In this article, you can discover…
- How property crimes, such as theft, are defined in Florida.
- The legal penalties for a theft conviction.
- Possible ways a theft conviction could impact your future.
How Are Property Crimes Defined In Florida?
A property crime is a crime that impacts the property or possessions of another person. While there are many different types of property crimes, among the most common is theft, where someone takes another person’s property without their permission.
Other types of property crimes include criminal mischief, which involves damaging someone else’s property maliciously (or on purpose). Burglary, a more serious offense, involves breaking into someone’s property (such as their home, office, or garage) with the intent to commit an offense or to steal something.
What Are The Legal Penalties For A Theft Conviction In Florida?
The legal penalties for theft depend on the quantity or value of items that were stolen. If the value of the items stolen is under $750, you will face charges of petty theft, a misdemeanor charge punishable by up to a year in jail, a year of probation, or a $1,000 fine.
If the value of the items stolen was greater than $750 but less than $20,000, you will face third-degree felony charges of up to five years in prison, five years of probation, or a fine of $5,000.
If the value of the items stolen was greater than $20,000 but less than $100,000, you will be charged with grand theft in the second degree, which can bring with it up to 30 years in prison, 30 years of probation, or a $10,000 fine.
Finally, some thefts are treated more harshly based on what was stolen. For example, if you are charged with stealing law enforcement equipment or a law enforcement vehicle, separate criminal classifications and penalties apply.
How Does A Theft Crime Affect My Criminal Record?
Theft is considered a crime of moral turpitude or a crime of dishonesty, and theft charges can have significant impacts on your criminal record. For example, if you are found guilty, these charges can not be sealed or eventually expunged from your record. They will be there forever, showing up on every background check, impacting job and college applications, citizenship applications, and rental applications.
A conviction will significantly impact your ability to get a good job, advance in life, and even find a place to live, making a quality defense all the more important to your future, rights, and long-term well-being.
Attorney Michael Barber is an experienced criminal defense attorney serving Florida. For over 10 years, he’s helped clients just like you protect their rights after theft charges, better understand their options, and fought hard for lessened or dropped charges.
Have questions, or in need of quality defense? Reach out to The Law Office of Michael D. Barber at (407) 890-8472 for an initial consultation today.
Can A Theft Crime Conviction Be Expunged From My Record In Florida?
If you are found guilty of the crime of theft, this charge can not be sealed or expunged from your record, no matter how much time has gone by. If the case is dropped, however, you can apply to have it expunged so long as there are no other qualifying convictions on your record.
If you and your attorney resolve the case in a plea deal, you can apply to have the charges sealed, meaning they will not be a part of your public record so long as you do not have any other qualifying convictions in your criminal background. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you navigate this process and better understand your rights, opportunities, and prospects.
What Should I Know About Plea Bargaining In A Theft Crime Case?
As a general rule, the more convictions you have on your record, the more challenging plea bargaining will be. Prior theft convictions, especially, will make it tough to get a good deal.
Indeed, prior convictions can be used by the prosecution as a way to attempt to increase your charges from misdemeanors to felonies. Another factor that can help you, however, is restitution, meaning a willingness to pay the victim back for what was taken.
This willingness to make amends for what you have done can have a very positive impact on plea negotiations. Your attorney may also advise you to take impulse control or anti-theft classes to show the prosecution that you are aware of and working on your issues related to impulsivity and a compulsion to steal.
How Could A Theft Crime Affect My Ability To Rent A Home In Florida?
People look at theft on your criminal record, and it makes them much less likely to trust you. This is especially true of landlords, as they’re less willing to rent to someone who they feel has issues with dishonesty or poor ethics.
This is true if you’re seeking to rent a house, but it is also deeply true if you’re seeking to rent an apartment. This is because your past theft conviction could impact not only the landlord’s property but also the property of your neighbors.
It is very important that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to review the details of your case, seek out evidence in your defense, and hopefully work towards a plea deal or the sealing or expungement of those charges.
Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started? For more information on Property Crimes In Florida: An Overview, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (407) 890-8472 today.
Attorney Michael Barber is an experienced criminal defense attorney serving Florida. For over 10 years, he’s helped clients just like you protect their rights after theft charges, better understand their options, and fought hard for lessened or dropped charges.
Have questions, or in need of quality defense? Reach out to The Law Office of Michael D. Barber at (407) 890-8472 for an initial consultation today.
