Theft Convictions have Serious Consequences in Florida: Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney Explains

750+ Reviews On
Get Help Now

Take a moment to fill out the form on this page to get in touch with us, and we will get back to you shortly.

    Theft Convictions have Serious Consequences in Florida: Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney Explains

    Florida Theft Convictions have Serious Consequences: Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorneys Explain 

    If convicted of a theft crime in Florida, you could face expensive fines, lengthy prison or jail sentences and a lifelong stigma that could negatively impact and limit your job options.

     

    A theft conviction will stay on your record and follow you throughout your life.

     

    Because of the severity of the consequences, you need an experienced Florida attorney on your side fighting to secure the best results possible for you.

     

    Petit Theft Penalties

    First-degree Petit Theft (stolen property value between $100 and $749)

    • Up to one year in jail
    • Up to a $1,000 fine

    Second degree Petit Theft (stolen property value less than $100)

    • Up to 60 days in jail
    • Up to a $500 fine

    *If convicted of any theft crime twice, the defendant will then be charged with an elevated third-degree felony.

    **Attempted theft is still considered a completed theft in Florida. It doesn’t matter if you had a change of heart and gave back the goods you were planning on stealing – you’re still in for the same charges as if you had actually stolen them.

     

    Grand Theft Penalties

    Grand theft begin committed in South Florida by someone in a black face mask. The person is holding jewelry they took from a safe in Fort Lauderdale. A criminal defense attorney can help.First-degree Grand Theft (stolen property valued at $100,000 or more)

    • Up to 30 years in prison
    • Up to a $10,000 fine

    Second-degree Grand Theft (stolen property valued between $20,000 and $99,999)

    • Up to 15 years in prison
    • Up to a $10,000 fine

    Third-degree Grand Theft (stolen property valued between $750 and 19,999)

    • Up to 5 years in prison
    • Up to a $5,000 fine  

    With theft, $1 can make all the difference…

    Fort Lauderdale petit or grand theft charges can come from stealing purses or breaking into carsTheft is an area of the law in which people can be punished very differently for committing the same exact crime, because it’s the value amount of an item that makes all the difference, not the item itself.

     

    For example, let’s say two women each stole a purse from a store. Technically they committed the exact same crime. However, one of the women stole a purse from TJMaxx that cost $149, whereas the other woman stole a purse from Gucci that cost $750. The woman who went to TJMaxx would be charged with petit theft where the maximum penalty would be up to one year in prison and a $1,000 fine. But the woman who stole from Gucci would be charged with grand theft, and would be looking at up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

     

    Theft Diversion Program in Florida

    First time offenders may be able to have all the charges DISMISSED by negotiating a Theft Diversion Program.  

    What you’ll have to do will be completely different depending on the County where the case is. Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach might only be a few miles away, but they have 3 totally different diversion programs.  

    Typically, these programs range from 3 to 18 months and the prosecutor will want you to pay restitution if there is any, complete an Anti-Shoplifting Course, community service and stay out of trouble.   

    The length largely depends on if you were charged with a misdemeanor or felony, and also the amount of restitution involved.  If there is a lot of money that needs to be repaid, then you’ll need more time to pay that back, unless you can come up with the full payment right away.  

    Informal & Formal Diversion Programs in Florida

    There are both informal and formal theft diversion programs in Florida.  

    With an Informal Diversion Program, you’re not actually monitored by anyone.  That means you just complete the community service, Anti-Shoplifting class, and anything else that is recommended and the case will be dismissed when we go back to court.

    With a Formal Diversion Program, you’re actually monitored by a probation officer and have to check in with that officer every month in addition to completing the Anti-Shoplifting Class, community service and other stipulations.

    Expungement Options in Florida

    Free client story booklet about 5 start fort luaderdale theft and criminal defense attorneysIf you complete a pre-trial diversion program the charges against you will be dropped and you can have your record expunged.

    If you plead guilty to the theft charge, or are convicted at trial, however, you will be unable to expunge your record. That means that the theft will remain on your record PERMANENTLY.

    Having a theft charge on your record can result in serious consequences going forward. Most employers are going to be very unlikely, and unwilling to hire you because you’ve been convicted or pled guilty to a crime involving deceit and stealing. No one wants to employ someone they think is going to steal from them. The theft charge could also negatively impact your housing situation and make it difficult for you to sign a lease on a home or apartment.

    This is why you need an experienced criminal attorney on your side to help you secure the best results possible for your individual situation. At the Rossen Law Firm we have over ten years of experience dealing with Florida theft cases and continually secure excellent results for our clients.

    FREE Strategy Session for People Facing South Florida Theft & Fraud Charges

    If you or a loved one has been charged with a theft crime, call Rossen Law Firm today to schedule a free strategy session. We’ll sit down with you, listen to your full story and discuss what we are confident would be the best course of action for you going forward.

