A theft accusation could affect you for years, even if the charge seems minor. Whether you are accused of taking lost property or committing a more serious offense, such as grand theft, Florida law treats many theft-related offenses as crimes of dishonesty. A conviction could impact your reputation, job prospects, and future housing opportunities.
At Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC, an experienced Key West theft lawyer could help you challenge the allegations and push back against harsh consequences. Whether this is your first time being charged or you have a prior record, the right legal strategy matters. Contact our firm to work with a seasoned criminal defense attorney who could assess evidence, explain your legal options, and work toward the most favorable case outcome.
Under the 2024 Florida Statutes § 812.014, the state defines theft as knowingly obtaining or using, or attempting to receive or use, another person’s property with the intent to either temporarily or permanently deprive them of it. Theft is not limited to burglary, but also includes acts such as switching price tags, taking lost items without trying to return them, or using another person’s property without permission.
The classification of a theft charge depends on the value of the property and the circumstances of the offense:
Additional factors, such as prior convictions, use of force, or theft from an elderly person, could increase the severity of the charge. Theft charges in Key West vary widely, and a thorough review of the incident by an experienced attorney is essential to determining the proper legal response.
Sentences for a theft offense increase significantly when a misdemeanor charge escalates to a felony. A misdemeanor conviction could result in county jail time, probation, and mandatory restitution, while felony theft exposes a defendant to years in state prison. Judges also impose fines that increase with the severity of the charge, and they often order community service or classes designed to prevent repeat offenses.
Beyond the courtroom, a theft conviction brands your record with a crime of dishonesty. Employers, landlords, and professional licensing boards could view these offenses as warning signs, making it harder to secure work or housing after release. Non-citizens may also face immigration consequences.
As the long-term impact could outweigh the immediate sentence, prompt legal help from a theft defense attorney in Key West is critical to explore diversion, seek charge reductions, or argue for alternatives to incarceration.
A Key West theft defense attorney could assess every detail of your arrest, the property valuation, and the prosecution’s evidence chain to evaluate whether the charge could be reduced or dismissed. A lawyer’s early involvement often provides opportunities for diversion programs or negotiated pleas that keep a felony off the record.
When a trial becomes unavoidable, your attorney could challenge the state’s argument by moving to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, disputing questionable valuations, and presenting exculpatory surveillance or digital records. Your defense may also include demonstrating mistaken identity or lack of intent and negotiating restitution agreements in place of incarceration. By managing a case from the beginning, a theft attorney could reduce penalties and protect your future.
A Key West theft lawyer could evaluate the evidence against you, explain your legal options, and pursue an outcome that protects your freedom and reputation. Taking action early could increase your chances of lowering the charge, joining a diversion program, or achieving other favorable outcomes, giving you the best opportunity to move forward. Call Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC today to schedule a confidential consultation.
