Petit Theft Lawyer in Miami, FL

Have You Been Charged with Petit Theft in Miami?

Although petit theft (sometimes referred to as petty theft) is considered a minor crime, it does come with some penalties if lawyer is not obtained and an individual consequently is found guilty of the charge.

How Serious is a Petit Theft Charge in Miami?

Petit theft in Miami, FL is either filed as a misdemeanor of the first degree or a second-degree misdemeanor. In order for an individual to be charged with petit theft as a second-degree misdemeanor, the value of the property that was stolen has to be worth less than $100. If the value of the property is worth more than $100, then the petit theft will be charged as a misdemeanor of the first degree. An individual can also be charged with a misdemeanor of the first degree for petty theft if they already have a prior conviction.

What is Considered a Petty Theft Crime in Miami?

Petty theft is commonly the term that is used when someone is accused of shoplifting. If found guilty of petty theft, an individual can be subject to a fine up to $400 or be sentenced to spend up to 6 months in county jail. It is possible in some circumstances that the individual charged with the crime is given both a fine and time in jail. Remember, each petty theft case is different, and penalties will vary accordingly. Having a Miami petit theft lawyer will give a defendant the best chance at having their theft charges reduced or dropped altogether.

How Can an Expert Petit Theft Lawyer in Miami Help You?

With the help of a petit theft lawyer, a quality defense can be formed to help a person who has been charged with petit theft.

It will be essential to hire a lawyer for defense against a petit theft charge, as evidence against the defendant may include:

• Employee testimony from the establishment/business where the petit theft occurred
• Testimony from other shoppers that were in the place of business during the time of the petty theft
• The petty theft may have been caught on camera, which could be used as evidence
• Admission statements made by the defendant during the time of the arrest

What Are the Penalties for Petty Theft in Miami?

With the proper defense, petit theft can be very difficult for a prosecutor to prove as they are going to have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that an individual stole property with the intent to steal.

If the defendant is found guilty of a petit theft charge, a quality Miami petit theft lawyermay be able to explore alternative penalties to jail time such as:

• Counseling
• Withholding of adjudication
• Diversion program
• Restitution in the amount of the stolen property
• Electronic monitoring
• House arrest

In Addition to Jail Time and Fines, What Are Possible Penalties that a Petty Theft Guilty Verdict May Bring?

If found guilty of petty theft, in addition to the fines and penalties mentioned above, the guilty may also have to cope with:

• Loss of academic scholarship
• A driver’s license suspension
• Community service hours
• Public scrutiny/embarrassment
• Loss of trust of family members and friends

What Should I Do if I’m Charged with Petty Theft in Miami?

If you or someone you know has been charged with petty theft, our lawyer with experience will work tirelessly to form a defense plan to give you the best chance at having the charges reduced or even dismissed. You should never plead guilty, even if you committed the offense. If not dismissed or dropped, our attorney can help you get a withhold of adjudication, which will save your driving privileges and your criminal record.

Even though petty theft is considered to be a fairly minor offense, it is without a doubt punishable by law. For those charged with petit theft that are not first-time offenders, it is more likely that they will encounter more serious penalties.

Contact usat (305) 440-4006 or send us a message for a free consultation with our Miami petit theft attorney.