A Felony theft offense can have a serious impact on you and your loved ones. Jail time can steal time from family and friends and fines can cause financial instability. Our Boca Raton Felony theft lawyers at Leifert & Leifert are committed to advocating for your rights by providing a focused and aggressive legal defense.
If you were charged with Felony theft, contact one of our criminal defense lawyers today so they can begin building you the most robust defense possible. Let a Boca Raton Felony theft lawyer fight for you.
What Counts as Theft?
Theft is defined under Florida law as the unauthorized taking of another person’s property. However, not all theft offenses are treated the same. According to Florida Statutes §812.014, there are different degrees of theft, with the most serious offense of grand theft considered a Felony. As the degrees of classification change, the potential punishments increase.
Grand theft of the third degree can include taking certain property such as firearms or taking a public property such as stop sign. Additionally, if the property is valued at $300 or more, a person can be charged with a Felony theft offense.
Grand theft of the second degree can include taking property that is valued between $20,000 and $100,000. Grand theft in the first degree is considered the most serious theft offense and involves taking property that is valued at more than $100,000.
In addition, a person can be charged with grand theft in the first degree for using a vehicle and causing more than $1,000 in either property damage or damage to real estate.
Building a Defense to the Charges
A Jury or Judge must establish a theft offense by proving that you knowingly obtained or used the property of another. Additionally, they must show that you had the intent to either temporarily or permanently deprive the owner of a right to their property or retain a benefit from the property, or that you took the property for your use or the use of a person who is not allowed to use of the property.
The Prosecution must prove each element of a theft offense, and if they fail to do so, you cannot be convicted. Therefore, in addition to understanding the elements, it is important to note some of the defenses that our experienced Boca Raton Felony theft lawyers at Leifert & Leifert could utilize. These include:
- Proving a lack of intent
- Proving that a person obtained property or was using the property for a lawful purpose
- Showing that a person had consent to use the property
- Demonstrating that a person made a mistake of fact
- Showing that a person acted out of necessity or duress
A well-crafted and executed defense can result in charges being lowered or Dismissed. This is an outcome that we will work toward since the punishments for a Felony theft offense can mean spending years in jail and facing thousands of dollars in fines. Is critical to work with a Felony theft attorney in Boca Raton build the best possible defense against these charges.
Talk to a Boca Raton Felony Theft Attorney
If you were charged with a Felony theft offense, contact a Boca Raton Felony theft lawyer as soon as possible. Our skilled Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert could work with you to build a solid defense, negotiate with prosecutors to lower charges, and aggressively advocate for you in the Court to protect your rights and freedom. Call today and schedule your free initial consultation.
