If you’re facing a theft charge in Orange County, our team of lawyers can defend your legal rights. There are many defenses that Bogin, Munns & Munns can use to have your charges dropped, reduced, or dismissed.
Theft comes with stiff penalties in Florida. Yet, our team of Orlando theft defense lawyers knows what goes into building a solid case.
Possible Defenses in Your Orlando Theft Case
Here are some possible defenses that could aid your situation:
There Isn’t Satisfactory Evidence Against You
Every criminal conviction rests on evidence. If the prosecution doesn’t have sound evidence against you, we could file for a dismissal. We could even argue that the evidence against you was improperly collected and is not admissible in court.
The Theft Was Not Completed
For theft to have taken place, the prosecution must prove these things:
- The item in question was taken from the owner, whether that be an individual or store.
- The item was in your possession.
- The item was moved to a different location.
Even if one of these things did not happen, we could move for a reduction or dismissal of your charges.
You Thought You Owned the Item
Suppose you were at a party and mistakenly took someone else’s wallet. If you genuinely thought the item belonged to you, we could use this fact in your defense.
You Had Permission to Use or Take the Item
The item’s owner may have given you explicit permission to take or use the item, then later reneged on that statement. This could happen if a friend lent you their car, changed their mind, then reported it missing.
These are just some of the defenses that could work to your benefit. Your theft defense lawyer in Orlando can assess your situation and determine what strategy could help you.
To consult with an experienced theft defense lawyer serving Orlando
855-780-9986
What Penalties Could You Face Following a Conviction
In a general sense, a conviction could:
- Prevent you from securing loans
- Limit your housing opportunities
- Make you seem less desirable to employers
- Come up on a background check
In a more specific sense, a conviction could result in:
Fines
Depending on the nature of your offense, you could face thousands of dollars in fines. Not only could this put you in a precarious financial position, but if you fail to pay the fine, you could face other related consequences.
Jail Time
Even if this is your first offense, the state of Florida does not look kindly on theft. You could face anywhere from a few days to several years in jail. The possibility of prison time is just one of the many reasons to consider our legal aid.
Probation
For some defendants, probation is the ideal outcome. Here, you would have to follow certain conditions instead of serving jail time. However, this can place limitations on your life, including where you can travel.
Our Attorneys Aim for the Best Possible Outcome
The best possible outcome might not necessarily be an acquittal. It could also include:
A Reduction in the Charges Against You
There’s a big difference between grand theft and petty theft – the difference being heft fines and extensive jail time. We could argue that the items in your possession did not exceed $750, and as a result, you could face a lesser charge.
A Dismissal
The charges against you may not be sound. If there isn’t satisfactory evidence against you, the charges arose from discrimination, or someone violated the legal process, we could aim to have the case dismissed.
Probation
Earlier, we mentioned that this could be an undesirable outcome if you’re truly innocent of an alleged crime. However, for many, probation is better than jail time and fines. If you qualify for probation, we can aim to have the terms of your sentence meet your situation.
Expunction
Mistakes happen. If you committed a crime and have a clean criminal record otherwise, you could qualify for an expunction. Here, you could have the charge removed or hidden from your record. Only certain people qualify for expunction, per Florida Statutes § 943.0585.
Orlando Theft Defense Lawyer Near Me
855-780-9986
We Can Defend You Against These Criminal Charges in Orange County
Consider how our firm can defend you against the following allegations:
Burglary
Burglary is committed when a person secretly enters (or remains inside once permission has been rescinded) a private location with the intent to commit some type of offense.
Burglary can range from a first-degree felony to a third-degree felony, depending on a number of factors, including (but not limited to) whether the person is armed with a weapon, causes any property damage, or causes harm to another person.
Grand Theft
Grand theft is not strictly determined by the monetary value of the property stolen. Third-degree grand theft includes property with a value of more than $750, and items including (but not limited to):
- Motor vehicles
- Any fire extinguishers
- Stop signs or other traffic indicators
- Jewelry
- Electronics
- Foodstuffs
- Medical equipment
- Cargo
- Firearms
Grand theft in the third degree is a felony punishable with imprisonment for no longer than five years and a fine of no more than $5,000. A first-degree grand theft conviction, however, can result in a fine of at least $10,000 and up to 30 years in prison, per Florida Statutes § 812.014.
Petit Theft
Commonly known as “petty theft,” petit theft is theft when the stolen property is valued between $100 and $749. First-degree petit theft is a misdemeanor punishable by a definite prison sentence of not more than one year and applicable fines. Don’t let the name fool you. “Petty” theft is anything but.
Retail Theft
Retail theft is not just shoplifting. In fact, the term “retail theft” encompasses several offenses, including:
- Altering or removing an item’s price tag, universal product code (UPC), and/or label
- Switching items from one packaging container to another
- Stealing a shopping cart
Robbery
Robbery is a theft crime where the offender takes money from a victim, either by using violence, force, assault, or the instilling of fear upon the victim (per Florida Statutes § 812.13). Consider the following:
- Robbery without a weapon is a second-degree felony.
- Armed robbery is a first-degree felony.
- Armed robbery with a firearm or other deadly weapon is a first-degree felony.
Variations of robbery include carjacking and home invasions.
Learn About Your Options Today
After being arrested, charged, or served a Notice to Appear, you could consider your legal options promptly. Delaying in getting representation could mean the difference between a dismissal and a conviction.
Our team of Orlando theft defense lawyers can evaluate your circumstances and develop a strategy that meets your situation. To connect with Bogin, Munns & Munns.
Call or Submit Our Consultation Request Form Today
