In Florida, dealing with theft or fraud charges is a serious matter. Even a theft as simple as shoplifting could result in a misdemeanor charge. If convicted, you face incarceration or fines—not to mention a criminal record. Theft or fraud charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the value of the stolen property.
If you’re facing theft charges in Florida, you need knowledgeable legal representation. Attorney Erika Valcarcel is ready to hear your case and get started on your defense in Sarasota. She understands how confusing and upsetting being accused of theft charges can be, especially for anyone who hasn’t been accused of a crime in the past.
Florida Theft and Fraud Offenses
Florida’s criminal statutes cover a wide range of activities that might result in criminal fraud or theft charges. They can be minor, like petty theft, or major, like embezzlement.
Florida criminal defense lawyer Erika Valcarcel is prepared to defend against any type of criminal charge you face in Sarasota or Manatee counties. Common fraud or theft charges include:
Grand Theft
Grand theft is defined as intentionally and illegally stealing property that is worth more than $300. You could be charged with a first-, second-, or third-degree felony.
Petit Theft
Petit theft or petty theft is the unlawful taking of property that is worth less than $300. You can charged with first- or second-degree misdemeanors.
Check Fraud
Check fraud occurs when an individual, in order to obtain a service or goods, writes a check with the knowledge that there is not enough money in their account to cover the purchase. You could be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor or third-degree felony.
Credit Card Fraud
Credit card fraud is committed when forged or stolen cards are used, sold, or purchased. These are either treated as first-degree misdemeanors or third-degree felonies.
Embezzlement
Florida considers embezzlement to be a type of property theft that involves an individual, who was given property or funds for temporary usage or safe keeping, who took that property or money for their own personal gain. Charges can range from first-degree misdemeanors up to third-, second-, or first-degree felonies.
False Pretenses
False pretenses, commonly known as obtaining property by false pretenses, is confused with several offenses, but this crime occurs when an individual lies or misrepresents facts in order to obtain a property title. These charges range from misdemeanors to felonies.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is the crime of stealing another person’s identity for the purpose of obtaining funds, credit, credit cards, applying for loans, establishing accounts, leasing vehicles, and even finding employment. It is always filed as a felony, either second- or first-degree.
Burglary
Burglary involves entering a residence or building with the intent to commit a criminal offense. The intended offense doesn’t have to be theft, but burglary and theft often go hand-in-hand. Burglary is a serious felony offense, ranging from first-, second-, or third-degree felonies.
Robbery
Robbery is a serious felony offense in Florida, and the charges increase if you were armed at the time of crime. You could be charged with a first- or second-degree felony.
Home Invasion Robbery
A home invasion robbery offense is described as a person entering a dwelling with the intent to illegally take money or other property and then actually carrying out the robbery. You could be charged with a first-degree or life felony.
Forgery
Forgery is committed when a person falsely makes, alters, forges, or counterfeits any written material with the intent to defraud or injure another individual. This crime is considered a third-degree felony.