Theft Crimes

Theft crimes are some of the most common offenses reported by law enforcement in the state of Florida. This type of charge can have far reaching implications on the livelihoods and reputations of those individuals charged with this crime. Upon conviction of a theft related crime, a person is at risk of losing their current employment, future employment, professional liecensure, educational opportunities, and other inherient collateral penalities. When charged with this offense it is vital to contact an experienced Fort Lauderdale Theft Crimes Attorney early in the process to help ensure the most favorable resolution to your case.

Attorney, Dave Simmons, from the Law Offices of Dave L. Simmons, P.A. brings to the table over 23 years of experience handling theft related crimes. His firm will employ this experienced skill set in an effort to have your case dismissed or the charges reduced to a lesser offense including the following crimes:

• SHOPLIFTING/RETAIL THEFT
• PETIT THEFT
• GRAND THEFT

Generally, Theft is defined by the Florida Legislature as follows:

812.014(1) – Theft

• A person commits theft if he or she knowingly obtains or uses, or endeavors to obtain or to use the property of another with the intent to, temporarily or permanently:

Penalties for Theft Crimes

• Property valued at less than $100 is considered a second degree misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 60 days in the county jail.
• Property valued between $100 and $300 is considered a first degree misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 364 days in the county jail.
• Property valued between $300 and $20,000 is considered a third degree felony and is punishable by up to 5 years in Florida State Prison.
• Property valued between $20,000. and but less than $100,00 is considered a second degree felony and is punishable by up to 15 years in Florida State Prison.
• Property valued at $100,000 or more is considered a first degree felony and is punishable by up to 30 years in Florida State Prison.

Moreover, pursuant to F. S. 775.08435 the court may not withhold adjudication of guilt as a sentence for:

• Any capital, life, or first degree felony offense
• A second degree felony offense unless:

A person convicted of a theft related crime is exposed to the above statutory penalties including the following: fines, probationary periods, restitution, community service hours, and theft related educational programs.

Even more harrowing, a person convicted of a theft related crime is likely to suffer social and economic losses including:

• A permanent criminal history for a “crime of dishonesty”
• Loss of current employment and future opportunities
• Loss of academic scholarships
• Potential denial for applications for U.S. Green Cards and U. S. Citizenship
• Loss of the ability to lease an apartment
• Loss of Driver’s License

A Theft Crimes charge or conviction can have far reaching ramifications both in the present and the future. It’s imperative to reach out to experienced Theft Crimes Lawyers to enhance the possibility of the most favorable result.

Broward Theft Crimes Attorney, Dave Simmons, has represented hundreds of clients in Fort Lauderdale and throughout South Florida facing these very serious penalities.

Attorney Dave Simmons spent the early part of his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney and Assistant Public Defender. In doing so, he has had the unique experience of handling theft crimes on both sides of the judicial system. His knowledge, experience and unique skill set is your best defense to help avoid these severe penalties and move on with your life.

If you have been charged with a Theft Crime in Broward County, contact Theft Crimes Attorney, Dave Simmons, at the Law Offices of Dave L. Simmons, P.A. at (954) 765-3540