Theft involves taking property belonging to another person without permission. A conviction for theft can result in a period of imprisonment ranging from a few days for petty theft to several years for grand theft. If you are facing theft charges, you can benefit from retaining a Lake Park theft Lawyer.
One of our skilled Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert can defend you against criminal charges for petty or grand theft. A Lawyer can also work to ensure your legal rights are not infringed, while also fighting to achieve an optimal conclusion to your case. If you have been formally charged, schedule a free consultation today.
Laws on Theft Offenses in Lake Park
Theft is defined as knowingly using or obtaining another person’s property without authorization with the intent to deprive that person of their property. If the property is taken in the presence of its owner and any amount of force is used, the offense can be charged as robbery or robbery by sudden snatching rather than theft.
Offenses that involve the theft of property valued at less than $300 constitute petty theft and are charged as first or second-degree Misdemeanors. First-degree Misdemeanor petty theft involves the taking of property with a value between $100 and $300. It is second-degree Misdemeanor petty theft when the property taken has a value below $100.
Offenses that involve the theft of property valued at $300 and above constitute grand theft and are charged as felonies in the first, second, or third degree depending on the total value of the property stolen. For example, Felony grand theft in the first degree occurs when the property taken has a value of $100,000 or more.
Potential Penalties for Crimes of Theft
The penalties for committing theft offenses in Lake Park can include a substantial fine, incarceration, and restitution. The penalties imposed for Felony grand theft offenses are more severe than those associated with Misdemeanor petty theft offenses since the property taken has a higher value. Further, there are more severe penalties for taking property belonging to a person who is age 65 or older.
The maximum penalty for committing Misdemeanor petty theft in the second degree is 60 days confinement and a $500 fine, while the maximum penalty for petty theft in the first degree is one year incarceration and a fine of $1,000. Felony grand theft in the third degree is associated with a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a fine of $5,000.
The maximum penalty for Felony grand theft in the second degree is 15 years incarceration and a $10,000 fine, while the maximum penalty for first-degree Felony grand theft is also a $10,000 fine and 30 years imprisonment. A Lake Park theft Lawyer can answer questions about the penalties associated with specific theft offenses.
Speak with a Lake Park Theft Attorney
Fighting Misdemeanor or Felony theft charges on your own can be challenging, and the penalties can be quite severe when the value of the property allegedly stolen is high enough to constitute Felony grand theft. A Lake Park theft Lawyer at Leifert & Leifert who understands the laws and penalties pertaining to theft offenses can provide crucial legal assistance by preparing a valid legal defense to the charges against you.
If you wish to leverage these benefits an attorney can provide, call today to schedule a free consultation.
