivas Law Firm today!