Theft/Property Offenses
Gainesville Criminal Defense Lawyer Unravels the Florida Theft Crimes Law
If you have been charged with a theft crime and you need a criminal defense law firm in Gainesville,
your first call should be to the Law Offices of Richard Mercure, PA – RPM Law. As explained below, Florida theft crimes are not simple cases. You need a knowledgeable attorney on your side to protect your best interests.
What is a “Theft” Crime?
Florida law defines “theft” as knowingly obtaining or using, or trying to obtain or use, the property of another with the intent to:
(a)Deprive that person of a right to the property or a benefit from the property; or
(b)Appropriate the property for one’s own use or the use of another.
This definition covers a broad spectrum of unlawful activity, including shoplifting, robbery (theft by force or threat) and embezzlement. Theft crimes are charged as felonies or misdemeanors, depending largely on the value of the property taken.
This chart provides a brief overview of Florida theft crimes:
| THEFT CRIME | ELEMENTS | MAXIMUM PENALTY |
|---|---|---|
| GRAND THEFT = FELONY | ||
| 1st Degree |
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| 2nd Degree |
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| 3rd Degree | The taking of property:
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| PETIT THEFT = MISDEMEANOR | ||
| 1st Degree | The taking of property:
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| 2nd Degree | The taking of property:
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How can a criminal defense law firm in Gainesville help me?
If you are charged with theft, a knowledgeable Gainesville criminal defense lawyer can review the facts of your case, explain the governing law, and devise a defense strategy. Depending on your situation, your Gainesville criminal defense attorney may be able to argue that you lacked the necessary intent to commit theft; or that the property was abandoned and, therefore, no theft occurred; or, even, that you were falsely accused. Alternatively, your attorney may be able to get the charges against you reduced, on the ground that the property is not as valuable as the prosecutor has claimed.
Contact Gainesville Criminal Defense Lawyer Rick Mercure
As evidenced by this brief overview, Florida law governing theft is complicated. If you have been charged with a theft crime, don’t trust your freedom to just any criminal defense law firm in Gainesville. Call the Law Offices of Richard Mercure, PA – RPM Law, at (352) 222-2047, to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation.