Tampa Theft Crime Attorney

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Protecting Your Rights Against Theft Charges in Tampa

Understanding the Different Types of Theft Offenses

Theft offenses come in all shapes, sizes, and types. From the petty theft of shoplifting a trinket to “eat-and-run” from a restaurant to embezzlement from your employer. And the simple theft can be enhanced if it occurs in certain locations, or certain types of property is involved, or certain classes of people are victimized. Trust the experienced law firm of Taracks and Associates to protect your rights and reign in an over-zealous State Attorney’s office. Call 813-281-2897 for a free consultation.

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Types of Theft Offenses

The following are some examples of theft crimes; they may be prosecuted as misdemeanors or felonies:

  • Burglary
  • Carjacking
  • Dealing in Stolen Property
  • Employee Theft
  • False Info to Pawnbroker
  • Petit Theft
  • Robbery
  • Robbery by Sudden Snatching
  • Scheme to Defraud
  • Shoplifting
  • Uttering a Forged Instrument
  • Worthless Checks.

Petit Theft v. Grand Theft

The main difference between petit theft and grand theft lies in the value of the stolen property. Under Florida law, section 812.014 et sec, you will be charged with petit theft if the stolen property is valued at less than $750.  Any theft occurring when property is valued over $750, or if property damaged in the course of the theft exceeds $1000.00, will be charged as grand theft.

The penalties for the crime of petit theft or shoplifting are as follows:

  • If the item taken was valued at less than $100, then the offense will be charged as petit theft in the second degree which is punishable by a maximum of sixty (60) days in jail along with a $500 fine and court costs.
  • If the item taken was valued at more than $100 and less than $300, then the offense will be charged as petit theft in the first degree which is punishable by a maximum of twelve (12) months in jail along with a $1,000 fine and court costs.
  • If the item taken was valued at more than $300, then the offense can be charged with Felony Petit Theft which is a third degree felony that is punishable by up to five (5) years in prison along with a $5,000 fine and court costs.

The penalties for grand theft are as follows.

  • If the item taken was valued at more than $750 but less than $20,000, then the offense can be charged with grand theft in the third degree, which is punishable by a sentence of up to 5 years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000.
  • If the item taken is valued at more than $20,000 but less than $100,000, the offense will be charged as grand theft in the second degree, which is punishable by a sentence of up to 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
  • If the item taken is valued at $100,000 or more, the offense will be charged as a grand theft in the first degree, which is punishable by a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and maximum fine of $10,000.
  • Theft of a firearm, regardless of the value of the firearm, or a fire extinguisher installed in any building, regardless of the value of the fire extinguisher, is grand theft.
  • Taking traffic control devices, wills/codicils/testamentary devices, and farmed livestock all are grand theft.

CONTACT TARACKS & ASSOCIATES FOR THE DEFENSE YOU NEED

By contacting Taracks and Associates as soon as an accusation or incident occurs, we can contact the State Attorney’s Office and speak with the assistant prosecutor handing the pre-charge investigation to try and have the charges dropped before a warrant is ever obtained or charged as a non-theft offense.

The penalties you are up against will depend on the nuances of your situation. Regardless, a theft crime conviction can permanently damage your future and restrict your options for a job. Don’t allow a minor mistake you made, a misinterpreted action, or a false accusation damage your future freedom and job opportunities.

Taracks & Associates can help guide you through the legal process during your criminal case and ensure you receive the best possible outcome. Call (813) 344-5075 today to discuss your case with the skilled theft crime attorney from Taracks & Associates!

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Avoid Serious Consequences

Regardless of whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony, any theft crime is considered a “crime of dishonesty”. Once convicted of any crime of dishonesty, that conviction can be damaging to your reputation, it can affect your ability to obtain a job, it can appear on a background check, or it can be used against you when you testify in a court of law. Even if you are not convicted of a theft crime, your name may appear in a national database used by employers when they conduct background checks for open positions. In addition, once you are convicted of a theft crime, if you are ever convicted again, the charges may be enhanced due to your prior conviction.

If you have been accused of any kind of theft offense, it is important to contact a theft crime attorney as soon as possible so you can discuss your options prior to the State Attorney’s Office making a filing decision. Florida law has various degrees of theft charges with a range of penalties. Theft crimes include: petit theft, burglary, employee theft, obtaining property for a worthless check, dealing in stolen property, giving false information to a pawnbroker, uttering a forged instrument, and scheming to defraud.

Why Choose Us?

We know that there are many theft crime attorneys in Tampa, but you need a law firm that has the experience and knowledge of theft crime cases.  You will want an attorney who has proven himself in court, with winning negotiation tactics.  Taracks & Associates has these qualities, along with the following:

  • We have represented over 10,000 clients.
  • We have been a part of over 200 jury trials.
  • We have former prosecutors on staff who know how prosecutors try cases.
  • We have been representing clients for over 30 years.
  • Our clients have reviewed us favorably.

Our Tampa Bay based theft and criminal defense attorneys can help you. Don’t attempt to defend yourself against rigorous prosecutors.  Contact Taracks & Associates today at 813-281-2897.

What We Can Do For You

An experienced theft crime attorney is your best defense against a determined prosecutor. Don’t try to defend yourself in court.  Our attorneys can help with all aspects of your case including the following:

  • Going over your case with you and discussing options for your defense
  • Interviewing any witnesses to the alleged theft crime to find discrepancies
  • Providing evidence to the prosecutors about your possible innocence
  • Discussing your case with the prosecutors and obtaining a plea deal, if needed
  • Defending you in front of a jury.

At Taracks & Associates, we understand what you are going through. Being arrested for a theft crime can be stressful. You are worried about your future and how the crime will impact your daily life. Our Tampa theft crime attorneys will work with you and come up with the best possible options for you. We have seen multitudes of these cases and know how to defend them for our clients.

Taracks & Associates Answers Your Important Theft Crime Questions

You will have a lot of questions during your initial consultation.  We have been asked similar questions from our clients over the years and share some of them here with you.

Will I go to jail?

That depends on a lot of factors, like how much the stolen property is worth and whether you have a prior criminal history.

I’m innocent. Should I talk to the police?

You should say as little as possible to the police. Remember, you have a right to remain silent. Do not say anything unless your attorney is present.

Will my theft crime case go to trial?

Possibly, yes.  However, most cases are settled before trial, either with a dismissal or a plea deal with the state.

Will my crime go on my permanent record?

If your case is dismissed, you can petition the court to get your arrest expunged. If you are convicted, you may be eligible to get part of your record sealed.

Contact Taracks & Associates Today To Discuss Your Case

Everyone has made a mistake in their life that they regret. Don’t make another mistake by defending yourself or by hiring a theft crime attorney who doesn’t have the experience or tenacity to fight for you.  The attorneys at Taracks & Associates will thoroughly investigate your case and make sure you have a solid defense.  So, call us today at 813-281-2897 for a free consultation.

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    Tampa Attorney Barry Taracks