Daytona Beach Theft Lawyer
A conviction for a theft crime not only affects your record but also has the potential to limit your future employment opportunities. Many employers today require criminal background checks, and while some may overlook a drunk driving charge, theft charges raise major flags. A Florida theft crimes conviction will change the rest of a person’s life. The attorneys at Bundza & Rodriguez, P.A., are skilled aggressive Daytona Beach theft lawyers that will work hard to protect your rights and try to clear your name in Florida’s courts.
There are many different crimes that are considered theft offenses. Any type of theft crime potentially carries serious penalties and consequences that could change your life. Our firm is fully equipped to represent the following theft cases:
- Theft by robbery
- Theft by taking
- Theft by deception
- Theft by conversion
- Theft by lost or mislaid property
- Theft by receiving stolen property
- Theft of services
- Theft by shoplifting
If convicted of theft, the following factors may cause your penalties to be more severe:
- Previous criminal record
- Value of items stolen
- Presence of a weapon
- Threats of harm involved
- Bodily injury inflicted when the crime was committed
Florida state laws distinguish between petit theft and grand theft. The type of theft determines whether the state will prosecute an offense as a misdemeanor or a felony. The type of theft often depends on the value of the property.
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Petit Theft – Fla. Stat. § 812.014 – An individual can be charged with this offense if the knowingly take someone else’s property with the intent to deprive the owner of the item. This offense can be in the first or second degree. This offense is punishable as a misdemeanor of the first or second degree or felony of the third degree, depending on the alleged offender’s prior offenses and the type of property taken. Petit theft of the first degree involves property valued between $100 and $300. Any other property taken that is not grand theft or a petit theft in the first degree is a petit theft in the second degree.
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Grand Theft – Theft of property valued between $300 and $20,000 qualifies as grand theft in the third degree. Property valued between $20,000 and $100,000 becomes grand theft in the second degree, while property valued over $100,000 results in a charge of grand theft in the first degree. In addition, state laws require prosecution of grand theft in the first degree for a crime during which the defendant used a motor vehicle as an instrumentality during the commission of the crime, for a purpose other than using the motor vehicle as a getaway car. State laws also permit the prosecution of grand theft in the first degree when a defendant caused over $1,000 in damage to property or the premises while carrying out the theft.
Whether facing misdemeanor or more serious felony property crimes, we are dedicated to helping our clients either avoid or minimize the consequences of conviction. We will conduct a thorough investigation of the evidence against you and develop strategies tailored to your particular situation. Prosecutors respect our detailed approach, knowing we will be prepared to aggressively defend your rights at trial if negotiation is not an option for you.
Contact Our Experienced Daytona Beach Theft Lawyers
We prepare every case as it is going to trial. Due largely to this approach, our clients’ cases are often resolved without the need for a trial. However, if a trial is necessary, our attorneys are prepared to aggressively defend your legal rights. The bottom line is that we never give up until our clients are satisfied. Contact our Daytona Beach theft crime lawyers today at 866-785-5470 for free initial legal consultation.