Miami, FL Grand Theft Attorney

Lawyer Helping Clients Defend Against Felony Charges of Theft in Miami

All criminal charges will need to be taken seriously, since convictions can affect people in many ways. However, accusations of grand theft can be especially serious, since these offenses are classified as felonies. Felony prosecutions are fundamentally different from misdemeanor petty theft cases. These serious criminal allegations can destroy a person's career, eliminate many professional opportunities, and force a person to remain behind bars for years. When prosecutors pursue grand theft charges, the consequences of a conviction may follow a defendant forever.

Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney works with clients to determine how to address grand theft allegations. Our approach combines a thorough investigation of the state's evidence with strategic advocacy to help protect against a felony conviction. Our lawyer understands the complex property disputes and business disagreements that may lead to grand theft charges, and he can help determine the ideal defense strategies to help clients prevent felony convictions.

The Threshold Between Misdemeanor and Felony Theft Charges

The figure of $750 is usually the line between petty theft and grand theft. When property that was allegedly stolen is valued above this threshold, what might otherwise be a misdemeanor charge may become a felony charge of grand theft under Florida Statutes § 812.014.

Third-degree grand theft charges will typically involve property valued between $750 and $20,000. Theft of a firearm or a motor vehicle may also be classified as third-degree grand theft. In these cases, a person may be charged with a third-degree felony, which carries maximum penalties of five years in state prison and fines reaching $5,000.

Second-degree grand theft will typically involve cases in which the allegedly stolen property is worth between $20,000 and $100,000. As a second-degree felony, the penalties for a conviction may include up to 15 years imprisonment and as much as $10,000 in fines.

First-degree grand theft generally covers cases in which the value of allegedly stolen property exceeds $100,000. The potential sentence for this offense, which is a first-degree felony, may include up to 30 years in prison.

Scenarios That May Lead to Grand Theft Charges

While shoplifting is often classified as petty theft, accusations that a person has participated in organized retail crime operations targeting high-value merchandise may result in prosecution for grand theft. The alleged theft of designer clothing, electronics, perfumes, or other expensive items from retail stores could lead to felony charges. These cases often involve evidence such as surveillance footage, testimony from informants, and claims that a person attempted to resell stolen goods.

Motor vehicle theft charges may apply if a person is accused of stealing a car outright, taking a vehicle for temporary use without permission, or obtaining a vehicle that they knew was stolen. In Florida, theft of a car or other motor vehicle will typically be treated as a felony regardless of the vehicle's value. People who are accused of participating in auto theft rings that steal multiple vehicles, taking cars from dealership lots, or driving off in vehicles belonging to others may face prosecution for grand theft.

The alleged theft of tools, equipment, and materials from construction sites may lead to charges of grand theft. Copper wire, power tools, generators, and heavy equipment may have allegedly been stolen due to the high resale values of these items. When the value of property that was allegedly stolen exceeds $750, a person may be charged with grand theft.

Consequences of Felony Theft Convictions

As mentioned above, a felony conviction will usually result in multiple years of imprisonment. Some grand theft cases may carry the potential for decades behind bars. The fines in these cases can also be very high, and a person who is convicted may also be required to pay restitution.

Beyond the criminal penalties that will apply for a person who is convicted, a felony record can eliminate them from working in entire categories of employment. Working in fields like financial services, healthcare, education, government positions, or jobs requiring professional licenses may no longer be possible. Background checks will reveal convictions to potential employers who may refuse to hire someone who is considered to be dishonest.

Non-citizens who are charged with theft may face immigration consequences, including deportation. Theft offenses will usually be classified as crimes involving moral turpitude or aggravated felonies when they involve amounts higher than $10,000. A conviction on grand theft charges may permanently prevent a person from returning to the United States.

A person convicted of grand theft may also face civil litigation. Victims may pursue damages that go beyond the restitution ordered in criminal court. They may seek compensation for emotional distress or punitive damages.

Building Effective Defense Strategies Against Theft Charges

One of the most critical components of a defense against grand theft charges will involve questioning the value of the property that was allegedly stolen. Prosecutors may rely on retail prices or the estimates provided by victims without establishing the actual value of property. Our attorney can work with appraisers to provide evidence that considers the fair market value of property, the depreciation of property over time, or other factors that may influence the actual worth of items. If the value of property is shown to be below the threshold for felony charges, an offense may be reduced to petty theft.

Our lawyer may dispute the ownership of property that was allegedly stolen. He may be able to show that property actually belonged to a defendant or that ownership was unclear. Business partnership disputes, family disagreements, and situations involving shared ownership can lead to theft accusations, but purchase documentation or other evidence of ownership may be used to demonstrate that the property was not stolen.

If necessary, our attorney can address vindictive prosecution in which theft charges have been based on personal conflicts rather than criminal conduct. During a divorce, one spouse may accuse the other of stealing jointly-owned property. A former business associate may file charges to address the alleged theft of disputed business assets. A former employer may report an employee allegedly took equipment without authorization. Demonstrating that these cases involve civil disputes rather than criminal acts may result in the dismissal of charges.

Our attorney may also defend against theft charges by establishing consent or authorization to possess property. If a defendant had permission to take property, or if they reasonably believed they had authority to use items, they may be exonerated of theft.

If charges of theft were based on speculations rather than proof, our lawyer can challenge circumstantial evidence. Prosecutors may sometimes charge defendants with theft based on their proximity to missing property without providing evidence showing that the defendants actually took items. Providing alternative explanations and showing that there is no direct evidence connecting a person to a theft may result in an acquittal.

Protecting Your Future

Felony theft charges will require immediate legal intervention. The consequences of a conviction are too severe attempt to handle a case without legal counsel. From the initial court appearance through to the final resolution, strategic decisions will need to be made that will affect the outcome of the case.

Our attorney will take immediate action to protect your interests, including helping you secure a release from custody while your case is ongoing. By asserting your right to remain silent and refusing to answer questions unless your attorney is present, you can avoid making self-incriminating statements to law enforcement. Our lawyer will make sure you understand the charges you are facing, the potential penalties, and the process that will be followed during your case.

Our goal is to help you avoid a felony conviction and preserve your opportunities for employment, professional licensing, and a normal life. Our attorney will work to have the charges against you dismissed, negotiate a reduction of charges from felonies to misdemeanors, determine whether pretrial diversion options are available, or fight to secure an acquittal at trial. He will take every possible step to protect your future.

Contact Our Miami, Florida Grand Theft Lawyer

Defending against grand theft charges will require an experienced criminal defense lawyer who understands the best steps to take to prevent a felony conviction. Your future depends on the quality of your defense. At Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney, we have defended clients against grand theft charges, property crimes, and other felony offenses. We have the investigative resources and trial skills needed to challenge serious theft allegations and help you avoid serious penalties. Contact our Miami grand theft defense attorney at 305-615-1285 for a free consultation.