Criminal charges for robbery, larceny, burglary, or theft can result in hefty fines and years in prison or probation. Many accused of these offenses feel frightened and overwhelmed. A Sarasota theft crime lawyer can help you if you have recently been charged with thievery. When you hire a theft crime lawyer from our firm, we can defend you and advise on what steps you should take to move forward.
Sarasota criminal defense lawyer Benjamin Abdulnour, Esq., has over 16 years of experience assisting the people of Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples, and cities across Southeast Florida in criminal matters. He has represented over fifty cases in trial, ranging from first DUIs to homicide charges. Outside of his practice, Benjamin serves as the President of the Lee County Legal Aid Society, a nonprofit organization that supports low-income residents with legal issues.
Theft crimes involve any knowing taking of another person’s property. The most common type of theft case in Sarasota County is larceny, with 777 cases reported in 2024. Other theft crimes reported in the same year include 261 burglary incidents, 83 motor vehicle thefts, and 39 robbery offenses. Most Sarasota theft crimes are processed at the Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center, located downtown at 2002 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34237.
Atlas Defense Law represents a wide range of theft crimes in Florida. The following are common criminal charges that we can help with:
Larceny is a broad term used for nonviolent petit and grand theft charges. The severity of an offense correlates with the value of the involved property. Petit theft includes the taking of property worth up to $750. It can be prosecuted as a second-degree misdemeanor, with up to 60 days imprisonment and a $500 fine, or a first-degree misdemeanor, with up to one year in prison and a maximum fine of $1,000.
Larceny becomes grand theft when stolen items are worth more than $750. Grand theft is a felony ranging from a third- to a first-degree offense. Prison times range from 5 years for third-degree to 30 years for first-degree. Motor vehicle theft is automatically classified as grand theft.
Burglary involves the unlawful entry into a dwelling or structure with the intent to commit a crime within. You can be charged with burglary without stealing anything or entering through an unlocked door without permission. The offense level ranges from a third- to first-degree felony based on the intended crime. For instance, entry for petty theft while unarmed is a third-degree felony, while entering armed with a dangerous weapon is a first-degree felony.
Robbery is defined as the threat or use of physical harm to take another person’s property. Robbery committed unarmed is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The use of a firearm or deadly weapon escalates charges to a first-degree felony, with a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Any charge, from petty theft to aggravated robbery, can have severe consequences on your life. While you may represent yourself, it is recommended that you hire a theft crime lawyer. A Sarasota theft crime attorney can provide many services to your case, such as:
The amount of allegedly taken property in a theft case depends on the nature of the involved belongings. The standard threshold for grand theft in Florida is any property worth at least $750. However, specific items lower the felony minimum. Theft cases involving emergency medical equipment taken from an aircraft or vehicle, or law enforcement equipment taken from an emergency vehicle, are felonies if the taken property is worth at least $300.
You should contact a Sarasota criminal defense attorney as soon as you are charged with or investigated for a theft crime. Your lawyer can have a greater impact on your case when hired early. More time with your case can increase the odds of a favorable plea deal and allow your attorney to prepare your defense before initial hearings, preventing common mistakes. Legal counsel can still assist your defense if you are in the later stages of the process.
The likelihood of prison time for a Florida theft crime depends on the specifics of your situation. Important factors in determining whether you may be imprisoned include the severity of the charges, prior offenses, mitigating or aggravating factors, and the value of the property taken. A first-time petty theft offense is less likely to see prison time than a repeat offender charged with armed robbery. Your attorney can explain your particular odds of imprisonment.
Robbery and theft differ in several key ways under Florida law. Theft involves the unlawful taking of another person’s property without the use of force. Robbery is a violent crime defined as theft carried out while using or threatening physical injury to another. The sentencing for theft is often determined by the value of objects stolen, while robbery charges center on the use of force and weapons.
Benjamin Abdulnour and the team at Atlas Defense Law understand how scary a theft crime case can be. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation. During this appointment, we can learn your story, explain the penalties you may face, estimate legal costs, and discuss defense strategies. You may also visit our Fort Myers office, located on First Street, a few blocks north of the Lee County Administration building, and south of the Fort Myers Riverfront.
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