Theft Crime

Boca Raton Theft Crime Attorney

Theft is the act of taking money, services or valuables with a monetary value from another person or group of people. Larceny, stealing, conversion, misappropriation and shoplifting are all defined as types of theft in Florida law.

An accusation of theft is a serious issue and can have repercussions that follow you for the rest of your life. If you have been accused of theft or any related activity, contact our Boca Raton theft crime attorney to start working on your criminal defense today.

Lavalle, Brown, Ronan & Schwencke, P.A. have more than 130 years of combined experience in defending charges of theft. Trust your criminal defense to a leading Boca Raton law firm.

Types of Boca Raton Theft Charges

In Florida, there are two classifications of theft: grand theft and petit theft. Whether an act of theft is grand theft or petit theft depends on the monetary value that was stolen.

Theft of any item, sum of money or service valued at up to $300 is considered a petit theft, which is charged as a misdemeanor. If the value was between $100 and $300 and it was taken from a place other than a home or other personal dwelling, the charge becomes one of first degree petit theft.

Theft of monetary amounts, items or services valued over $300 is considered grand theft in Florida. The degree of grand theft is determined by the amount of money that was stolen.

• If the value of the money, property or services stolen is between $300 and $20,000, the defendant faces third degree grand theft charges.
• If the value of the money, property or services stolen is between $20,000 and $100,000, the defendant faces second degree grand theft charges.
• If the value of the money, property or services stolen is $100,000 or higher, the defendant may face first degree grand theft charges.

Additionally, a few other circumstances can occur to cause a crime to be charged as a first degree grand theft. If a car is used in any capacity other than as a getaway vehicle to carry out the crime, the defendant may face first degree grand theft charges. If more than $1,000 worth of property is destroyed or damaged during an act of theft, the defendant may face first degree charges as well.

Florida Code 812.019 also defines dealing in stolen property as a type of theft. Any person who deals or attempts to deal stolen goods is subject to second degree felony charges. Any person who acts as an organizer of such dealing by planning, managing, financing, directing, initiating or supervising the theft and trafficking of property is subject to a first degree felony charge

Is There a Statute of Limitations on Theft Charges?

In Florida, residents are protected by a five year statute of limitations for petit theft and grand theft. The statute also applies to crimes of dealing in stolen property.

Any accusation or event of theft that is five years or older can not be charged. If you have been accused or arrested for theft that you believe falls outside of the statute of limitations, or for which you are innocent, talk to Lavalle, Brown, Ronan & Schwencke attorneys in the first instance.

Can You Be Charged With Theft if You Were Present During the Crime but Did Not Participate?

Your presence at the scene of a crime is not sufficient evidence to charge you with petit theft or grand theft. Even if you had knowledge that the offense was taking place, a court of law cannot find you guilty for the theft itself. If you have been charged with theft on the basis of mere presence, a solid defense can be built. Expert criminal defense attorneys in Boca Raton can ensure that your rights are upheld.

However, there are some exceptions. As noted above, if you were active in planning, managing, financing, directing, initiating, or acting as a supervisor during the crime, you could be charged for dealing in stolen property. Such cases can be complex, and extensive evidence may be required to fight your case in court. As with all criminal law matters, an experienced legal team is the surest way to prove your innocence and avoid conviction and related penalties.

Can Personal Disputes Lead to Theft Charges?

Many theft charges that are contested in court surround personal disputes. Equal ownership and good faith possession are both examples where you may be accused of theft, even if you had no intent to commit a crime.

• If you are the co-owner of an item of property or money, it is unlikely that theft charges will be upheld. Regardless, you will still need to prepare a compelling legal defense if authorities decide to press charges.
• Good faith possession is another complex area of theft law. In Florida, for a theft charge to be upheld, you must take possession of property with the intent of stealing it. Effectively, if you take possession and are under the belief that you are doing so lawfully, you can fight the charge in court.

If you have been accused of theft and believe that the charge relates to equal ownership or good faith possession, our attorneys can provide expert representation to prevent a conviction.

Our Boca Raton Theft Crime Attorneys Can Help

Lavalle, Brown, Ronan & Schwencke, P.A. have been defending clients accused of criminal acts in the Boca Raton area for a combined 130 years. As one of the oldest law firms in this region, we have the combination of experience and local respect that can only be cultivated through years of hard work and success. When you’re facing a criminal accusation, you need the best for your defense. Call our Boca Raton theft crimes attorneys today at 561-395-0000 for your legal consultation.

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