Duval County Theft Crime Defense Lawyer

Defending Individuals Accused of Theft in Duval County

Florida has a notorious reputation for having some of the highest rates of theft crimes in the United States. As a result, Florida criminal courts have a reputation for being tough on theft crime defendants. If you have been charged with a theft crime, you are facing the possibility of serious penalties, including imprisonment, probation, and fines, as well as a criminal record that can affect your personal and professional life for years to come.

Do not let a theft crime charge ruin your life. At First Coast Criminal Defense, we believe that everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and we are committed to helping our clients fight their theft crime charges. Our Duval County theft crime attorney has a deep understanding of theft crime defense, and we have a proven history of success in the courtroom. We are available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you have been charged with a theft crime, call (904) 474-3115 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our team.

Types of Theft Crimes in Florida

Florida law recognizes several different types of theft crimes, all of which are taken very seriously by the criminal justice system. The specific theft crime with which you are charged will depend on the nature of the alleged offense and the value of the property involved. Certain factors, such as the use of force or violence, the use of a weapon, or the involvement of multiple theft crimes, can also lead to enhanced charges and penalties.

Theft crimes in Florida include:

• Petit theft: This is the most basic type of theft crime in Florida. It occurs when an individual knowingly and unlawfully obtains or uses another person's property with the intent to either temporarily or permanently deprive the owner of their right to the property or to appropriate the property to their own use. Petit theft generally involves property valued at less than $750, but if the offender has prior theft convictions, they may be charged with petit theft for stealing property valued at less than $100.
• Grand theft: This type of theft crime involves stealing property valued at $750 or more. If the offender is accused of stealing a firearm, a motor vehicle, a will or other testamentary instrument, a commercially farmed animal, certain types of construction equipment, or medical equipment from a licensed facility, they may be charged with grand theft, regardless of the value of the property.
• Carjacking: This is a type of robbery that involves taking another person's motor vehicle from their immediate presence and against their will. Carjacking is a first-degree felony and is punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
• Robbery: Robbery occurs when an individual uses force, violence, or the threat of force or violence to take another person's property from their person or custody. Robbery is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison; if a deadly weapon is used, the offense is upgraded to a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
• Embezzlement: This type of theft crime involves misappropriating or misusing funds or property that was entrusted to you by another person or entity. Embezzlement is a white-collar crime and is generally charged as a felony.
• Identity theft: Identity theft occurs when an individual uses another person's personal identifying information, such as their name, Social Security number, or credit card information, without their consent, with the intent to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft is a serious crime and is generally charged as a felony.
• Shoplifting: Shoplifting is a type of theft crime that occurs when an individual steals merchandise from a retail store or establishment. Shoplifting is a serious crime that can lead to significant penalties, even for first-time offenders.

Defending Against Theft Crime Charges

Depending on the nature of the theft crime with which you are charged, you could be facing a wide range of penalties, including imprisonment, probation, fines, and restitution. In addition, a theft crime conviction will result in a permanent criminal record, which can make it difficult to find employment, obtain housing, or secure loans in the future. However, there are several different defense strategies that can be used to fight theft crime charges, and, in some cases, it may be possible to get the charges dismissed or reduced.

Possible defenses to theft crime charges include:

• Insufficient evidence: In order to obtain a conviction, the prosecution must prove that you committed the theft crime beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence against you is weak or the prosecution's case is flawed, it may be possible to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
• False accusations: In some cases, individuals are wrongfully accused of theft crimes. This can happen due to mistaken identity, misunderstanding, or even malicious intent. Our team can thoroughly investigate your case and gather evidence to prove that you are innocent of the charges against you.
• Coerced confession: In some cases, individuals are coerced into making false confessions to crimes they did not commit. If you made a confession to a theft crime, we can investigate the circumstances surrounding the confession and determine if it was coerced or otherwise inadmissible in court.
• Fourth Amendment violations: The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights during the course of their investigation, it may be possible to get the evidence against you suppressed and the charges against you dropped.
• Entrapment: In some cases, law enforcement uses entrapment techniques to catch individuals in the act of committing a theft crime. If you were entrapped by law enforcement, it may be possible to get the charges against you dismissed.

Why Choose First Coast Criminal Defense?

Being charged with a theft crime is a serious matter that requires the attention of an experienced criminal defense attorney. At First Coast Criminal Defense, we understand the stress and anxiety that comes along with facing a theft crime charge, and we are here to provide you with the guidance, support, and aggressive legal representation you need. When you choose our team, you can expect responsive communication, personalized legal strategies, and aggressive advocacy every step of the way.

To get started on your defense, call our Jacksonville theft crimes attorney at (904) 474-3115 or contact us online. We offer free, confidential consultations.