Robbery, Burglary & Other Theft Crimes
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement recently announced that overall crime in Tampa Bay-Hillsborough County increased 1.1% in 2011, and the specific offenses of robbery, burglary and larceny increased throughout the county. There were 2,002 robberies, 2,683 aggravated assault charges and 5,141 burglaries in 2011 alone, and law enforcement officers are continually taking actions to track down and prosecute those who commit theft crimes.
If you have been accused of any type of theft crime, you need to secure legal counsel as soon as possible. This is necessary in order to avoid the many penalties which may come with a theft crime conviction in Florida. Here at Greater Tampa Law P.L. our team of legal professionals have specific experience in defending clients charged with theft crimes, and we use this to provide high quality legal counsel at every stage of our clients’ cases.
Types of Theft Crimes
One of the most common theft crimes committed in Florida is petty theft. This offense is a “crime of dishonesty” that can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on a number of circumstances and if there are any prior convictions. Misdemeanor petty theft can include any scenario where a person steals or tries to steal property from a business or person, and the property is valued at less than $300. Grand Theft involves taking property or goods valued over $300, and this crime can be charged as a first degree felony if certain factors are present.
Other common theft crimes include robbery, which is the intentional and unlawful taking of money or property from another person through the use of force, violence, threat or assault. This crime is a second degree felony and can include penalties such as up to 15 years in prison, up to 15 years of probation, and up to $10,000 in fines. Grand theft auto and burglary are also serious and heavily punished theft offenses in Florida.
Our attorneys have also been successful in defending a broad range of theft-related offenses that are not as commonly discussed, including:
- Insurance Fraud
- Fraud
- Bank Fraud
- Investment Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
- Credit Card Fraud
- Insurance Fraud
- Government Fraud
- Shoplifting
Theft Penalties in Tampa Bay, Florida
A theft crime may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending upon the particular case. Imprisonment terms for a Florida theft crime may range from up to 12 months in county jail all the way to up to 30 years in state prison. The value of the property involved as well as the defendant’s prior record are two factors which will greatly influence the seriousness of charges and penalties that a defendant may face. Do not delay in consulting a Florida theft defense attorney at our firm. You may be able to qualify for a diversion program which may ultimately mean that you can avoid a criminal conviction and therefore a criminal record.
Contact a Tampa Bay theft crime lawyer today!
Contacting an attorney at our firm is a wise choice in order to find out exactly what you are up against in regards to your theft crime charges. Theft crimes carry a negative stigma, and a conviction can bring about a permanent disadvantage for those who are looking to obtain certain types of employment, professional licenses and even acceptance into college. Here at Greater Tampa Law P.L. we understand the importance of fighting theft charges and the impact that an arrest and conviction can have on your future. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and how you can effectively fight your charges. Our firm represents clients throughout all of Tampa Bay-Hillsborough County and Pinellas County, Florida, so call today.
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