Our Law Firm Represents Clients in Theft, Burglary and Robbery Cases in Tavares, Inverness and Clermont

Dedicated former public defenders serve Central Florida

A conviction for even a seemingly minor theft crime can carry stiff criminal penalties and seriously harm your future. Potential employers are likely to view a shoplifting conviction as a sign of dishonesty and discard your job application without even giving you an opportunity to explain.

At Largey Law, we focus our experience and trial skills on the defense of clients throughout Central Florida. Our attorneys are former public defenders who share the goal of providing zealous representation to all people accused of a crime. We candidly advise you whether a plea or trial is in your best interest.

Theft offenses in Florida

The degree of a theft charge is based primarily on the value of the property allegedly stolen. The following is a list of the criminal charges that correspond to various ranges of property value:

• $100,000 or more — first-degree felony grand theft
• $20,000 to $100,000 — second-degree felony grand theft
• $300 to $20,000 — third-degree felony grand theft
• $100 to $300 — first-degree misdemeanor petit theft
• Less than $100 — second-degree misdemeanor petit theft

Florida law elevates the charge if the theft involves certain types of property, such as emergency medical or law enforcement equipment.

Elements of burglary

Under Florida law, the state must prove the following to win a burglary conviction:

• You entered a dwelling, a structure or conveyance with the intent to commit a crime, or
• You entered a dwelling structure or conveyance lawfully but remained there:
  • Surreptitiously, with the intent to commit a crime
  • After permission to remain there was withdrawn, with the intent to commit a crime, or
  • To commit or attempt to commit a forcible felony

Typically burglary is charged as a third- or second-degree felony. However, the charge may be elevated to a first-degree felony if certain factors exist, such as the defendant commits an assault or battery during the commission of the burglary or carries a weapon.

Elements of a robbery

Robbery is described under the Florida Statutes as:

• Taking money or other property
• From the person or custody of another
• With intent to either permanently or temporarily deprive the person of the money or property, and
• In the course of the taking, the defendant used force, violence, assault or fear

If the defendant did not have a firearm or other weapon during the robbery, it is a second-degree felony. The presence of a gun or other weapon increases the charge to a first-degree felony punishable by life in prison.

Protect your rights after an arrest for theft in Tavares, Inverness and Clermont

To challenge theft, shoplifting, burglary or robbery charges, call Largey Law at 352.508.1485 or contact the firm online. Your initial consultation is free, and we accommodate your schedule by making after-hours appointments. We maintain offices in Tavares, Inverness and Clermont, and can also make home and jail visits. Se habla español.