Boca Raton Dealing in Stolen Property Lawyers – Your Guide to Fighting Charges
Living in Boca Raton, Florida comes with its perks – year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant social scene. But it also comes with its downsides, like the potential to be charged with dealing in stolen property.
If you or someone you love has been accused of buying, selling, trafficking or possessing stolen goods in Boca Raton, it’s understandable to feel scared, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next. The good news is there are knowledgeable and compassionate defense attorneys in the area who can help.
This article provides an overview of dealing in stolen property charges in Boca Raton, potential defenses, and how an experienced criminal defense lawyer can assist in getting charges reduced or dismissed.
Overview of Dealing in Stolen Property Charges
Dealing in stolen property, or trafficking in stolen property, refers to buying, selling, trafficking or possessing goods that you know – or should have known – were stolen. This is a felony offense in Florida that carries steep penalties, including:
- Up to 15 years in prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Probation
- Permanent criminal record
Prosecutors tend to pursue these cases aggressively, hoping to set an example that deters others from trafficking stolen goods. But each case is unique, with potential defenses that could lead to charges being dropped or reduced.
Types of stolen property cases that a Boca Raton criminal defense attorney may encounter include:
- Selling stolen items – This could involve knowingly selling items you knew were stolen through online marketplaces like Craigslist or OfferUp. Or selling to pawn shops or secondhand stores.
- Receiving/possessing stolen property – Simply possessing stolen property, even if you weren’t involved in the actual theft. This is a common charge when stolen items are found in someone’s home, vehicle, storage unit, etc.
- Trafficking stolen property – Playing an active role in moving stolen items through black market channels. This may involve transporting, reselling or distributing stolen goods for profit.
- Organized retail theft – Working with others to steal large quantities of new merchandise from retailers, with intent to resell the goods.
The state doesn’t need to prove you were involved in the initial theft. Simply possessing or selling goods you know were stolen is enough to be charged and prosecuted.
Why You Need an Experienced Lawyer’s Help
Facing criminal charges is scary enough on its own. The penalties for dealing in stolen property in Florida make the stakes even higher. Not only are you facing potential prison time, but a felony conviction also leads to:
- Difficulty finding a job and housing
- Loss of certain civil rights, like voting and gun ownership
- Social stigma
- Immigration consequences, if applicable
When your reputation, livelihood and future are on the line, you can’t afford to go it alone against an aggressive prosecutor. An experienced Boca Raton criminal defense lawyer levels the playing field by thoroughly analyzing your case, identifying weaknesses, and developing the most strategic legal defenses.
Unlike overworked public defenders, private defense attorneys are able to dedicate sufficient time and resources to each case. And they have knowledge of local courts and prosecutors that comes from years of practice in the Boca Raton area.
Possible Defenses a Lawyer Can Raise
There are a number of defenses an attorney may use to fight dealing in stolen property charges, including:
You Didn’t Know the Items Were Stolen
Lack of knowledge is one of the most common defenses in stolen property cases. The state has to prove you knowingly trafficked in stolen goods.
If you can show you had no way of knowing the property was stolen, this can defeat the charges. For example, maybe you purchased goods in good faith through what you thought was a legitimate marketplace. Or someone you know gave you items as a gift that turned out to be stolen.
You Were Not in Possession of the Stolen Items
Mere proximity to stolen property does not mean you possessed it. For example, stolen items may have been recovered from your shared storage unit or garage without your knowledge. Or a roommate, family member or friend stashed stolen goods in your house or car without your consent.
In these scenarios, a lawyer can argue there is reasonable doubt about possession.
There’s No Evidence the Items Were Actually Stolen
The state has the burden of proving the recovered items were in fact stolen. This isn’t always straightforward, especially with newer items that didn’t have specific owner identification on them.
When there’s lack of evidence that the items were stolen, the entire case falls apart. An attorney will scrutinize the evidence to see if the state can even establish the goods were stolen in the first place.
Illegal Search and Seizure
How the items were recovered can also be challenged. If police searched your property without probable cause or a warrant, any evidence found may be inadmissible due to an illegal search.
This is just a sample of potential defenses in a Boca Raton stolen property case. An attorney will look at every angle of the case to figure out your strongest defense strategy.
The Benefits of Working with a Local Lawyer
Here are some of the key benefits of working with an experienced stolen property lawyer in Boca Raton:
A Thorough Investigation
An attorney will carry out a detailed investigation of your case, looking for any weaknesses and inconsistencies. This includes reviewing police reports, analyzing the state’s evidence and interviewing witnesses.
Negotiating with the Prosecutor
Based on their findings, the lawyer will negotiate aggressively with the prosecutor to get charges dismissed or reduced. They know how to craft persuasive arguments tailored to the facts of your case. It’s common for cases to be resolved through plea bargaining.
Trial Experience
If a satisfactory plea deal can’t be reached, an experienced trial lawyer has the courtroom skills to mount a strong defense in front of a judge and jury. Very few cases actually go to trial, but it’s important to have an attorney who isn’t afraid to take that step if needed.
Guidance on Potential Penalties
Your attorney will educate you about the potential penalties you’re facing and possible outcomes, both good and bad. They’ll offer guidance on whether it’s advisable to take a plea deal or go to trial.
Avoiding Costly Mistakes
Navigating the criminal justice system is complicated, even for minor offenses. For serious stolen property felonies, it’s vital to have legal counsel to avoid missteps that could hurt your case down the road.
Finding the Right Boca Raton Lawyer for Your Case
If you or a loved one is facing stolen property charges, it’s important to act fast and find the right lawyer. Look for a criminal defense attorney who checks the following boxes:
- Significant experience defending stolen property cases in Boca Raton
- Successful track record getting charges dismissed or reduced
- Knowledge of local courts, judges, prosecutors
- Resources to thoroughly investigate your case
- Compassionate and non-judgmental
- Reasonable legal fees and payment plans
Don’t leave your future in the hands of an overworked public defender. A private defense lawyer can make all the difference in how your case plays out. Use this guide to find the right attorney to fight for you. With an experienced legal advocate on your side, you have every chance of moving past this ordeal and getting your life back on track.
References
https://www.palmbeachdefense.com/crimes/dealing-in-stolen-property/