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Skilled Fort Lauderdale Theft Crimes Lawyer Dave L. Simmons Can Help Protect Your Rights and Future

Being accused of theft may have you feeling anxious about your future and worried about what a conviction could mean for your reputation, your career, and even your personal relationships. Understanding the legal system and defending yourself against these charges requires more than just knowledge; it requires a skilled advocate who is dedicated to protecting your rights and future. Dave L. Simmons has experience representing clients accused of theft crimes in Fort Lauderdale and understands the severity of these concerns. With his skill and commitment, he can help you confront these challenges head-on, working tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your future.

Understanding Theft Charges in Florida

If you're facing theft charges in Florida, it's important to know that not all theft crimes are treated the same. The severity of the charges and the potential consequences you face depend largely on the value of the property involved.

Under Florida Statute 812.014, theft is defined as knowingly taking another person's property with the intent to deprive them of it, either temporarily or permanently. There are different types of theft charges you could face in Florida.

Shoplifting or Retail Theft

Shoplifting, also known as retail theft, is one of Florida's most common theft charges. This occurs when an individual takes merchandise from a store with the intent to deprive the retailer of its value. Retail theft can involve actions such as:

  • Removing or concealing items
  • Altering price tags
  • Transferring merchandise to different containers
  • Failing to pay for items at checkout

The penalties for shoplifting depend on the value of the merchandise.

Petit Theft

  • Property valued at less than $100. If the property in question is valued at less than $100, you could face up to 60 days in jail and fines. Even though it may seem like a minor offense, a petit theft conviction can still go on your record and impact your future opportunities.
  • Property valued between $100 and $300. If the property is valued between $100 and $300, penalties become more severe, with the possibility of up to one year in jail, higher fines, and other potential penalties.

Grand Theft

  • Grand theft in the third degree. If the stolen property is worth more than $300, you could be charged with a felony. A conviction can lead to several years in state prison, substantial fines, and long-lasting effects on your life. Grand theft in the third degree is punishable by up to 5 years in Florida state prison, up to five years of probation, and fines up to $5,000
  • Grand theft in the second degree. For property valued between $20,000 and $100,000, the charge is elevated to Grand theft in the second degree. This comes with even harsher penalties, including up to 15 years in Florida state prison, up to 15 years of probation, and fines up to $10,000.
  • Grand theft in the first degree. The most severe theft charge is for property valued at $100,000 or more. Grand theft in the first degree carries penalties of up to 30 years in Florida state prison, up to 30 years of probation, and fines of up to $10,000.

Consequences of a Theft Conviction

A theft conviction can have far-reaching consequences on your life, including:

How a Fort Lauderdale Theft Crimes Lawyer Can Help Your Case

If you are accused of a theft crime, you might feel pressured to take a plea deal or unsure how to defend yourself. Prosecutors are trained to build the strongest case possible and have the resources and experience to push for the maximum penalties. 

Fort Lauderdale theft crimes lawyer, Dave L. Simmons, can help your case in the following ways:

  • Challenging the evidence. One of the most important steps in any defense is thoroughly examining the evidence. Your Fort Lauderdale theft crimes lawyer will scrutinize every detail to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, just as whether the evidence was obtained legally. By challenging the validity of the evidence, your lawyer can work to have charges reduced or even dismissed.
  • Negotiating with prosecutors. Having served as a prosecutor, attorney Dave L. Simmons knows how to negotiate effectively and understands how the other side thinks. He’s familiar with the local court system and has built relationships with judges and prosecutors over the years. This experience can be invaluable in getting charges reduced or negotiating a plea deal that minimizes the impact on your life.
  • Advocating for alternative sentencing. If a conviction seems unavoidable, your lawyer will advocate for alternative sentencing options like diversion programs, community service, or probation. These options can help you avoid jail time and keep a Florida theft crime conviction off your record.

Don't Let a Mistake Define Your Future

If you are facing theft charges in Fort Lauderdale, don't wait to get the help you need. Fill out our contact form or call our Fort Lauderdale office at 954-765-3540 for a confidential consultation. We proudly serve clients in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Davie, Plantation, Hillsboro Beach, Pembroke Pines, Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Lauderhill, Deerfield Beach, and surrounding communities.