Orlando Theft Lawyer

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If you have been accused of theft, your number one priority should be securing your freedom. Let a trained Orlando criminal attorney fight for you. The experienced lawyers at Parikh Law, P.A.: Criminal Defense Attorney are well-versed in the laws of the Sunshine State.

If Orlando police did not follow protocol in arresting you or if there is not enough evidence against you, a theft lawyer will work to get the charges against you dropped. If the state has a strong case, we will do everything possible to get you a plea bargain.

What Is Considered Theft?

When one person or a group of people deprives someone of their property or their ability to profit from their property, they have committed theft. A person must be aware of the fact that property belongs to somebody else for criminal theft charges to hold up.

If one person takes another person’s property away from them for a short period, such as a few seconds or an hour, the charges may not hold up in court. A theft crime only occurs if the person who took the property intended to deprive the owner of the use of that property either permanently or temporarily.

Misdemeanor Theft

Misdemeanor theft, or petit theft as it is sometimes called, involves taking money or property that is valued at under $750. It doesn’t matter if the property is from a business or a person. Just because a person steals something that is of little value does not mean they will not be punished harshly. Orlando is tough on crime.

If you steal under $100, it is considered a second-degree misdemeanor in Orlando. If you are convicted of stealing over $100 worth of money or property, it is considered a first-degree misdemeanor. Penalties for a first-degree misdemeanor vary. It depends on how many prior offenses you may have committed.

A second-degree misdemeanor conviction may result in:

Probation

$500 in fees
Up to 60 days in jail

If you have a prior criminal conviction of theft, the charge may be upgraded to a first-degree misdemeanor, even if you were convicted of stealing less than $100.

A first-degree misdemeanor may be punished with:

Fines of up to $1000
Up to one year in jail
Community service

An additional conviction of theft may be upgraded to a third-degree felony. This may come with a sentence of five years in prison and $5000 in fines.

If you are charged with any kind of theft in Orlando, you should contact a theft attorney to discuss your case. If you are convicted of theft, criminal penalties are not the only thing you have to worry about. You may have trouble getting jobs, loans, and even an apartment going forward.

How We Defend Our Clients

When you hire a criminal defense lawyer from Parikh Law, P.A.: Criminal Defense Attorney, our trained theft attorneys will use several tactics in your defense. We will ensure that you were not mistaken for another person or falsely accused of the crime. If you did not possess the items you are charged with stealing or if the items are valueless, we may be able to have the charges thrown out. If you found the things you are accused of stealing as opposed to taking them with intent, our Orlando theft lawyers will work hard to prove it.

Grand Theft

If a person steals something that cost over $750, they will be charged with grand theft. Grand theft is a felony in the state of Florida. As with most crimes, the punishment a convict will receive is based on the severity of the crime. You may need to hire an Orlando criminal law firm to protect you.

Third Degree Felony

A third-degree grand theft occurs when a person steals money or goods worth over $750 but under $20,000. The value of certain items may be depreciated for their age and their wear and tear. For example, if you stole a brand new computer, it would be worth more than one that was two years old.

There are certain items a person can steal that will fall under the category of third-degree grand theft regardless of monetary value. Items that fall into this category would include.

A firearm
A will or modification to a will
Fire extinguisher
More than 2000 pieces of fruit
A farm animal used for commercial purposes
Certain controlled substances
Stop signs

A third-degree felony conviction may come with up to five years in jail. You may also face penalties of up to $5000 and community service.

Being charged with felony theft crimes will adversely affect you for the rest of your life. The Orlando theft lawyers at Parikh Law, P.A.: Criminal Defense Attorney will fight hard to protect your freedom if you are charged with such a crime. We can work to get charges reduced to a misdemeanor or dismissed.

Second Degree Felony

A second-degree grand theft takes place when a person steals an item that is worth over $2000 but under $100,000. As with a third-degree felony, certain items will fall under the category of a second-degree felony no matter what they are. These items include:

Cargo that is in transit from a port to a receiver’s facility by an inter or intrastate carrier
Medical emergency equipment worth over $300
Law enforcement equipment worth over $300. The equipment must be taken from an emergency vehicle

Penalties for a Second Degree Conviction

A second-degree theft charge can come with penalties of $10,000 and a prison sentence of up to 15 years.

First Degree Felony Charges

If a person steals an item that is valued at $100,000 or more, it is considered first-degree grand theft. If a person commits a second or third-degree grand theft and they cause property damage in the course of their theft or if the damages were over $1,000, it is considered a first-degree offense. Again, there are certain items that a person can steal that will fall under the category of a first-degree felony even if they had a lower value. These items include:

Cargo worth $50,000 and being transported from a port to a facility.
A semi-trailer used for law enforcement purposes at the time of the crime.

You may receive a sentence of up to 30 years in prison for first-degree felony theft. You may also be fined up to $10,000.

Other Penalties for a Conviction

Penalties will always be greater if you have a prior theft conviction. A first-degree grand theft conviction may follow a person forever. It is imperative that you hire a theft attorney in Orlando to assist you when you have been charged with theft.

Proving Intent

One of the most important things the prosecutor must establish during a theft case is that the accused had an intent to steal the property. If you had no intention of taking something that belonged to you or if you were unaware that it belonged to another person, a theft lawyer will use that in the fight to protect your freedom.

