Being charged with any criminal offense is incredibly stressful. A conviction can lead to lasting consequences, including possible jail time, a criminal record, and damage to your reputation and livelihood. Those facing theft charges in Winter Garden should protect their rights by retaining the services of an experienced defense attorney.
There are many ways that an attorney can assist in dealing with theft charges. For example, because most theft cases are contingent upon the monetary value of the stolen item(s), by arguing the valuation of stolen property down, an attorney might be able to get a felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor. Call Z. Hernandez Law to speak with a Winter Garden theft lawyer who is committed to protecting your rights.
A number of state laws apply to the prosecution of theft crimes. Florida Statute § 812.014 covers most of these laws, including misdemeanor theft, grand theft, and second-degree felony theft.
Per the terms of this statute, misdemeanor theft charges apply when the property at issue has a value of no more than $300. Those convicted of misdemeanor theft face up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Grand theft occurs when an item with a value of between $300 and $20,000 has been stolen; the consequences of a conviction can include up to six years in a state penitentiary and a $5,000 fine. Second-degree felony theft involves stealing property worth more than $20,000 but less than $100,000 and can result in up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. A capable Winter Garden lawyer could argue for a lower monetary valuation of stolen property to reduce the potential consequences of a theft conviction.
The possible consequences of a theft conviction can be substantial. In addition to the possible damage to a defendant’s reputation and career, a theft conviction can also lead to issues with immigration authorities, employers, and obtaining credit and housing.
This is why the services of an experienced Winter Garden theft attorney are so useful. If a lawyer can show the stolen property has been overvalued, for example, they may be able to get the charges dropped or at least reduced. Alternatively, a lawyer might be able to pinpoint constitutional violations in the initial investigation and arrest–for example, whether Miranda rights were read–to combat the prosecution’s case.
State laws on theft run the full gamut, and besides the charges already discussed, other theft offenses include embezzlement, credit card fraud, shoplifting, and possession of stolen property. For these higher-level offenses, convictions can lead to long prison sentences and permanent marks on a defendant’s criminal record. A dedicated Winter Park theft attorney could ensure their client has the best possible defense available.
In some cases, a lawyer may advocate for a plea bargain in exchange for a reduced sentence. A legal professional could also pursue some form of alternative sentencing, such as probation or mental health counseling.
While facing any type of criminal charge can be terrifying, you have rights and are entitled to due process in any criminal or civil matter that you face. Having a defense attorney on your side could make the process go more smoothly and ensure you get the best outcome possible under the circumstances. Call a Winter Park theft lawyer today for a free consultation.