Clearwater Theft Lawyer
If you’ve been accused of theft, you’ll need to fight back before you’re left facing severe penalties. Fortunately, a Clearwater attorney can review your case and help you fight to get your case dismissed.
Theft charges can be severe, and if you’re convicted, you could be facing consequences for some time after your case. However, if you don’t understand the charges you’re facing and the stakes of your case, it can be tough to fight back.
If you’re not sure how severe your theft charges are or what penalties you could face, you’ll need a Clearwater theft lawyer on your side. Speak with the lawyers at Hersem Law to understand potential consequences for your case and how a defense attorney can help.
Petty Theft vs. Grand Theft in Florida
Understanding the severity of your case can also help you understand the consequences. Typically, the penalties you’ll face will depend on both the worth of the stolen items and on the types of items that have been stolen.
For example, petty theft typically includes amounts worth less than $300. While these charges are still severe, the consequences may not be as serious because petty theft charges are still misdemeanors.
Grand theft is more severe. In Florida, this includes stealing items or money worth $300 or more, as well as stealing the following items:
- Firearms
- Motor vehicles
- Stop signs
- Construction signs
- Anhydrous ammonia
Penalties and Consequences for Theft Convictions
Once you’ve reviewed your charges with a theft lawyer, you’ll need to understand the stakes for a theft conviction. You could be facing serious penalties, so speak to your Clearwater attorney before you make any decisions.
Even a misdemeanor can be serious. You could be facing a maximum jail sentence of one year for petty theft. Your fines may total up to $1,000 for first-degree petty theft as well. Unfortunately, that can leave you struggling to recover after a sentencing.
Felony charges are significantly more severe, with third-degree grand theft leaving you in prison for up to five years. For first-degree grant theft, you may be in jail for a maximum of thirty years. Unfortunately, your fines may also be worth up to $10,000, which can be a difficult financial hurdle.
Worse, a misdemeanor or felony in Clearwater can lead to long-term penalties outside of your conviction. For example, you may struggle to find employment or housing. Employers and landlords typically complete background checks, which can lead to rejections and fewer options for you after your prison sentence.
Reach Out to a Theft Attorney in Clearwater
When you’re struggling to recover from theft charges, you’ll need someone on your side to help you understand the details of your case. Getting your charges dismissed can be difficult, especially if you underestimate the severity of your charges.
At Hersem Law, we’ll make sure you understand your case before you make any decisions. We want to help you seek a full dismissal, starting with a free strategy session about the details of your case. To begin with your session, reach out for your Clearwater theft lawyer. Our firm can be reached by calling 813-251-7291 or by completing the online form below.
