Theft Crimes

Have You Been Accused of Theft in Florida?
Have You Been Accused of Theft in Florida?

Fort Lauderdale Theft Crime Lawyers

Facing theft charges in Florida can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate this challenge alone. At Novo Law, we specialize in defending those accused of theft crimes, offering experienced legal support and a commitment to protecting your rights.

Theft, or the unauthorized taking of property, can range from minor theft to grand theft, depending on the amount of the theft.

We build an aggressive defense strategy tailored to your specific case, focusing on dismissal of the charges, reducing the charges or winning at trial.

Every case is unique, and so is every client.

We understand the stress and uncertainty of facing theft charges and are dedicated to offering a defense that is both aggressive and effective.

At Novo Law, we emphasize the importance of understanding your rights. Our approach is to provide clear, straightforward legal advice, ensuring you’re informed about the charges against you and the potential outcomes. We build a defense strategy tailored to your specific case, focusing on reducing charges or seeking dismissal where possible.

The legal process can be overwhelming, especially for young individuals or first-time offenders. We simplify legal terms and procedures, guiding you through each step of the process. Our experienced attorneys represent you at every hearing, advocating for your best interests and striving to secure a favorable outcome.

Every case is different, and so is every client. We believe in a personalized approach to legal defense. At Novo Law, you’re more than just a case number; you’re an individual with a future we’re committed to protecting. We provide not just legal defense but also guidance and support throughout your case.

Selecting the right legal team can significantly impact the outcome of your case. At Novo Law, we combine legal expertise with a genuine care for our clients. We understand the stress and uncertainty of facing theft charges and are dedicated to offering a defense that is both empathetic and effective.

Remember, facing theft charges is a serious matter, but it doesn’t have to define your future. With Novo Law, you gain a team of dedicated professionals committed to defending your rights and guiding you towards the best possible resolution.

Severity of the Crime

The severity of the crime will generally depend on the kind of theft you have allegedly committed. The punishments for these various crimes can range from probation to significant jail or prison time, depending on both the charges and other factors including past convictions. For example, a person shall be charged with grand theft of the third degree, which is a felony of the third degree, if the property they stole was valued between $750 to $20,000. When convicted of a felony of the third degree, you could be faced with a fine of $5,000 and having to serve up to five years in jail. The higher the value of the property that was stolen, the more severe the criminal charge will be.

Aside from property value, there are other factors that can also increase the nature of the charge. For instance, if you stole property, and in the process of doing so, you injured another or caused property damage, your charge could increase from a third-degree felony to a first-degree felony. This could result in you having to pay higher fines, being sentenced to more time in jail or prison, or having to serve more time on probation. However, when you are represented by a Fort Lauderdale theft crimes attorney, you stand a chance of getting your charges dismissed, reduced to a lesser charge, or even winning at trial, which could reduce your penalties and criminal exposure.

Being convicted of a theft crime can also damage your reputation and hurt your chances at future employment. Did you know that a theft conviction can stay on your record? Unless you qualify to have it expunged, your conviction will remain on your record and anyone, including potential employers, will be able to view it. To avoid tarnishing your reputation and future, you need a Broward County theft crime lawyer who will provide you with the best defense, ensuring skillful representation every step of the way. With the help of experienced Fort Lauderdale theft crime lawyer Gabriela C. Novo, you may be able to have your charges dropped or reduced, avoid jail time altogether, or receive an alternative resolution, such as probation or a diversion program.

A Common Challenge in Many Cases

Being charged with theft in Ft. Lauderdale doesn’t equate to a conviction

When a person is charged with theft, whether it is because they committed credit card fraud or stole items from a store, they still have a chance of walking away from the case with no criminal charge on their record or one that isn’t quite as severe as the one that was initially filed against them. Just because you have been charged with theft doesn’t mean you have been convicted or cannot fight the charges before you. If you can prove you are innocent or your rights were violated during the arrest, you could be found not guilty. The most effective way of proving your innocence is by hiring a Fort Lauderdale, FL theft law firm.

