Key Largo Property Crimes Attorney

Skilled Property Crime Lawyers Defending Against Criminal Allegations in Key Largo, FL

While some criminal offenses may involve actions that someone has allegedly taken directly against another person, others may involve property belonging to someone else. Property crime charges can range from relatively minor offenses involving theft or shoplifting to serious felonies that could result in decades in prison. The specific penalties a person may face for a property crime will often depend on how the property involved in a case is valued, whether anyone else was present during the alleged offense, and whether their conduct allegedly involved force or violence.

At Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC, our lawyers can help clients determine the best steps to take to defend against property crime charges. We understand how these charges are investigated by law enforcement and how cases are built by prosecutors. We can review the evidence in a case and work with clients to develop effective defense strategies that will help them avoid misdemeanor or felony convictions.

Theft Charges

A person may be charged with theft based on accusations that they have taken someone else's property without that person's permission and with the intent to keep the property for themselves, sell it to another person, or otherwise prevent the owner from keeping or using their property. Whether theft charges are classified as felonies or misdemeanors will typically depend on the value of what was allegedly stolen.

When the value of the property involved in a theft case is less than $750, this is known as petit theft or petty theft. An offense may be classified as petit theft of the second degree if property that was allegedly stolen is worth less than $100. In these cases, a person may face second-degree misdemeanor charges. Charges of petit theft of the first degree may apply when the property that was allegedly stolen is worth more than $100 but less than $750. In these cases, a person may face first-degree misdemeanor charges.

When the value of property that was allegedly stolen is $750 or more, an offense may be charged as grand theft or felony theft. Third-degree grand theft charges may apply to property with a value of $750 to $20,000, and these offenses may be classified as third-degree felonies. Grand theft of the second degree, a second-degree felony, may apply to property valued between $20,000 and $100,000. Grand theft of the first degree applies to property valued at $100,000 or more, and it is a first-degree felony. Certain types of property, including firearms and motor vehicles, can lead to charges of grand theft regardless of their actual value.

Shoplifting and Other Theft-Related Charges

A person who is accused of shoplifting or retail theft involving the theft of items from a store will typically be charged with theft. An offense may be classified as petit theft or grand theft based on the value of the items that were allegedly stolen. While many shoplifting cases in Key Largo and throughout the Florida Keys involve relatively low-value merchandise, multiple retail theft offenses could result in grand theft charges based on the total value of what was allegedly stolen. Retail theft charges may also involve accusations of using devices to remove security tags, changing the price tags on items, or reselling stolen property.

Robbery

The offense of robbery is different from other types of theft because it involves the use of force, threats, or intimidation to take property from another person. Robbery is classified as a second-degree felony in most cases, but elevated charges may apply in certain situations. A person who is accused of carrying a gun or another deadly weapon while committing robbery may be charged with a first-degree felony.

Burglary

When a theft offense or another type of property crime involves breaking and entering, it may be classified as burglary. When a person is accused of entering a home or another building without authorization or remaining in a building or vehicle when they are not allowed to do so, and they have the intent to steal something or commit another type of criminal offense while they are in the building, they may be charged with burglary. The charges a person may face can range from a third-degree felony involving burglary in an unoccupied building or vehicle to a first-degree felony for burglary involving assault or battery.

Arson

When a person has been accused of damaging a building using a fire or explosion, they could be charged with arson. This offense may involve intentionally starting a fire or causing a fire or explosion while committing a felony offense such as burglary. Arson involving an occupied building or a residence that may or may not be occupied is a first-degree felony. In other cases, arson may be classified as a second-degree felony.

Vandalism and Criminal Mischief

The offense that is commonly known as vandalism is referred to as criminal mischief in Florida. A person who is accused of damaging property through graffiti or other acts of vandalism may be charged with this offense. The value of the property that was allegedly damaged will determine the specific charges that may apply. These charges may range from a second-degree misdemeanor when damage is valued at less than $200 to a third-degree felony for damage of more than $1,000 or in certain locations, such as places of worship.

Contact Our Key Largo, Florida Property Crimes Attorneys

The specific charges and penalties that may apply for a person who is accused of a property crime can vary widely depending on the circumstances of a case. At Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC, we can help clients defend against these charges by arguing that a person believed that they had authorization to take or use property, by showing that they were misidentified, by challenging the value of items that were allegedly stolen or damaged, or by raising other defenses. We will work to minimize the ways our clients' lives may be affected by these charges and help them avoid convictions whenever possible. Contact our Key Largo, FL property crimes defense lawyers at 305-324-7888 to arrange a free consultation.