Fleming Island Theft Lawyer

Theft is a crime that involves taking someone else’s property. Regardless of whether the state has accused you of stealing something small or large, you deserve high-quality legal representation from a Fleming Island theft lawyer when your reputation and your future are at stake.

If you are facing allegations or charges that you committed theft, you should consult with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney from the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A., to discuss a legal strategy that could best protect your rights.

Understanding Theft Crimes

Theft involves the intentional and wrongful taking of another person or entity’s property. A theft crime can involve a one-time shoplifting offense or large-scale embezzlement involving many people and millions of dollars.

Typically, as outlined in Florida Statutes § 812.014, the monetary value of the allegedly stolen goods and how the crime occurred determines what kind of charges you face and the possible resulting penalties upon conviction. For instance, if the value of the allegedly stolen items is under $750, you would likely face petty theft charges, which would be misdemeanor offenses. If the value of the items was higher, you could face grand theft charges.

Depending on the items stolen and their value, you could face first, second, or third-degree felony charges. Other factors, such as whether you are a repeat offender with a prior criminal history, if someone suffered harm during the commission or as a result of the theft, or if a weapon was used during the theft, could also affect the types of charges and potential penalties.

Our seasoned Fleming Island attorneys could explain your theft charges and possible ramifications, so you can fully understand what you are facing.

What Types of Defense Strategies Could You Use To Fight Theft Charges?

An experienced Fleming Island theft crime lawyer could help you fight the accusation and avoid possible penalties by crafting innovative and effective defense strategies. The defense that we use for your case would depend on the evidence against you and the individual facts. Possible strategies include:

Lack of Intent

To obtain a conviction, the prosecutor must prove that you knowingly took someone else’s property and intended to deprive the other person of that property either temporarily or permanently. We could help you gather evidence showing that you did not intend to deprive the owner of their property. For instance, you could argue that you were borrowing the property.

Owner’s Consent

You could argue that the owner gave you permission to take or borrow the property. For example, you could present evidence showing that the owner gifted the property to you.

Owner Abandoned

You might be able to argue that the owner voluntarily abandoned the property in question. For instance, you could argue that the owner left the item in front of their house next to their trash cans, so you assumed it had been abandoned.

Mistaken Identity

Our legal team could help you disprove the prosecution’s case by arguing that the witness who identified you made a mistake. This defense is more effective if you were not personally acquainted with the alleged victim or witness. We could help you search for an alibi witness to prove that you were not at the scene when the crime occurred.

Our attorneys would fight for the best possible legal outcome. With the help of our dedicated legal team, you might be able to get the charges dismissed or reduced. We could also fight on your behalf in court for a not guilty verdict. If necessary, we could try to negotiate with the prosecution for reduced penalties.

Enlist the Help of a Fleming Island Theft Attorney

When you face theft charges, you need to work with an experienced legal team that you can trust, so Pick Porter™! Our compassionate attorneys know how frightened you must be. We could work closely with you to develop a defense strategy that protects you.

Contact Jackson K.S. Porter, P.A., today to schedule your free consultation with a responsible and trusted Fleming Island theft lawyer.