Naples Theft Crimes Defense Attorney

Understanding Florida Theft Crime Laws

The term “theft” applies to a variety of crimes in Florida, including everything from shoplifting to embezzlement. When one individual takes or uses someone else’s property with criminal intent, they commit a form of theft, according to Florida law. Depending on the severity of the crime, theft charges may fall under petit theft or grand theft and may vary by degree based on what was stolen. These charges can completely derail your life, which is why, if you are facing charges, you need to act quickly to find a lawyer who can advocate for your rights.

Our firm offers the following benefits:

• 40+ years of experience to lend to your case
• After-hours and same-day appointments
• Honest, caring legal advocacy
• Award-winning criminal defense attorney, Daniel Cavanaugh

Consequences of Theft Crimes in Florida

If you are facing theft charges in Florida, you need to take immediate action to discuss your situation with a skilled attorney. Without steadfast legal support, you could face costly fines, imprisonment, and more. With a criminal record, you may be unable to find reliable housing, a good job, and your personal relationships may suffer. At Law Offices of Cavanaugh & Cavanaugh, P.A., we know what it takes to build a strong criminal defense argument and we are committed to providing our clients with fair legal representation when they need it most.

Ready to get started? Call (239) 309-2006 to get in touch with our theft crime lawyers. We can help individuals throughout Collier County.

Petit Theft Charges in Florida

• Second-Degree Petit Theft: The lowest level of theft, a second-degree petit theft (also called petty theft) offense includes stolen property valued at $100 or less. The resulting penalties may include up to 60 days of imprisonment and a fine of up to $500. If convicted, the individual will receive a misdemeanor of the second degree on their criminal record.
• First-Degree Petit Theft: If the stolen property is valued between $100 and $750, the accused will be charged with a misdemeanor of the first degree and could face up to 1 year in prison and $1,000 in fines.

Grand Theft Charges in Florida

• Third-Degree Grand Theft: Any theft crime involving wills, firearms, vehicles, farm animals, fire extinguishers, a stop sign, a controlled substance, or other notable items valued less than $20,000 will be charged as a felony of the third degree. This offense may also include theft of property valued between $100 and $300 if it is taken from someone’s home or property. The penalties include up to 5 years in prison and no more than $5,000 in fines.
• Second-Degree Grand Theft: Theft crimes may be escalated to a second-degree grand theft offense if the stolen property was valued between $20,000 and $100,000, or if the stolen property was law enforcement equipment or medical equipment valued at $300 or more. A second-degree felony also applies to stolen cargo that has entered interstate commerce with a value of less than $50,000. A convicted person could face up to 15 years in prison and no more than $10,000 in fines.
• First-Degree Grand Theft: Someone may be charged with a felony of the first degree, the most serious theft level in Florida, if they steal property valued at more than $100,000, a law enforcement semi-trailer, or interstate commerce worth more than $50,000. Individuals might also face first-degree charges if they used a motor vehicle to execute the crime and caused more than $1,000 in property damage. The resulting sentence includes up to 30 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.

Comprehensive Legal Support from Law Offices of Cavanaugh & Cavanaugh, P.A.

If you were accused of theft, our team can evaluate the circumstances of your situation to help create a solid defense strategy. Based on the evidence, we can make a case on your behalf based on a lack of intent, a lawful purpose, the belief that the owner gave consent to use their property, or mistaken facts. We may also be able to argue that you only acted out of necessity or duress, depending on the situation.

Attorney Daniel Cavanaugh of Law Offices of Cavanaugh & Cavanaugh, P.A. has ample experience representing individuals accused of a wide variety of theft crimes. He has the legal experience and skill necessary to build a personalized legal plan to protect your rights and preserve your freedom.

Contact Law Offices of Cavanaugh & Cavanaugh, P.A. today to get in touch with our Naples theft crimes attorney.