Fort Myers Expungement Lawyer

Expungement Attorney in Fort Myers, FL

Theft offenses can be more serious than people realize. If you are facing charges of petit or grand theft, embezzlement, burglary, or other theft offenses, you need the support of a Fort Myers theft crimes lawyer. You may not know how to handle these criminal charges, but a seasoned attorney does. They can explain the charges against you, the potential consequences, and assess how to limit the effect these charges have on your freedom.

Diligent Fort Myers Theft Crimes Attorney at Atlas Defense Law

Theft crimes require an aggressive and strategic defense, but you deserve compassion and support. At Atlas Defense Law, we have spent nearly two decades navigating legal cases in and out of court. We provide you with unrelenting support against criminal charges. A conviction can lead to jail time, fines, a criminal record, and many other consequences. Our firm fights against your charges to mitigate or avoid these penalties.

We understand how stressful and overwhelming it can be to manage the criminal justice system. Benjamin Abdulnour is a seasoned trial attorney who personally responds to calls, giving you exceptional communication about your case. He has experience in more than 50 trials, including many successful acquittals in criminal cases, and has appeared before the 20th Circuit Courts.

You need personalized defense strategies to fight theft-related penalties. Atlas Defense Law finds the right method of defense for your case.

What Is a Theft Offense?

Theft is the offense of knowingly securing, using, or trying to secure or use someone else’s property, intending to deprive them of the property in the short-term or long-term. It includes depriving someone of their right or benefit from the property or securing the property for the offender’s own use.

There are several offenses which fall under the umbrella of theft, including:

• Pickpocketing
• Shoplifting and retail theft
• Identity theft
• Embezzlement
• Theft of services
• Fraud, including credit card fraud
• Burglary
• Extortion
• Theft of a motor vehicle
• Carjacking
• Robbery

Burglary does not always require theft, as it is the offense of entering a location illegally with the intent to commit a felony or theft. Robbery involves the use of force or threats. In 2021, there were 6,173 larceny offenses reported in Lee County, along with 1,181 burglary offenses and 303 robbery offenses. There were 304 robbery offenses in the county in 2020, 114 of which involved firearms.

Petit vs. Grand Theft in Fort Myers

The difference between petit theft and grand theft is the value of property stolen, or the type of stolen items. Petit theft offenses include:

1. Stealing less than $40 from a dwelling in a burglary offense
2. Stealing property valued between $100 and under $750
3. Theft of any other property not specified by law

These offenses are either first- or second-degree misdemeanors. A second-degree misdemeanor is penalized by up to 60 days in jail and up to $500 in fines. A first-degree misdemeanor can lead to penalties of up to 1 year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. Although misdemeanors are less serious criminal offenses, they are still criminal offenses resulting in a criminal record, which can have severe collateral consequences on your life.

Grand Theft

Grand theft offenses have three different degrees. Grand theft, that is a felony in the third degree, includes theft of:

1. Between $750 and less than $20,000
2. $40 or more during the course of a burglary
3. A will
4. A firearm
5. A motor vehicle
6. Any commercially farmed animal
7. An installed fire extinguisher
8. Property from a designated construction site
9. A stop sign
10. Anhydrous ammonia
11. A controlled substance

Grand theft in the second degree includes theft of:

1. Between $20,000 to less than $100,000
2. Interstate or intrastate cargo valued less than $50,000
3. Emergency medical equipment or law enforcement equipment valued at $300 or more
4. Property stolen from more than 20 dwellings in a burglary
5. A firearm with a prior conviction

Grand theft charged as a felony in the first degree includes theft of:

1. $100,000 or more
2. A semitrailer deployed by a law enforcement officer
3. Interstate or intrastate cargo value at $50,000 or more
4. Any property considered grand theft while also using a getaway vehicle, or causing damage to real or personal property greater than $1,000

FAQs

Q: What Types of Offenses Are Considered Theft Crimes Under Florida Law?

A: Both petit and grand larceny are the primary forms of theft crimes under Florida law, but there are many other offenses considered theft crimes. This includes shoplifting, dealing in stolen property, carjacking, burglary, check or credit fraud, theft of services, embezzlement, extortion, and robbery. These are offenses that involve the taking of property or something of value from another person to temporarily or permanently deprive them of it.

Q: What Penalties Can Someone Face for a Theft Conviction in Fort Myers?

A: The penalties you can face for a theft conviction in Fort Myers depend on the value of the items stolen. Some forms of theft are considered misdemeanors and carry fines of $500 to $1,000, as well as sentences of 60 days to 1 year in jail. More serious offenses can be charged as felonies. These can carry fines of up to $5,000 to $10,000 and imprisonment of up to 30 years.

Q: Can a Theft Charge Be Reduced or Dismissed Through Negotiation or Diversion Programs?

A: Yes, theft charges could be reduced or dismissed through negotiation or diversion programs, but dismissal of theft charges is more likely with a strong defense. Dismissal may happen with certain diversion programs before trial, but it is essential that you hire a theft crimes lawyer to determine the right method of defense. They can determine what is most effective at reducing your penalties or potentially dismissing the charges entirely. They can also negotiate effectively.

Q: How Does the Value of Stolen Property Affect the Severity of Theft Charges?

A: The higher the value of the property stolen, the more severe the theft charges typically are. However, some specific items that are stolen do not have to be of high value to have severe charges, such as a firearm, a will, or other testamentary instrument. Generally, petit theft is charged for theft of less than $750, and grand theft is charged for theft of $750 or more.

Hire a Theft Crimes Lawyer in Fort Myers

If you have been charged with any theft offense, reach out to Atlas Defense Law today.