Being charged with shoplifting or retail theft crime in Florida can have serious consequences. If convicted, your criminal record could negatively impact your social, financial, and even professional well-being. With consequences so severe, it’s critical to have a defense attorney on your side, one with the expertise and experience needed to successfully lead you through this complex case.
In the state of Florida, there are many specific types of thefts that you can be charged with. Regardless of which degree you’re charged with, however, the reality is that the consequences are severe and potentially long-lasting.
Specific types of thefts include:
- Grand theft: this term distinguishes the severity based on the value stolen. Property stolen that exceeds $300 in value is considered grand theft in Florida, and a conviction of grand theft is a third-degree felony that can be punished with up to 5 years in prison.
- Petit theft: if the value of the goods is less than $300 but exceeds $100, it is considered a petit theft. Since it’s less serious than a grand theft, it’s considered a misdemeanor of the first degree and is punishable by 1 year in prison.
- Retail theft: more commonly known as shoplifting, this refers to the act of knowingly obtaining and concealing items from a merchant or business with the intent of using or acquiring the items without paying for them. The severity of the charges and punishments are variable based on the amount stolen.
- Dealing in stolen property: aside from the act of stealing itself, you can also be charged with trafficking stolen property, which can carry a second-degree felony or a felony of the first degree.
Regardless of what theft crime you’ve been charged with, the reality is that the range of these penalties and consequences is extensive in the state of Florida. Any charges should not be taken lightly. If you’ve been arrested or are being investigated for a theft crime in Florida, it’s critical to work with a criminal attorney who can successfully craft a defense for your case.
With experience as an Assistant Attorney, Miami criminal defense lawyer Evan Hoffman is extremely familiar with theft crime laws in Florida and the legal actions necessary to mount a successful defense. For legal assistance in your theft crime case, contact The Hoffman Firm for experience and leadership that you can trust. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and reputation in a court of law.