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Miami, Florida Property Crimes Attorney

Lawyer for Charges of Theft, Burglary, or Robbery in Miami, FL

Property crimes include a wide range of offenses involving taking, damaging, or unlawfully entering other people's property. These charges range from misdemeanors to serious felonies that may carry sentences of life imprisonment. The criminal justice system will often take steps to protect the property rights of alleged victims, and people charged with these offenses can face serious penalties. Along with large fines and jail time, convictions can lead to barriers to employment, housing, professional licensing, and educational opportunities.

Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney defends clients against all types of property crime charges. Our lawyer takes a comprehensive approach in these cases, addressing both the immediate criminal accusations and the collateral consequences that could affect clients' futures. Whether addressing allegations of misdemeanor theft or serious felonies involving violence or the use of weapons, he will focus on protecting clients' rights while defending against criminal convictions.

Defense Against Different Types of Property Crime Offenses

  • Theft Offenses: Charges involving accusations of stealing property belonging to others may range from petit theft, a misdemeanor offense, to grand theft, which is a serious felony. The specific charges will depend on the value of the items that were allegedly stolen. Prior convictions for theft can also increase the severity of these charges.
  • Shoplifting: Accusations of taking merchandise from stores without paying can lead to criminal charges for retail theft. The specific charges and penalties in these cases will depend on the value of merchandise that was allegedly stolen.
  • Burglary: Entering or remaining in a building or vehicle with the intent to commit a crime such as theft can lead to felony charges. The specific charges may depend on whether a building was occupied, whether a person was armed with a weapon, and whether violence occurred. Burglary charges may apply if a person is accused of unlawful entry with criminal intent, even if theft or other crime actually occurred.
  • Robbery: This offense combines theft with force, violence, or intimidation against victims. Robbery is a serious felony offense, and in cases involving the alleged use of guns or other deadly weapons, a person could face a sentence of life in prison.
  • Criminal Mischief and Vandalism: Under Florida Statutes § 806.13, a person may face criminal charges if they purposely damage property belonging to someone else. Graffiti, property destruction, and damage to vehicles, buildings, or personal property could serve as the basis for criminal charges. The specific charges may be based on the value of damaged property or the location where an offense allegedly occurred.
  • Trespassing: When a person is accused of entering or remaining on someone else's property after being asked to leave or when they knew they did not have authorization to enter the property, they could be charged with criminal trespass. These cases may involve disputes about permission to enter a property, the boundaries of a property, or whether warnings were provided.
  • Arson: Under Florida Statutes § 806.01, a person could face criminal charges if they are accused of setting a fire or creating an explosion that damaged a building. The specific charges may vary depending on whether a building was occupied or whether arson allegedly resulted in injuries.
  • Fraud: Obtaining property through false pretenses or deception can lead to charges of theft. These white collar offenses may be classified as property if a person allegedly engaged in schemes to take someone's tangible property.

Frequently Asked Questions About Property Crime Charges

Q

What Should I Do if I Have Been Accused of a Property Crime?

Do not speak with police officers or law enforcement officials without legal representation. Any statements you make or answers you provide to questions could be used against you, and police may take your statements out of context or misinterpret your words. Do not consent to a search of your property, vehicle, or electronic devices. Contact our criminal defense attorney immediately. With early intervention from our lawyer, you may have more opportunities to challenge the charges, preserve evidence, and negotiate a favorable outcome to your case.

Q

Can Property Crime Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed?

Many property crime cases can be resolved through negotiations with prosecutors to reduce the severity of charges or dismiss charges altogether. Prosecutors may agree to reduce grand theft to petit theft, burglary to trespassing, or robbery to theft based on mitigating circumstances or other factors. First-time offenders may qualify for pretrial diversion programs that can result in dismissed charges. Issues such as lack of intent, mistaken identity, or constitutional violations during investigations may also result in dismissals. Our lawyer will work to determine the best strategies for reducing the impact of property crime charges.

Q

Will I Go to Jail for Shoplifting or Petit Theft?

If you are a first-time offender facing misdemeanor theft charges, you may be able to avoid jail time. Options such as probation, community service, and restitution may be available to help you avoid incarceration. However, jail time will be more likely in cases involving repeat offenses or aggravating circumstances. Our attorney can negotiate on your behalf and defend against a conviction that would result in jail time.

Q

How Do Prior Convictions Affect Property Crime Charges?

The potential penalties can increase in cases where a person has previously been convicted of theft or another property crime. A third conviction on theft charges will be classified as a felony, regardless of the value of the property that was allegedly stolen. Previous burglary or robbery convictions can result in enhanced sentences and limited options for probation or other remedies. A person's criminal history may play a role in the charges they may face, plea negotiations, and potential sentences. Our lawyer can help defend against property crime charges to ensure that a person can avoid these serious penalties.

Q

Can I Have My Record Sealed or Expunged After a Property Crime Conviction?

Florida law allows sealing or expungement of records in certain circumstances. Charges that were dismissed or resulted in acquittals can generally be sealed or expunged. Some convictions may be eligible for sealing after waiting periods. However, most property crime convictions cannot be sealed or expunged under current law. Because criminal convictions will remain on a person's record, avoiding a conviction through dismissal, diversion programs, or withholding of adjudication is important.

Q

How Can an Attorney Help With Property Crime Charges?

Our criminal defense attorney will take steps to challenge the evidence against you, file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or diversion programs, and present defenses during a trial. He will investigate the circumstances surrounding the accusations, interview witnesses, obtain surveillance footage, and gather other evidence supporting your defense. His goal is to achieve an outcome that will avoid a conviction while minimizing the penalties that could affect your life.

Contact Our Miami Property Crimes Lawyer

A conviction for a property crime will lead to a criminal record that can follow you for the rest of your life, affecting issues such as employment, housing, and education. Defending against these charges will require the help of an experienced attorney who understands the most effective defense strategies. Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney can provide the legal help you need to protect your rights and your future. Contact our Miami, FL property crimes defense attorney at 305-615-1285 to schedule a free consultation.

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