Theft Crime Attorneys in Jacksonville

In Florida, the crime of theft is defined as a person “Knowingly” obtaining or using another’s property for their own advantage, or denying a persons access to their property. And in Florida, theft crimes can bring serious consequences upon conviction and potentially throughout the rest of one’s life. If you or a loved one is facing theft crime charges, contact our experienced theft crime attorneys in Jacksonville as soon as possible at (904) 358-3300.

Below are some of the most important areas of Florida’s Statute 812.014 on theft crimes. The following information answers some of the most common questions we are asked by the clients that we have defended, the differences between petit (petty) theft and grand theft, possible charges and prison time if convicted, and how a conviction can cause negative lifelong effects.

Theft Crime Categories, Degrees and Maximum Penalties

Petit Theft

Smaller or lower penalty theft crimes, (or property crimes) are referred to as petit theft, commonly called petty theft because they are charged when thefts are valued at less than $300. There are two levels of petit theft; second-degree petit theft is the lesser of the two and is charged when thefts are valued at less than $100. The maximum penalty for a second-degree petit theft is 60 days in Jail and a fine of up to $500. First-degree petit theft is charged when the theft is valued between $100 and $300. The maximum penalty for first-degree petit theft is one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Grand Theft

There are three levels or degrees of grand theft. Third-degree is the least of which and is charged when property is valued at between $100 and $750 and was taken from inside or near someone’s home, or when property is valued between $750 and $20,000.  The maximum penalty for a third-degree grand theft is five (5) years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Second-degree grand theft is charged when property is valued between $20,000 and $100,000, or for emergency equipment valued at $300 or more such as a police car, or for cargo valued up to $50,000. The maximum penalties for second-degree grand theft are 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

First-degree grand theft is charged when the the property is valued at more than $100,000, or when a vehicle is used in a theft and causes over $1,000 in property or real estate damages, or for cargo that is valued at more than $$50,000. The maximum penalties for first-degree grand theft are 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Our Theft Crime Attorneys in Jacksonville Represent Those Accused of The Following Types of Theft Crimes

Burglary

Burglary is charged when a person unlawfully enters any type of property, (a home, business or other property or facility) and either commits a criminal offense such as theft, or demonstrates an intent to commit a criminal offense.

Check Forgery

A person can be charged for check forgery for a number of reasons. If they forge someone’s signature on a check, attempt to create a check, alter a check, or presents a check to either make a purchase or cash a check in an attempt to defraud another person or business.

Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud applies to more than just credit cards. A person can be charged for credit card fraud if they use a credit card, debit card, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF CREDIT OR CREDIT INFORMATION to get a loan, withdraw funds from an account or any other form of unlawfully obtaining financial gain in another person or businesses name and thus demonstrates the intentions of avoiding repayment.

Dealing in Stolen Property

A person can be charged with a first degree felony – dealing in stolen property for aiding in the original theft of the property by planning, directing or managing, or financing the theft and trafficking the stolen property. Second degree felony – dealing in stolen property is usually charged when a person is accused of trafficking stolen property that they knew was stolen or should have know was stolen.

Embezzlement

A person can be charged for embezzlement if they acquire assets from another person or business while occupying a position of overseeing, managing or monitoring those assets.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is charged when a person obtains or obtains and uses another persons personal identity and private information such as their social security number to fraudulently obtain credit, steel assets, and in other illegal ways of using another’s personal identity.

Vehicle Theft

One can be charged for motor vehicle theft for using or taking a motor vehicle without the permission of the owner.

Robbery

Robbery charges are different from Burglary charges. Robbery is charges when a person uses force or creates a sense of fear in a person or people in order to take money or property from them. Robbery can be charged even if the theft did not include the use of a weapon.

Shoplifting

Shoplifting or retail theft is typically charged in two scenarios. The first would be when a person takes any type of merchandise or assets the retail establishment has on its premises and also property and financial assets such as cash, gift cards and lottery tickets. The other scenario is when a person is caught removing security devices, price tags, or UPC labels.

Our Theft Crime Attorneys in Jacksonville Can Help!

If you or a loved one has been accused of or charged with a theft crime, you should strongly consider obtaining the help of our theft crime attorneys in Jacksonville as soon as possible, and before making any statements. We will immediately take the necessary steps to help you protect your rights.

A theft crime charge is not always as simple as it sounds. A theft can be accidental, it could be the result of someone misunderstand your intentions, and a myriad of other facts and circumstances that can be presented to prosecutors before any court proceedings to reduce or possibly have the charges dropped all together. And there are many aspects to building an effective defense if your case does go to court.

If you were charged and convicted of a theft crime earlier in your life and that conviction is interfering with your goals in life such as preventing you from starting or entering into a professional career that requires a license, or gainful employment. It is possible to have the conviction expunged from your record.

In any case involving being charged with a theft crime, it is important to have experienced and knowledgeable representation to negotiate with prosecutors before court and to present the best possible defense in court. And the theft crime attorneys at MCGRATH GOBSON have the knowledge and experience to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.

McGRATH GIBSON Theft Crime Attorneys in Jacksonville Attorney Disclaimer:

The lawyers of McGRATH GIBSON are licensed to practice in the states of Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. Additionally, we represent those who have been accused of and or have been arrested for a theft crime throughout the United States pro hoc vice, and with the help of local counsel. While we strive to personally theft crime cases, there are occasions where cases may be referred to another lawyer. We proudly offer representation to Military Veterans and the Men and Women who currently served our armed forces at the Mayport Naval Station, Naval Air Station of Jacksonville, Camp Blanding, United States Army, Army Reserve, United States Marines, Florida National Guard, Air National Guard, United States Coast Guard, Air Force, and Air Force Reserve. McGRATH GIBSON family law attorneys offer representation in the areas of Family Law, Divorce, Alimony, Child Custody and Child Support throughout Florida. Representation for Military Divorce handled throughout the United States and U.S. Territories independently or with local counsel where required.

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. This web site is not intended to be an advertisement or solicitation. Material contained in the McGRATH GIBSON web site is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice or solicitation of legal services. Transmission of information from this site is not intended to create, and its receipt does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship between the law firm of McGRATH GIBSON and the reader. In the event that any information on this web site does not conform fully with regulations in any jurisdiction, this law firm will not accept representation based on that information.

Information contained herein is the exclusive property of McGRATH GIBSON and may not be copied, reproduced retransmitted or otherwise utilized for any purpose without the express written consent of McGRATH GIBSON.