Are you facing grand theft charges in Fort Lauderdale, Florida? You are innocent until proven guilty, have the right to remain silent when being questioned by police, and have the right to speak to a lawyer. Michael D. Weinstein, P.A. is a criminal defense law firm in Fort Lauderdale, Florida that represents the rights of the accused.
Grand theft conviction is a felony. Whether a person will face grand theft charges in the first degree, second degree, or third degree will depend largely on the value of items stolen. According to Florida law, if the property stolen is worth more than $20,000, but less than $100,000, this qualifies for grand theft in the first degree. If property stolen is cargo that goes into interstate commerce but is worth less than $50,000, this could result in a first degree grand theft conviction. If property stolen is medical equipment or law enforcement equipment worth more than $300, this could also result in a felony conviction. Individuals can be charged with a second degree felony if the equipment stolen is medical equipment or equipment used by law enforcement. Finally, third degree grand theft felonies include a range of potential items, but generally the value of the property must be more than $750, or if the property is a firearm, last will and testament, motor vehicle, commercial farm animal, fire extinguisher, citrus fruit (if the amount is more than 2,000 pieces of fruit), stop signs, ammonia, controlled substances, and items taken from construction sites.
If you are facing charges of grand theft or have been arrested for grand theft, the penalties can be severe. Felonies in the third degree can carry prison terms up to five years, five years’ probation, and fines up to $5000. Grand theft of the second degree can result in penalties of up to fifteen years in prison, fifteen years’ probation, and a fine up to $10,000. And grand theft of the first degree can result in a maximum 30 years in prison, thirty years’ probation, a fine up to $10,000, and a mandatory-minimum sentence of 21 months in prison. Conviction of grand theft can impact your reputation, freedom, and can result in other collateral consequences that can impact your ability to get certain types of jobs, welfare, or other government aid. However, you are innocent until proven guilty. Sometimes prosecutors might offer individuals plea deals. But before you take a plea deal, you may want to speak to a criminal defense law firm first. A criminal defense lawyer like Michael D. Weinstein, P.A. can review the evidence gathered against you, speak to witnesses, and help you understand your options under the law.
Have questions about your rights? Contact Michael D. Weinstein, P.A., a criminal defense law firm in Fort Lauderdale, Florida today. Our firm may be able to help.
Grand Theft Defenses?
What are some grand theft defenses? Sometimes individuals might honestly believe they owned the property, and sometimes individuals might honestly believe they had a genuine legal right to use the property. For example, if a friend let you borrow their car, and then later accuses you of grand theft, if you can prove you were permitted to borrow the car and the charge arises from confusion, you may be able to have your charges dropped. Sometimes individuals are charged with grand theft when there is a case of mistaken identity. For example, if someone says they saw you steal a car, but you were never found in possession of the vehicle, and the charges are based solely on eyewitness testimony, you may be able to challenge the prosecution. If, when you were arrested, police failed to read you your Miranda rights, failed to honor your request to remain silent, or failed to let you get in touch with a lawyer, you may be able to use this information as part of your defense strategy. Mistakes with police investigations and chain of evidence could also poke holes in the prosecution’s case. These are just some of the defenses available for grand theft charges. If you have questions about your options and rights, consider speaking to Michael D. Weinstein, P.A., a criminal defense law firm in Fort Lauderdale, Florida today. You are innocent until proven guilty.
Protect Your Rights and Freedom
Grand theft charges are very serious. If you have been arrested, you have the right to remain silent and have the right to ask to speak to a lawyer. Have questions? Michael D. Weinstein, P.A. is a criminal defense law firm in Fort Lauderdale, Florida that may be able to help you fight your charges.