Fort Lauderdale, FL Petit Theft Attorney

Lawyer for Clients Charged With Misdemeanor Theft Offenses in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Theft charges can be serious, even when they are classified as misdemeanors. While petit theft may be considered to be a lower-level crime, a conviction can have serious and lasting consequences. In addition to potential jail time and fines, a misdemeanor conviction can damage a person's reputation, hinder their employment opportunities, and appear on a permanent criminal record. In some cases, what would typically be classified as a misdemeanor charge may be enhanced to a felony if a person has prior convictions or if a case involves other circumstances.

At The Hoffman Firm, our attorney provides skilled legal representation for people who have been accused of petit theft in Fort Lauderdale. He will work to protect clients from criminal penalties and help them determine whether a case dismissal or participation in diversion programs may help them avoid a conviction, whether charges can be reduced, or whether other options for defense may be available.

Charges of Petit Theft

Theft charges will be based on accusations that a person took property belonging to someone else without the owner's permission while intending to keep the property permanently or temporarily. An offense may be classified as petit theft if it involves the alleged theft of property worth less than $750.

The degree of the theft charge depends on the value of the property involved. First-degree petit theft charges may apply if a person is accused of stealing property valued at more than $100 but less than $750. In these cases, a person may face first-degree misdemeanor charges. The penalties for a conviction may include a maximum one-year jail sentence.

Second-degree petit theft charges may apply in cases involving the theft of property with a value below $100. These offenses will typically result in second-degree misdemeanor charges. A person who is convicted may face a maximum jail sentence of 60 days.

A petit theft charge after a person has previously been convicted of petit theft will be classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, regardless of the value of the allegedly stolen property. A third offense or any subsequent petit theft charges will be classified as third-degree felonies, which could lead to a prison sentence of up to five years.

In addition to the criminal penalties a person may face, a conviction may lead to other difficulties, including:

• A permanent mark on a person's record that will show up in background checks
• Disqualification from certain jobs or educational programs
• Ineligibility for housing assistance or professional licensing

Even a single misdemeanor theft conviction can carry lifelong consequences. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards often view theft-related offenses as crimes of dishonesty, making it harder to move forward with one's life after a conviction.

Examples of Petit Theft Charges

A person could be charged with misdemeanor theft based on allegations of:

• Shoplifting items from a store
• Switching price tags to pay a lower amount at a store's checkout
• Taking personal property from someone's home or car
• Failing to pay for services such as cab fare or a restaurant bill
• Driving away from a gas station without paying

Defending Against Charges of Petit Theft

A strong defense can mean the difference between a misdemeanor conviction and a favorable resolution of a criminal case. Our lawyer can provide guidance on the defense strategies that may be successful based on the facts of the case, the available evidence, and a person's background. His approach may include:

• Demonstrating a Lack of Intent: Our attorney may take steps to show that a person did not intend to steal money or property. He may show that forgetfulness, distractions, confusion at self-checkout stations, or other circumstances were responsible for an alleged offense rather than an intent to steal.
• Mistaken Identity: A person may have been wrongly identified as the person who committed the theft. Our lawyer may use evidence such as security camera footage, witness testimony, or alibi evidence to show that a person did not commit the offense in question.
• Negotiation and Diversion Programs: For first-time offenders, people with limited criminal history, or others who should not be subject to harsh penalties, our attorney can advocate for participation in a diversion program or negotiate a deferred prosecution agreement. This can help a person avoid having a criminal conviction on their record.

Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Petit Theft Lawyer

In cases involving accusations of petit theft, it is important to address the charges quickly and strategically. A misdemeanor conviction can follow you for life, but with the right legal representation, you may be able to avoid lasting consequences. Contact the Fort Lauderdale, FL petit theft defense attorney at The Hoffman Firm today by calling 954-524-4474 and scheduling a free consultation.