What is Petit Theft in Florida?
Petit theft (more commonly known as petty theft) is a way of describing a crime that is money wise, small or minor in nature. However, even though petit theft is described that way (small or minor), the consequences can be long-lasting. Individuals who are convicted of petit theft can have a difficult time obtaining employment as the petit theft may be on their criminal record.
If you have been accused of petit theft, you should take it seriously. You may be facing time in jail, fines, and/or community service for your crime. The results may be disastrous if you attempt to defend yourself. An experienced Florida petit theft lawyer can help you deal with the prosecutor and hopefully negotiate the extent of your punishment.
The criminal defense lawyers at Taracks & Associates are your go-to professionals for petit theft crimes. We offer free consultations, so give us a call today at 813-281-2897 to discuss your case with us.
Why Choose Us?
We understand that there are many lawyers out there that will want to help you with your petit theft case. However, not just any attorney will do. You should hire a Florida petit theft attorney who has years of experience in this area of practice and has the tenacity to get the job done. You should hire Taracks & Associates because:
- One of our lawyers is a former prosecutor who knows how the state prepares for cases.
- We practice in state and federal court, so it doesn’t matter where your case is located, we can handle it.
- We have experience in hundreds of jury trials, so if it comes to that, we can definitely help.
- We are compassionate about our clients and passionate about how we defend them.
- We know the rights of the accused and will vigorously fight for your rights.
Don’t take matters into your own hands if you are accused of petit theft. Call the Petit Theft Lawyer at Taracks & Associates today.
How A Lawyer Can Help With Your Petit Theft Case
Handling your petit theft case on your own is not a good idea. An experienced and knowledgeable Florida petit theft lawyer understands the importance of your case and can do the following to help you:
- Look at the charges against you and come up with a valid defense
- Make sure that your rights are defended
- Review all of the evidence against you and come up with ways to defend them
- Discuss your case with the prosecutor and try to dismiss the case or lessen the charges against you
- Defend you diligently if your case goes to trial before a jury.
Petty Theft Charges in Florida
If you are convicted of petit theft in Florida, the penalties will depend on the value of what was stolen. There are three types of penalties that an individual can get for petit theft:
- First Degree – If the stolen property is valued between $100 and $750, you will be charged with a first degree misdemeanor, which can get you up to a year in jail and a fine of $1,000.
- Second Degree – If the stolen property is valued at less than $100, you will be charged with a second degree misdemeanor, and you can get up to 60 days in jail and a fine of $500.
- Third Degree – If you have been convicted of petit theft two or more times, you could spend up to 5 years in jail.
Additionally, Florida law now allows a court to suspend a person’s driver’s license for a period of up to six months when that person is adjudicated guilty of misdemeanor petit theft. A suspension for a period of one year can be imposed when a person is found guilty of a second offense.
Defense for Petit Theft in Florida
Each case is different and an attorney can often raise defenses on your behalf to contest a petit theft charge. Examples of defenses include but are not limited to:
- False accusations from the victim
- You forgot that you placed an item in your cart and walked out with them
- You were set up by another person who was out to harm you
- A case of mistaken identity
- The video quality of you leaving the store was poor.
There are a lot of defenses that can be used in petit theft cases, but it depends on the situation of your case. It is important to discuss your case with an experienced Florida petit theft lawyer. So, give Taracks & Associates a call at 813-281-2897.
A theft charge is a severe matter and not every case will have a solid defense. Luckily, many counties in Florida offer “diversion” programs for a first arrest. These programs are managed by the State Attorney’s Office to try and keep certain cases out of court.
Diversion Programs in Florida
Upon agreeing to enter a diversion program, you must complete certain conditions including performing community service, paying court costs, and participating in a shoplifting prevention class. If the alleged victim in the case, or the store where the merchandise was stolen, is against your case being moved out of a disposition in court, or if you have anything on your record that would disqualify you from the program, such as a conviction or a previous diversion program, you may not be eligible for the program.
Taracks & Associates Answers Your Frequently Asked Questions
At Taracks & Associates, we know that you will have a lot of questions about your case. While we will get into specifics during our initial consultation, there are some frequently asked questions that we hear that can get you started. Some of those questions are as follows:
I am Innocent of the charges against me. How can I get the court to understand that?
If you are truly innocent of the crime, we should be able to poke holes in the prosecution’s case against you.
Will I definitely go to jail if I was convicted?
That depends on the nature of the petit theft, the types of property stolen, and whether this is your first offense.
Can I lose my job if I was convicted of petit theft?
It is possible that you can lose your job because of a petit theft conviction. We can work with the prosecutor to try to expunge your case.
Do I really need an attorney for my petit theft case?
Technically, you do not need an attorney. However, having a Florida petit theft lawyer on your side will definitely help your defense. The prosecutor is a lawyer, and you should have one, too.
Taracks & Associates Are Your Florida Petit Theft Attorneys
Being charged with a petit theft in Florida doesn’t seem serious at first. But, as we have shown, there can be serious consequences if you are convicted. The Florida petit theft lawyer at Taracks & Associates has many years of experience with these types of cases and knows how to defend them properly.
Don’t defend yourself against a heavy-hitting prosecutor. Have someone just as aggressive on your side. Contact Taracks & Associates today at 813-281-2897. The initial consultation is free.