FL Statute Selling Stolen Items to Pawnbroker

Giving False Information to a Pawnbroker in FL

The Florida Pawnbroking Act requires pawnbrokers to get a statement from a person trying to pawn an item. This statement vouches that the person pawning the item owns the item, that the item is not stolen, that there are no liens or other encumbrances against the item, and states that person has the right to actually enter into a pawn transaction.

It is common practice for a pawnbroker to provide a standardized form that requires the seller of the item to provide a fingerprint and signature prior to making the transaction. Under this Florida legislative act, there are severe penalties for anyone who knowingly provides false confirmation of ownership or provides a false identification and in turn receives money from a pawnbroker for goods sold or pledged.

Legal Elements

In order for the prosecution to succeed in a conviction of giving false information to a pawnbroker, it must be shown that the defendant sold or pledged good an item to a pawnbroker. It must also be proven that at the time the good was given to the pawnbroker, the defendant knowingly gave false confirmation of the ownership of the alleged property or false or altered identification. Finally, it must be shown that the defendant then received money from the pawnbroker with regard to the item sold or pledged.

Criminal Penalties

The punishment for giving false information to a pawnbroker depends on the amount of money the defendant received throughout the course of the transaction. If the amount pawned is less than $300, the offense is a third degree felony which is punishable by up to five years in prison or five years of probation, and a $5,000 fine. If the amount pawned is over $300, the offense then becomes a second degree felony and is punishable by up to fifteen years in prison or on probation and a $10,000 fine.

Call Today for a Free Consultation

At Taracks & Associates, our Tampa criminal defense lawyer are passionate about protecting the rights, freedoms, and futures of clients facing criminal charges. If you or someone you know has recently been charged with giving false information to a pawnbroker, our legal team is available to help you learn more about your case and how our Tampa criminal lawyer can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.