Have you been accused of a theft crime in Polk County, Florida? A criminal charge for shoplifting, burglary, or larceny puts your reputation, your job, and your future at risk. Early action is essential, and having a knowledgeable defense lawyer in your corner makes a big difference in how your case unfolds.
Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law has over 25 years of experience in the legal field and is committed to protecting your rights every step of the way. Contact our law firm today at (863) 688-4606 for a confidential consultation with a Polk County theft crimes lawyer.
Why Choose Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law?
If you’ve been arrested for theft in Polk County, FL, who you choose to represent you can change the course of your entire case. We have built a decades-long reputation for aggressive defense. When your freedom and future are at stake, you need experience on your side, and we can help.
Our firm has defended Florida residents charged with every kind of theft charge. We’re truly local to Lakeland and bring first-hand knowledge of Polk County’s prosecutors, judges, and courtroom etiquette. When possible, we negotiate plea deals that can get you into diversion programs that can keep convictions off your record and give you options for moving forward.
Choosing us to handle your case means working with a professional who knows the community and has the experience needed for serious criminal charges. Contact Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law for a confidential consultation with a Polk County criminal defense law firm.
How Can a Lawyer Help With My Polk County Theft Crimes Case?
Being accused of theft can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face the charges alone. A skilled Polk County theft crimes attorney can guide you through the legal process and work to minimize the impact on your life.
Here’s how an experienced defense attorney can help:
- Evaluate the evidence and identify weaknesses or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case
- Challenge unlawful searches or arrests that may have violated your constitutional rights
- Negotiate with prosecutors to seek reduced charges or alternative sentencing options
- Develop a tailored defense strategy, whether based on mistaken identity, lack of intent, or insufficient evidence
- Represent you in court, presenting a strong, persuasive case on your behalf
- Advocate for your future, working to avoid jail time, protect your record, and preserve your reputation
Don’t leave your future to chance—partner with a trusted Polk County theft crimes attorney who will fight to protect your rights and your freedom.
Overview of Theft Crimes in Florida
When someone deliberately takes another person’s property without permission and with the goal of keeping it or using it themselves, that person can be charged with theft. There are a few different types of theft that are often charged:
Shoplifting (Retail Theft)
This type of offense involves stealing items from stores or businesses. Whether someone hides merchandise, switches price tags, or simply leaves without paying, it’s considered retail theft and can carry serious punishments, even for a first offense.
Petit Theft (Petty Theft)
Petit theft is the crime of taking property that doesn’t have a high dollar value. In Florida, stealing anything valued under $100 is usually a second-degree misdemeanor. As the value increases but stays below $750, it becomes a first-degree misdemeanor.
Grand Theft
If the amount stolen crosses certain thresholds, the charge becomes a felony. Stealing property worth $750 or more makes it a third degree felony, while amounts over $20,000 or $100,000 can lead to first or second degree felony charges.
Theft vs. Burglary and Robbery
Theft, burglary, and robbery are all crimes involving stolen property, but Florida law treats each one differently. It can be helpful to understand the differences.
Burglary
Burglary occurs when someone enters a building, home, or sometimes even a car without permission and intends to commit a crime inside—often theft, but it could also be vandalism or another felony. You don’t even have to steal anything to be charged with burglary; it’s about the illegal entry with criminal intent.
Robbery
Robbery means taking property directly from another person by using force, intimidation, or the threat of harm. This crime involves some level of confrontation. Examples include taking someone’s wallet by threatening to hurt them or pickpocketing someone.
While theft charges involve taking something that doesn’t belong to you, burglary and robbery add extra layers to the crime and often carry harsher penalties.
What Are the Penalties for Theft Crimes in Polk County, Florida?
If you’re convicted of theft in Polk County, Florida, the consequences you face depend on what was taken and the circumstances of your case.
- Petty Theft (Second Degree Misdemeanor): Fines can go up to $500, and you may spend up to 60 days in jail for stealing low-value property.
- Petty Theft (First Degree Misdemeanor): For slightly higher amounts, you face fines of up to $1,000 and one year in county jail.
- Grand Theft (Third Degree Felony): Stealing property valued between $750 and $20,000 bumps the penalty to a possible $5,000 fine and up to 5 years in prison.
- Grand Theft (Second Degree Felony): If the value is between $20,000 and $100,000, fines increase to $10,000 and the prison sentence increases to a possible 15 years.
- Grand Theft (First Degree Felony): For theft involving more than $100,000 or certain aggravating factors, the court can impose up to $10,000 in fines and up to 30 years in prison.
The penalties can be very serious, making it essential to speak with a criminal defense lawyer right away.
Collateral Consequences of Theft Crimes
A theft conviction in Florida brings more than just jail time or fines. It can create long-lasting consequences that impact nearly every aspect of your daily life.
Here are some of the collateral consequences:
Employment Challenges
A criminal record involving theft charges and convictions can shut you out of many jobs, especially if they involve money or trust.
Housing Barriers
Landlords may see theft crimes as a red flag when renting apartments or homes, making it harder to get the housing you want.
Loss of Professional Licenses
If you work in a career that requires a license, such as nursing or teaching, a theft conviction could lead to suspension or a denial when you renew your certification.
Immigration Issues
Non-citizens convicted of certain theft offenses risk deportation or losing their eligibility for visas and citizenship.
These lasting consequences make it even more important to fight theft charges with an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side from the beginning.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested for Theft Crimes?
If you’ve been charged with a theft crime in Florida, there are several defenses your lawyer can explore to protect your rights and challenge the accusations against you.
Lack of Intent
A theft conviction requires proving you purposely took or used property without the right to do so. If you took something by mistake or misunderstood the situation, that could be a powerful defense. Your lawyer may be able to demonstrate through your actions or statements that you had no criminal motive.
Mistaken Identity or False Accusation
Eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage can sometimes point to the wrong person, leading to unfair charges. If you weren’t actually involved in the theft and have an alibi placing you elsewhere at the time of the crime, your attorney will work to prove your innocence and clear your name. Police and witnesses do make errors, and challenging identification can create reasonable doubt.
Consent or Claim of Right
There are situations where you genuinely believed an item belonged to you, or that the rightful owner had given you permission to borrow or take something. If this belief can be shown, possibly using text messages, emails, or reliable witness statements, it may prevent a conviction for theft.
Insufficient Evidence
Sometimes prosecutors don’t have the strong, clear proof needed to show you actually committed a theft crime. Challenging a lack of evidence or contradictions in the case, such as unreliable witness statements, missing security video, or records that contradict the allegations, can weaken the prosecution’s argument.
Challenging the Value of the Property
In Florida, the seriousness of a theft charge often depends on how much the allegedly stolen item is worth. If your lawyer can show that the property’s value is actually lower than what the prosecution claims, using receipts, appraisals, or expert opinions, it may reduce a felony charge to a misdemeanor and lessen the sentence you face.
A strong defense starts with getting the right advice as soon as possible.
Facing theft allegations is never easy. Fortunately, charges don’t mean a conviction, and you never have to handle the situation on your own.
The right attorney will help you uncover evidence and fight back to protect yourself and your future. We have decades of experience and can help you as soon as you reach out. Contact Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law now for a confidential case evaluation with a Polk County theft crimes lawyer.