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Burglary & Theft
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Florida Burglary & Theft Attorney


Theft-related charges in Florida can have serious consequences. In order to defend yourself from a theft or shoplifting conviction, you need a criminal defense lawyer who understands the legal aspects and the personal impact these charges may have on your life.

Under Florida law, theft charges can be classified as a felony or misdemeanors based on the value of the stolen property or your prior criminal history. I have represented clients charged with various burglary and theft related crimes, such as:

  • Shoplifting
  • Petit Theft
  • Felony Petit Theft
  • Grand theft
  • Burglary of a Dwelling
  • Burglary of a Structure or Conveyance
  • Burglary with Assault or Battery
  • Armed Burglary
  • Robbery
  • Robbery with a Firearm
  • Dealing in stolen property
  • False Verification of Ownership to a Pawnbroker
  • Failure to return leased property

The Difference Between Theft, Robbery and Burglary

  • Theft—a broad title that includes categories like larceny, petit theft and grand theft—involves taking someone else’s property without the owner’s consent and with the intent to permanently depriving them of its use or possession. Theft is defined by taking personal and tangible property.
  • Robbery— is similar to theft but has a few distinct aspects. While theft simply involves stealing a tangible object, a robbery charge punishes the act of taking someone else’s property from the victim’s “immediate presence” through “force or fear.” You cannot commit a robbery unless you take something from someone else. Unlike most theft charges, robbery is considered a violent crime.
  • Burglary— while theft is a crime of taking, burglary is better characterized as a crime of entering. Burglary refers to the entering of a home, vehicle, other structure or property with the intent to commit a crime while inside. It’s important to realize that you can be convicted of burglary without actually committing a crime within the home, vehicle, other structure or property, and the crime you intend to commit does not have to be theft or robbery.

Penalties for Burglary and Theft Charges in Florida

The consequences for a theft or shoplifting conviction may include:

  • Jail or prison time
  • Mandatory fines
  • Probation and community service
  • Suspension of your driver’s license
  • Loss of Employment
  • Loss of professional licenses
  • Loss of educational opportunities

If you have been charged with any type of burglary or theft-related crime, I can guide you through the process and advise you of all the potential penalties you may be facing and the best defense strategies to apply in your case.

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