    Give us a call today:

    Learn more about Florida Theft Crimes:

    Attorney Adam Rossen

    Connect with me
    South Florida Criminal & DUI Defense Attorney
    Second DUI, 0.19 Breath
    DUI Charge Dismissed
    Federal Child Porn Possession
    Mandatory Prison Time Avoided
    Attempted Murder
    Charges Dismissed
    How We Win
    Second DUI, 0.19 Breath
    DUI Charge Dismissed
    Federal Child Porn Possession
    Mandatory Prison Time Avoided
    Attempted Murder
    Charges Dismissed
    Theft Convictions have Serious Consequences in Florida: Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney Explains
    What to Expect at Your Free Initial Strategy Session with Rossen Law Firm
    STEP1
    We Listen to Your Story
    STEP2
    We Educate You
    STEP3
    We Create a Unique Defense Strategy
    Schedule
    a Free Consultation

      750+ Reviews On
      Google Reviews
      kevin tabronkevin tabron
      00:07 08 Sep 22
      In one of the most stressful times in my life, Rossen Law Firm was there for me. Leaving no stone unturned they provided patience and knowledge in every detail of my case. I’m very thankful and proud of this law firm family and especially of my lawyer, Scott Simmons for guiding, defending and helping me in every way possible. He and this law firm family come highly recommended from personal experience!!!
      Jason HigleyJason Higley
      15:24 26 Aug 22
      I had an unfortunate situation with a family member that lead to my arrest and being charged with DV Battery. This was the first time I had ever been arrested so I was very nervous and afraid of what was going to happen to me. After talking with Adam I decided to retain him and let me tell you this was the BEST decision I could have ever made. Adam made me feel so comfortable and confident that everything will turn out the best in my favor. He is professional, ethical and supportive. He was always available too answer any questions or concerns.Not to mention, his team at the office is awesome they are so friendly and welcoming. Anytime I had a question when I called the office they were able to guide me in the rightdirection. They always were in contact with me with any information or updates regarding my case. Adams team is GREAT!Adam delivered, my case was DISMISSED. So if you want an attorney the is gonna fight for you and get the job done retain the BEST there is Adam Rossen!!!
      Felix I HFelix I H
      13:27 28 Jul 22
      Adam Rossen and the team at Rossen Law took great care in handling my case. They are very professional, and get the job done. I was particular relieved to see just how much empathy they showed with me, and how effortless it was to be their client.I literally visited them twice. My initial consultation, and then to pickup the final docs. I have nothing but great things to say about these folks, and I would highly recommend them to anyone. Thanks Guys.
      Terry ChristopherTerry Christopher
      12:32 09 May 22
      I had an amazing experience with The Rossen Law Firm. The staff were very professional. Attorney Susan Lawson went above and beyond working on my case. We were thoroughly prepared for trial. Mrs. Lawson reviewed hours of body and dash camera footage multiple times and aggressively performed depositions on witnesses and law enforcement.The final outcome for me was the state dropped my case, due to the great work Susan and the Rossen team performed. I didn’t even need to go to trial.This law firm does not play around. They pay attention to detail and they FIGHT FOR YOU!Thank you Adam, team, and a special thank you to Susan for your amazing work! I really appreciate you.
      Ketiana ProvinceKetiana Province
      20:27 23 Mar 22
      My experience with Rossen Law Firm was excellent. From the consultation to the end.. My attorney Susan Lawson gave my son's case all the time and attention that was needed to be successful in court. She was confident during all the court proceedings. My favorite part was when she said we are family, never once my son and I were treated other then that. I very much appreciate the knowledge and support I received through Rossen Law Firm.
      js_loader
      Types Of Cases We Handle

      Rossen Law Firm’s legal team understands what’s at stake when you’re charged with a crime in South Florida. We’re committed to defending you and protecting your rights. Our legal team is ready to create a customized strategy for your case to fight for the best possible outcome. We handle Criminal, DUI, Federal, Domestic Violence, Marchman Act & Baker Act cases, and more.

      See All Practice Areas
      Get Your Free Download Instantly
      Our monthly newsletter keeps you up to date on the latest legal and community news
      Sign Up to Receive Our Monthly Newsletter
      View Details
      Free Booklet: 7 key rules you need to know to survive a Florida DUI as told by a South Florida DUI Attorney
      Arrested for a DUI in South Florida? Our DUI Defense Lawyers put together a FREE Florida DUI survival guide to help you know and fight for your rights & future
      View Details
      Free Domestic Violence Booklet reveals how what happens in the heat of the moment can have terrible legal consequences for you & your loved ones…
      Getting arrested for domestic violence charges in South Florida is scary. Free booklet written by an attorney reveals how to protect yourself & your family.
      View Details
      What To Do If You or a Loved One Is Arrested in Florida: Free Digital Arrest Survival Guide Booklet
      Free booklet helps you know What To Do If You or a Loved One Is Arrested in Florida. A criminal defense attorney walks you through the Florida arrest process
      View Details
      Get Help Now
      Take a moment to fill out the form on this page to get in touch with us, and we will get back to you shortly.