Miami-Dade County Theft Crime Attorney

South Florida Theft Crime Lawyer

Theft is a common crime in Florida and the Miami area, with an increase in the last few years. Theft is the taking of something belonging to another without their knowledge or consent. Theft can occur in many ways, by stealing something out of a person's vehicle or breaking into someone's home to steal something. When a theft is committed with the use of a weapon, it becomes a much more serious crime, normally charged as a felony. Let our Miami-Dade County theft crime defense lawyer help you.

Certain common theft crimes our office can defend you for include:

• Shoplifting
• Embezzlement
• Petty Theft
• Grand Theft
• Grand Theft Auto
• Carjacking
• Burglary
• Robbery
• Armed Robbery
• Identity Theft
• Computer Theft
• Credit Card Fraud

Schedule your free consultation today with a trusted Miami-Dade County theft crime attorney. Call us at (305) 504-6655 or connect online to start building your defense.

What are the Penalties for Theft Crimes in Florida?

There are two categories of theft crimes, petty or grand theft. When a theft involves an item with a value of less than $300, then the crime is considered petty theft. The severity of theft penalties depends on the value of the stolen property, prior convictions, and other aggravating factors. Common penalties include:

Petty Theft

• First-Degree Misdemeanor: For property valued between $100 and $750. Penalties include up to one year in jail, probation, and a fine of up to $1,000.
• Second-Degree Misdemeanor: For property valued at less than $100. Penalties include up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.

Grand Theft

• Third-Degree Felony: For property valued between $750 and $20,000, firearms, motor vehicles, or other specific items. Penalties include up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
• Second-Degree Felony: For property valued between $20,000 and $100,000 or theft involving specific aggravating factors. Penalties include up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• First-Degree Felony: For property valued over $100,000 or theft involving significant damage or harm. Penalties include up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Beyond these criminal penalties, a conviction can also result in restitution orders, mandatory community service, and a permanent criminal record. If you are facing theft charges, contact Miami-Dade County theft crime defense attorney Eric Matheny, who can competently defend you against any charges you may be facing.

What are the Long Term Consequences of a Theft Conviction in Florida?

A theft conviction in Florida can have far-reaching consequences beyond fines and imprisonment:

• Employers often conduct background checks, and a theft conviction can make it difficult to secure a job.
• Certain professions may revoke or deny licenses due to a theft conviction.
• Non-citizens may face deportation or other immigration consequences if convicted of theft.
• Landlords may deny housing applications based on criminal records.

Given these potential impacts, it is essential to work with a criminal defense attorney to fight the charges and protect your future.

What are Aggravating Factors in Theft Crime Cases?

Certain circumstances can increase the severity of theft charges, leading to harsher penalties. Examples include:

• Use of Weapons: Theft involving the use or threat of a weapon can result in robbery charges.
• Organized Schemes: Engaging in an organized scheme to defraud may lead to additional charges and penalties.
• Repeat Offenses: Prior theft convictions can result in enhanced penalties, including longer prison sentences and higher fines.

A Miami-Dade County theft crime lawyer can help navigate these complex cases and develop a defense strategy to address any aggravating factors.

How to Beat Theft Charges in Miami?

When facing theft charges, working with a Miami-Dade County theft crime lawyer is essential to building a strong defense tailored to your case. Common strategies include challenging the intent to deprive the owner of their property, which is a key element of theft, or addressing issues like mistaken identity in cases where surveillance footage or eyewitness testimony is unreliable. 

If you believed you had ownership or consent to use the property, this can also serve as a valid defense. Other potential defenses may involve proving you acted under coercion or duress or identifying procedural violations by law enforcement, such as unlawful searches or arrests.

Seeking Alternative Resolutions

In some cases, a theft crime attorney may be able to negotiate alternative resolutions to avoid a criminal conviction. These options may include:

• Pretrial Diversion Programs: These programs allow first-time offenders to complete certain requirements, such as community service or counseling, in exchange for dismissal of charges.
• Plea Bargains: Negotiating a plea agreement may result in reduced charges or penalties.
• Restitution Agreements: Repaying the value of the stolen property may lead to a more favorable outcome.

Your Miami-Dade County theft crime attorney can assess your case and determine if alternative resolutions are available.

Juvenile Theft Offenses

Juveniles accused of theft in Florida often face different legal consequences than adults. While the juvenile justice system focuses more on rehabilitation than punishment, a conviction can still impact a young person’s future. A Miami-Dade County theft crime lawyer with experience in juvenile cases can help protect the child’s rights and work toward a favorable outcome, such as a diversion program or reduced charges.

Contact Our Qualified Defense Attorney Serving Southern Florida

When charged with a theft crime you are likely to be worried and uncertain as to what your next step should be. Because the penalties for this crime can be quite serious, it is in your best interests to contact our office for personal and dedicated legal representation. The consequences of conviction for a theft crime can include jail time, repayment of stolen property's value, fines, probation, and court-ordered treatment as applicable.

Don't let this happen to you, if you can fight your charges. Our Miami-Dade County theft crime attorney has a successful track record in defending the legal rights of individuals suspected of committing theft crimes. Call us today for a free consultation and to discuss how we can assist with your case.

Charged with theft? Let our Miami-Dade County theft defense lawyer defend you. Call (305) 504-6655 today for a free initial consultation about your charges.