If you’re facing a theft charge in Orange County, an Orlando theft crimes lawyer from our team can defend your legal rights. There are many defenses that Bogin, Munns & Munns can use to have your charges dropped, reduced, or dismissed.
Theft comes with stiff penalties in Florida. Yet, our team of Orlando criminal defense lawyers knows what goes into building a solid case. We have over four decades of combined legal experience, and we’re ready to take charge of your legal needs today.
Why Hire a Theft Crimes Lawyer in Orlando, FL?
Hiring a skilled criminal defense attorney after an arrest for theft gives you a stronger chance of handling the criminal charges you face. Our team has an in-depth understanding of criminal law and knows what it takes to help clients in your situation.
You can rely on us to:
Answer Your Legal Questions
We can provide you with clear and straightforward answers to any legal questions you have after an arrest. Our theft attorneys want to ensure that you can make informed decisions about all aspects of your defense.
Protect Your Rights
Our Orlando theft crime lawyers believe in protecting your constitutional rights during every stage of the legal process. During the investigation into your charges, you have the right to legal counsel and the expectation that the police will follow all relevant laws when handling your charges.
Help at All Your Hearings
You can rely on our dedicated team to provide the support you need during all hearings associated with your theft charges. We’re here to tell you what to expect at your arraignment and to stand by your side at your bail hearing, when applicable.
Develop a Personalized Defense
We can get to work quickly to build a personalized defense to assist with the theft charges you face. We need to carefully review your situation so we can determine the strategies that could work to successfully resolve your charges.
To consult with an experienced theft defense lawyer serving Orlando
(855) 780-9986
Why Pick Us After an Arrest for a Theft Crime?
Our team at Bogin, Munns & Munns has the experience and legal knowledge to confidently handle misdemeanor and felony theft charges in Orange County. We believe in putting our clients first and providing personalized assistance throughout every stage of the legal process.
You can rely on us to listen to your concerns and to stay available if you have concerns about the status of your charges. We’ll keep you informed about the steps we’re taking to address all of your needs.
We believe in offering our clients compassionate support after an arrest. You can learn more by reaching out for a consultation with a skilled member of our team.
Our Attorneys Aim for the Best Possible Outcome
A theft crimes attorney in Orlando can explore all potential options to resolve the charges you face after an arrest. Depending on your situation, we may focus on:
A Reduction in the Charges Against You
There’s a big difference between grand theft and petty theft – the difference being hefty fines and extensive jail time. We could argue that the items in your possession did not exceed $750, and as a result, you could face a lesser charge.
A Dismissal
The charges against you may not be sound. If there isn’t satisfactory evidence against you, the charges arose from discrimination, or someone violated the legal process, we could aim to have the case dismissed.
Probation
Earlier, we mentioned that this could be an undesirable outcome if you’re truly innocent of an alleged crime. However, for many, probation is better than jail time and fines. If you qualify for probation, we can work to tailor the terms of your sentence to your situation.
Expunction
Mistakes happen. If you committed a crime and have a clean criminal record otherwise, you could qualify for an expunction. Here, you could have the charge removed or hidden from your record. Only certain people qualify for expunction, per Florida Statutes § 943.0585.
A Pre-Trial Diversion
You may qualify for a pre-trial diversion in Orange County if you face misdemeanor theft charges. These diversions allow you to avoid jail time, though you’ll have to pay fees, and you may have to attend Impulse Control and Theft Prevention Classes.
An Orlando pre-trial diversion lawyer from our team can give you more pre-trial diversion information when you reach out to us for dedicated assistance.
Fighting for You in Court
In some cases, your theft crime charges will go to court. In this situation, you can rely on us to aggressively litigate on your behalf. We can fight for you every step of the way, working to secure a verdict in your favor.
Orlando Theft Defense Lawyer Near Me
(855) 780-9986
Possible Defenses in Your Orlando Theft Case
Here are some possible defenses that could aid your situation:
There Isn’t Satisfactory Evidence Against You
Every criminal conviction rests on evidence. If the prosecution doesn’t have sound evidence against you, we could file for a dismissal. We could even argue that the police improperly obtained the evidence against you, making it inadmissible in court.
Evidence plays a key role in theft crime charges. If the prosecution cannot show that you violated the law, they cannot secure a conviction.
You Did Not Complete an Act of Theft
For theft to have taken place, the prosecution must prove these things:
- The item in question was taken from the owner, whether that be an individual or a store.
- The item was in your possession.
- The item was moved to a different location.