Many criminal cases, including those stemming from a theft charge, have been thrown out in the past or a not guilty verdict was reached simply because the evidence that was collected was done so after a citizen’s rights were violated or the prosecutor was not able to prove their case at trial beyond a reasonable doubt. If you think your rights were violated at the time of your arrest, Fort Lauderdale theft crimes lawyer Gabriela C. Novo will be sure to use this for your defense. Now, to learn more about your charges and what you can do to protect yourself and your freedom, contact Gabriela C. Novo, theft attorney in Fort Lauderdale.

The Area of Theft Law

Theft Law Firm – Fort Lauderdale, Florida

In general, the area of theft law covers several major criminal charges including larceny, burglary, and robbery. When you’ve been charged or accused of theft, it typically means that you have removed something of value without the consent of the person who owns it. It also means that you have removed the item or items without the intent of returning them.

There are specific ways in which the state of Florida handles these cases, and if you have found yourself charged or accused of theft, we encourage you to contact the Law Office of Gabriela C. Novo and speak with a Fort Lauderdale theft crimes lawyer for guidance on how to handle your case.

We thought it would be helpful to break down the criminal theft laws, and the penalties that follow, to give you a better understanding about what the outcome of these cases looks like and why you need to hire a Fort Lauderdale theft lawyer.

Florida Theft Laws Defined

When charged with theft, the crime will be referred to as either “grand theft” or “petit theft” (petty). Let’s discuss what these terms mean. Grand theft is classified as a felony and therefore is accompanied by probation, jail or prison. Petit theft is a misdemeanor and can lead to less significant penalties like fines, community service, probation or shorter jail sentences.

Penalties are determined by what was taken and its value, such as stealing clothes versus stealing a car. Some crimes come with more severe consequences. Here is a look at how the penalties are broken down into different categories.

First Degree Misdemeanor Petit Theft

  • Property values between $100 to $749
  • Punishable with 1-year in jail and a potential fine

Third Degree Grand Felony Theft

  • Property valued between $750 to $20,000
  • Punishable by a 5-year prison term and potential fine

Second Degree Grand Felony Theft

  • Property stolen between $20,000 to $99,000
  • Punishable by 15 years in prison and a potential fine

How Multiple Theft Crimes Impact Your Record

If you have been previously charged with theft, multiple petit theft charges can add up to a felony charge depending on the circumstances. You will need to consult with a Fort Lauderdale theft attorney to learn more about your particular situation. Not only will you now be faced with a felony charge, but you can also have other rights taken away such as a suspension of your driver’s license.

Penalties for Burglary in Florida

Burglaries are penalized depending on what transpired during the crime. If a deadly weapon wasn’t present or there was no battery or assault committed, the perpetrator will be charged with a second-degree or third degree felony charge. All burglaries in Florida are charged as felonies, and you will need an experienced theft law firm in Fort Lauderdale to handle your case effectively.

Third Degree Burglary

  • Punishable with 5-years in prison
  • A potential fine

Second Degree Burglary

  • Punishable by a 15-year prison term
  • A potential fine

First Degree Burglary

  • Punishable, up to life in prison
  • A potential fine

Theft and Robbery in Florida

All robbery charges in Florida are considered felonies as they require some sort of “force” or theft. Robbery includes taking property that is not lawfully yours, with behaviors such as force, intimidation, threats, coercion or violence.

Resources and a Network of Legal Professionals – We work in the criminal defense space every day, which has given us valuable connections with those in the criminal legal field. Working with us gives you access to these invaluable professionals and resources.

Best Possible Outcome – Criminal theft charges carry heavy penalties, and you don’t want to leave your future in the hands of someone who doesn’t have your best interests in mind. Working with a Fort Lauderdale theft lawyer will ensure you get the best possible outcome and potentially reduce your criminal exposure. This could mean serving no time in jail or prison or minimal time in jail or prison.

Please call or connect with us today to schedule an appointment to talk with the law office of Gabriela C. Novo. Don’t delay, as it can adversely impact your case and change the course of your future. Our Fort Lauderdale theft crimes attorney has years of experience and is ready to help you.