Accused of Theft? Protect Your Record With an Orlando Theft Crimes Lawyer Who Fights Back.

It depends on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, your prior record, how much evidence there is to review and whether the case goes to trial. We'll explain the fee clearly, in writing, before you hire us. The first consultation is free and confidential.

Value. Under Florida Statute § 812.014, theft of property worth less than $100 is second-degree petit theft (up to 60 days in jail), and $100 to $749 is first-degree petit theft (up to 1 year). Grand theft starts at $750: third-degree felony up to $20,000 (up to 5 years), second-degree felony from $20,000 to $100,000 (up to 15 years) and first-degree felony at $100,000 or more (up to 30 years). Some property, like a firearm or a motor vehicle, is grand theft regardless of value.

Sometimes, yes. Theft charges can be dismissed or reduced when the State can't prove intent, when the value is overstated, when you had permission or a good-faith claim to the property, when the identification is unreliable or through pretrial diversion. No attorney can promise a result, but the earlier we're involved, the more options you have.

It depends on the value and your record. A first petit theft under $100 is a second-degree misdemeanor with up to 60 days in jail, and many first-time cases qualify for diversion instead. A petit theft with one prior theft conviction is a first-degree misdemeanor (up to 1 year), and with two or more priors it becomes a third-degree felony (up to 5 years). An attorney can push for alternatives to jail.

Not if you were adjudicated guilty. But if the charges were dropped or dismissed, you were found not guilty, or you completed diversion, you may be able to expunge or seal the record under Florida Statutes §§ 943.0585 and 943.059. A withhold of adjudication may make sealing possible. We review your eligibility and handle the petition.

Pretrial diversion is a program run by the State Attorney's Office, usually for first-time offenders. You complete conditions such as restitution, community service, a theft class and a supervision period. When you finish, the charge is dropped, and you may be able to clear the arrest from your record. Our theft defense attorneys ask for diversion early when it fits your case.

Usually not. A petit theft with one prior theft conviction is a first-degree misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail, whatever the value. With two or more prior theft convictions, petit theft becomes a third-degree felony with up to 5 years in prison. That's why fighting even a first shoplifting charge matters.

Yes. Even a misdemeanor theft conviction is a crime of dishonesty that employers, landlords and licensing boards take seriously, and it counts as a prior if you're ever charged again. A theft defense attorney can often pursue diversion, a withhold of adjudication or a dismissal that keeps a conviction off your record.