Types of Theft Charges and Their Legal Implications

Florida law categorizes theft offenses based on the value of the property, the nature of the alleged crime, and whether there are prior theft convictions on record. A person accused of a theft crime in Orlando may face a wide range of consequences—from a misdemeanor punishable by probation and fines, to a first degree felony that carries decades in prison.

Common classifications include:

Petit theft (or petty theft) involves property valued under $750 and may be charged as a second degree petit theft or first degree petit theft, depending on the circumstances and history of offenses.
Grand theft is typically charged when the property is valued over $750. Third degree, second degree, and first degree grand theft each come with increasingly serious penalties, such as years in prison, high fines, and felony conviction status.
Specific items like a controlled substance, fire extinguisher, or emergency medical equipment can escalate a charge regardless of the property’s market value.

Orlando prosecutors often pursue enhanced penalties when there is a prior theft conviction or if the stolen property includes items of public importance or is tied to a retail theft case. The theft of a motor vehicle, for instance, or items in transit can result in elevated felony charges.

A theft conviction not only brings criminal penalties—it may also trigger collateral consequences like immigration issues, job loss, and restricted housing opportunities. In some cases, your attorney may be able to seek a diversion or intervention program, especially if you’re eligible and the circumstances support a resolution short of jail.

If you are facing theft charges in Central Florida, including Orange County, it is vital to have an Orlando theft defense lawyer who can explore every angle—whether that’s proving a good faith belief that you owned the item, arguing good faith possession, or challenging weak evidence to seek a not guilty verdict, case dismissed, or participation in a diversion program. With the right legal strategy, even complex Orlando theft cases can be resolved with minimal criminal record impact.

Call Us Today

Our team works tirelessly to research every case that we take on. Our law firm is committed to the concept that a person is innocent until proven guilty. We want to protect your rights and freedoms. Contact us for an effective theft defense in Orlando, Florida.

If you’ve been charged with theft in Orlando, the legal consequences can be serious—ranging from steep fines to the possibility of incarceration. A trusted Orlando theft crimes lawyer can help you understand your rights and take the right steps to protect your future. Whether the charge is minor or severe, securing a strong defense early in the process is essential.

Understanding Theft Crimes in Florida

Florida law defines theft as knowingly obtaining or using someone else’s property with the intent to permanently or temporarily deprive them of it. Theft offenses can vary based on the value of the property and whether force or unlawful entry was involved.

Common Types of Theft Offenses

Petty Theft – Generally involves property valued at under $750 and is classified as a misdemeanor.
Grand Theft – Involves higher-value property and is usually charged as a felony.
Shoplifting – Often charged based on the value of stolen goods.
Auto Theft – Theft involving vehicles, sometimes charged alongside other offenses.

Even if it’s a first-time offense, theft charges should be taken seriously, and a knowledgeable Orlando theft crimes lawyer can help you build a solid defense.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Theft charges can have long-lasting effects on your personal and professional life. A dedicated Orlando theft crimes lawyer will assess the facts, challenge weak evidence, and advocate for the best possible outcome.

Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer

Guidance through each phase of the legal process
Evaluation of whether your rights were violated
Tailored strategies based on your unique circumstances
Negotiation of plea deals or reduced charges when appropriate

By partnering with the right attorney, you increase your chances of avoiding harsh penalties and protecting your record.

Penalties for Theft Crimes in Orlando

The legal consequences vary widely depending on the severity of the charge:

Misdemeanor Theft – Up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $1,000.
Felony Theft – Includes longer prison sentences and significantly higher fines.
Other consequences may include community service, restitution, and a permanent criminal record.

Since theft crimes often overlap with other serious charges—such as Burglary, which involves entering a structure with intent to commit theft—defending yourself effectively requires thorough legal preparation.

Building a Strong Defense Strategy

Your defense will depend on the nature of the accusation and the available evidence. Some potential strategies a lawyer may explore include:

Lack of Intent

If it can be demonstrated that there was no intent to steal, the charge could be reduced or dismissed.

Mistaken Identity

Surveillance footage or eyewitness accounts can be unreliable. Your lawyer may challenge the identification methods used.

Unlawful Search or Seizure

If law enforcement collected evidence without proper legal procedure, that evidence might be inadmissible in court.

Working with a knowledgeable Orlando theft crimes lawyer ensures that every aspect of your defense is fully considered and professionally handled.

Related Offenses: Trespassing and Robbery

Theft crimes often intersect with other legal violations. For example:

Trespassing involves unlawfully entering or remaining on another person’s property, sometimes connected to an attempted theft.
Robbery differs from theft in that it involves the use or threat of force, making it a violent felony with more severe penalties.

Being charged with theft alongside Robbery or Trespassing can significantly increase the seriousness of your case. That’s why it’s important to work with legal counsel who can handle the full scope of your legal situation.

What to Expect from Your Lawyer

An experienced Orlando theft crimes lawyer can:

Conduct a thorough review of the case
Challenge questionable evidence or procedures
Represent you in court and negotiations
Work toward a reduced sentence or complete dismissal

Throughout the process, your lawyer will serve as your advocate, helping you make informed decisions every step of the way.

Conclusion

A theft charge in Orlando can disrupt your life—but it doesn’t have to define it. With the support of a dedicated Orlando theft crimes lawyer, you can fight back with confidence. From building a defense to addressing related charges like Burglary, Trespassing, or Robbery, the right attorney can help you seek the best possible resolution.