Weston Theft Lawyer

When a person is accused of taking something that does not belong to them, they may be charged with theft. Depending on the amount that was taken, accused persons may be subject to criminal penalties if left unmitigated.

Contact a Weston theft Lawyer if you have been accused of stealing property from another person or entity. By leveraging the experience of a seasoned theft Attorney, you may be able to combat the accusations made against you.

What are the Classifications of Theft in Weston?

According to Florida Statutes §812.014, theft can be classified as either petit or grand theft. A person may be charged with first-degree petit theft if they unlawfully take property valued at $100 or more, but less than $750. Grand theft, on the other hand, property taken has to be valued at $300, but less than $20,000. It must also be shown that the person who took the property intentionally deprived the owner of their rights or benefits to the property. Lastly, the person who stole the property appropriated it to their use when not legally entitled to do so.

Robbery

One of the more serious forms of theft includes robbery. When a person is being charged with this offense, they are being accused of taking money or property from the custody of another person by using force, violence, assault, or by instilling fear onto the alleged victim. This offense can also be charged with a felony is they choose to carry a firearm or deadly weapon during the robbery. However, if there was no weapon, the offense can be charged as a felony in the second degree.

Shoplifting

A person can be charged with a shoplifting offense if they take store merchandise without the consent of the store owner and with the intent to deprive the owner of their merchandise. Depending on the worth of the merchandise taken, a person can be charged with either a misdemeanor or felony offense. No matter the classification of the offense, a criminal conviction can pose a serious threat to your future.

What are Some Other Theft-Related Offenses?

A person may also face additional charges depending on the facts surrounding the alleged theft. A person may not steal from a victim over the age of 65 or face increased penalties. Also, if the actor possesses altered or edited goods, they may be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor.

If the police apprehend someone dealing in stolen items, that may be a second-degree felony and carry with it up to 15 years in prison. Using the internet to sell the stolen property can also be a separate offense.

Burglary Felony in Three Degrees

Burglary is a felony in three degrees, with first-degree burglary the most serious and with the most stringent penalties. The laws are nuanced, and the length of a prison sentence and fine can rest on small details.

First-Degree Burglary

First-degree burglary could land a person convicted of it in prison for life. First-degree burglary involves an assault or battery, a perpetrator armed with explosives or a dangerous weapon, or property damage over $1,000. If a burglar uses a motor vehicle as more than a getaway car, damaging the dwelling or structure, first-degree burglary will also be charged.

Second-Degree Burglary

People charged with second-degree burglary enter or remain with the intent to commit a crime but are not armed and do not commit an assault or battery. However, they will be charged if they enter or remain in a structure or conveyance when there is another person present or enter a motor vehicle to steal drugs. It does not matter if anyone else is present if they enter a dwelling; they will be charged with second-degree burglary with a penalty of up to 15 years in prison and up to a $15,000 fine.

Third-Degree Burglary

A burglary in the third degree is charged when the perpetrator, intent on committing a crime, is not armed and does not assault or commit battery on another. If there is no person in a structure or conveyance when the perpetrator enters or remains, the offense is third-degree burglary. However, if a burglary is committed under a state of emergency, the charge will be elevated to a second-degree felony. For example, burglarizing a store during a hurricane evacuation will be charged as second-degree even if no one is in the structure, and the burglar is not armed. Third-degree burglary comes with a prison sentence up to five years and a fine up to $5,000.

Call a Weston Theft Attorney Today

Due to the wide range of offenses encapsulated within a theft offense, it may be worthwhile to consult with a Weston theft Lawyer if you have been accused of committing such a crime. A Lawyer can sit with you and review the circumstances of your case. Upon doing so, an Attorney can inform you of your options towards reaching a favorable outcome. If you wish to benefit from professional legal assistance, be sure to schedule a consultation today.