Theft Charges
There are many types of theft that you can be charged with in the state of Florida. From retail merchandise theft all the way to identity theft. Either way, all theft charges should be taken seriously and could result in jail time, so it is important that you realize the trouble you are in and how a lawyer can help you through the process. Even if you are arrested for a simple shoplifting crime, Grozinger Law, P.A., can help you out. In Orlando, being charged with petit theft which is under $300, or retail theft which is over $300 can be dealt with a variety of ways. A defense attorney would have to evaluate the entire case including evidence, past record and the severity of the theft when deciding how to defend the case in court. Because there are many factors to consider, you should consult a lawyer in the Orlando area for more info.
Things like whether or not you left the store with the merchandise, if you have intent to actually steal the merchandise or if an item was accidentally placed inside your bag and forgot about are all things that you should consider when discussing your defense with your lawyer. Other things like whether the stop and search was racially motivated or even the value of the item being provable in court are also things that your defense attorney can consider as options for you in court. Even if you are not a resident of the state and are visiting with family during the alleged theft, you are going to be charged in Orlando so it would help to hire an attorney with experience in these types of cases in Florida. There can be serious sentences given for theft cases.
Many law firms know that you have the right to an attorney and with theft charges there is reason to hire one to help you with the possibility of a negotiation of the sentence. A conviction of theft on your record can affect your entire family and that is why it is important to hire an attorney that can help you throughout the process.
Can you enter into a plea agreement on theft charges?
Yes, you can. If that is what is offered by the state attorney you can certainly accept the conditions of the plea agreement and should realize that you will be held to those conditions.
Is a trial required?
No, a trial may not be required, but if you attorney thinks that you have a good chance of being found innocent, the trial might be the way to go and it will be scheduled at that time should the evidence against you be there.
A lawyer from the Orlando area would be able to help you knowing the laws of the state and whether a motion needs to be filed seeking a dismissal of the charges, a suppression of the evidence needs to be considered or even whether a pre-trial diversion program is the best option for you as their client. Going to court without the experience to consider these things can be detrimental to the outcome of your case.
Getting arrested in the state of Florida is going to be stressful for anyone, but you should realize that there is help for you and Grozinger Law, P.A. is a great place to start even if you are just dealing with theft charges.