Even if one of these things did not happen, we could move for a reduction or dismissal of your charges.
You Thought You Owned the Item
Suppose you were at a party and mistakenly took someone else’s wallet. If you genuinely thought the item belonged to you, we could use this fact in your defense.
You Had Permission to Use or Take the Item
The item’s owner may have given you explicit permission to take or use the item, only to later renege on that permission. This situation could happen if a friend lent you their car, changed their mind, and then reported it missing.
These are just some of the defenses that could work to your benefit. Your theft defense lawyer in Orlando can assess your situation and determine what strategy could help you.
What Penalties Could You Face Following a Conviction
In a general sense, a conviction could:
- Prevent you from securing loans
- Limit your housing opportunities
- Make you seem less desirable to employers
- Come up with a background check
In a more specific sense, a conviction could result in:
Fines
Depending on the nature of your offense, you could face thousands of dollars in fines. Not only could this put you in a precarious financial position, but if you fail to pay the fine, you could face other related consequences.
Jail Time
Even if this is your first offense, the state of Florida does not look kindly on theft. You could face anywhere from a few days to several years in jail. The possibility of prison time is just one of the many reasons to consider our legal aid.
Probation
For some defendants, probation is the ideal outcome. Here, you would have to follow certain conditions instead of serving jail time. However, this can place limitations on your life, including where you can travel.
Our theft attorneys can give you more information about the possible consequences of a criminal theft charge when you contact us for a consultation.
Click to contact our Orlando Theft Crimes Lawyers today
We Can Defend You Against These Criminal Charges in Orange County
Consider how our firm can defend you against the following allegations:
Burglary
Individuals commit burglary when they secretly enter (or remain inside once permission has been rescinded) a private location with the intent to commit some type of offense.
Burglary can range from a first-degree felony to a third-degree felony, depending on a number of factors, including (but not limited to) whether the person is armed with a weapon, causes any property damage, or causes harm to another person.
Grand Theft
Grand theft is not strictly determined by the monetary value of the property stolen. Third-degree grand theft includes property with a value of more than $750, and items including (but not limited to):
- Motor vehicles
- Any fire extinguishers
- Stop signs or other traffic indicators
- Jewelry
- Electronics
- Foodstuffs
- Medical equipment
- Cargo
- Firearms
Grand theft in the third degree is a felony punishable with imprisonment for no longer than five years and a fine of no more than $5,000. A first-degree grand theft conviction, however, can result in a fine of at least $10,000 and up to 30 years in prison, per Florida Statutes § 812.014.
Petit Theft
Commonly known as “petty theft,” petit theft is theft when the stolen property is valued between $100 and $749. First-degree petit theft is a misdemeanor punishable by a definite prison sentence of not more than one year and applicable fines. Don’t let the name fool you. “Petty” theft is anything but.
Retail Theft
Retail theft is not just shoplifting. In fact, the term “retail theft” encompasses several offenses, including:
- Altering or removing an item’s price tag, universal product code (UPC), and/or label
- Switching items from one packaging container to another
- Stealing a shopping cart
Robbery
Robbery is a theft crime where the offender takes money from a victim, either by using violence, force, assault, or the instilling of fear upon the victim (per Florida Statutes § 812.13). Consider the following:
- Robbery without a weapon is a second-degree felony.
- Armed robbery is a first-degree felony.
- Armed robbery with a firearm or other deadly weapon is a first-degree felony.
Variations of robbery include carjacking and home invasions.
What Should You Do After a Theft Crime Arrest?
You should immediately reach out to a criminal defense law firm for help after an arrest for any type of theft crime. Getting help right away can improve your chances of successfully resolving the allegations brought against you.
You have the right to request legal representation after an arrest. You should not discuss your charges with the prosecution or police officers before your Orlando theft crimes lawyer arrives to protect your rights and best interests.
Your lawyer will walk you through the rest of the steps you should take after an arrest and help you avoid mistakes that could result in a conviction.
Submit a Consultation Request form today
Learn About Your Options After an Arrest in Orlando, FL
After being arrested, charged, or served a Notice to Appear, you could consider your legal options promptly. Delaying in getting representation could mean the difference between a dismissal and a conviction.
Our team of Orlando theft defense attorneys can evaluate your circumstances and develop a strategy that meets your situation. You can count on us to provide the support you deserve after an arrest.
You don’t have to try to navigate the legal system on your own. We’re here and ready to take charge on your behalf.
Call or Submit Our Consultation Request Form Today
