Tampa Theft Lawyer
Committing an act of theft is a serious crime under Florida law. If a person is convicted of theft, they could be penalized with fines, incarceration, and other penalties under the law. At the law offices of Trombley & Hanes, our Tampa theft lawyer can provide aggressive legal representation throughout every step of your criminal defense. Reach out to our law office as soon as you are arrested to get the legal defense you need and deserve.
How is Theft Defined in Florida?
As found in Florida Code Section 812.014, a person commits an act of theft when they knowingly use or endeavor to use the property of another with the intent to deprive the other person of their right to the property or “appropriate the property” to their own use. In other words, taking another’s property with the intent to deprive them of the property or make it yours without the other person’s consent is considered theft in the eyes of the law.
Penalties for Theft
The penalties for theft are determined by the degree of theft committed, which is determined by the value of the property involved. For example, first-degree petty theft, which is committed when the property is valued up to $299, can result in a period of incarceration of up to one year and a $1,000 fine. Second-degree petty theft, which includes theft of property valued under $100, is punishable by a fine of up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail.
Grand theft, on the other hand, involves property valued at between $300 and over $100,000. For first-degree grand theft involving property of $100,000 or more, a person can be penalized by up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Defenses to Theft
If you are facing theft charges, working with a lawyer is very important. Our Tampa theft lawyer can start working on your defense immediately. Defenses to theft might include:
- A lack of evidence to convict you
- Wrong person
- Not theft—the property in question rightfully belonged to you
- Lack of intent to deprive the person of their property
- Unlawfully obtained evidence against you
How a Tampa, Florida Theft Lawyer Can Help
We will review the prosecution’s evidence against you and make a recommendation about whether you should defend yourself against charges or work with the prosecution to negotiate a plea bargain. We’ll ensure that your Constitutional rights are protected throughout the process. We’ll do everything possible to improve your case outcome. Our lawyers have years of experience and a reputation of excellence.
Call Today to Start Building Your Defense
Exercising your right to an attorney is one of the most important things that you can do when you are facing theft charges. When you call the law office of Trombley & Hanes, our Tampa theft lawyer will start working on your case immediately. Reach out to our law office by phone or online directly today to get started.
