Coral Gables Dealing in Stolen Property Lawyers: An Informational Guide for Clients

Finding yourself in legal trouble related to stolen property in Coral Gables can be an incredibly stressful and frightening experience. However, with the right legal representation, you may be able to mitigate penalties and protect your rights. This article provides an overview of dealing in stolen property laws in Coral Gables, typical penalties, and how an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help.

Dealing in Stolen Property Laws in Coral Gables

Florida statute 812.019 makes it illegal to traffic, or conduct other dealings, in property that one knows or should have known was stolen. This crime, known as “dealing in stolen property,” covers buying, selling, distributing, concealing, or otherwise engaging with property one knows was obtained illegally. Even unknowingly possessing stolen property can result in criminal charges if there are obvious signs the property was stolen.

Penalties for dealing in stolen property depend on the value of the stolen items. Misdemeanor charges typically apply for stolen property worth less than $300. However, dealing in stolen property becomes a felony in Coral Gables if:

• The property is valued between $300–$20,000
• The property is valued over $20,000
• The stolen item is cargo from interstate shipment
• The stolen property involves emergency medical equipment

Felony charges for dealing in stolen property can result in hefty fines and years in prison. It’s crucial to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side to potentially reduce charges and penalties.

Why Hire a Coral Gables Criminal Defense Lawyer for Dealing in Stolen Property Charges

Facing criminal charges related to stolen property can completely disrupt your life and livelihood. An experienced Coral Gables criminal defense lawyer has the skills and knowledge to protect your rights and build the strongest defense for your unique situation. Here are some key reasons to hire legal representation:

• Mitigate Penalties: An attorney can negotiate with prosecutors to potentially reduce charges or penalties. They know how to craft arguments to persuade judges to minimize sentencing if convicted. This can make a huge difference in the outcome.
• Protect Your Rights: Law enforcement and prosecutors do make mistakes and overreach at times. An attorney ensures police followed proper protocols, your rights were upheld, and prosecutors have sufficient evidence. Violations could lead to dismissed or reduced charges.
• Build a Strong Defense: There are often viable defenses against dealing in stolen property charges. For example, you may have purchased the item without knowing it was stolen. Or someone else conducted the illegal dealings without your knowledge. An attorney thoroughly investigates to build defenses.
• Avoid Jail Time: For felony charges, experienced lawyers know how to negotiate with prosecutors to potentially avoid mandatory minimum prison sentences. Alternative programs or probation may be options.
• Navigate the Legal System: The criminal justice system can seem overwhelming. An attorney handles communications, filings, court procedures, etc. so you can focus on other aspects of your life.

Don’t take chances with your future and livelihood. An experienced Coral Gables criminal defense lawyer can be your advocate and defender throughout the legal process.

How Lawyers Defend Coral Gables Clients Against Dealing in Stolen Property Charges

When representing a client facing stolen property charges, a Coral Gables criminal defense lawyer will thoroughly examine the case and look for potential defenses. Common defenses in dealing in stolen property cases include:

Lack of Knowledge – One of the primary elements prosecutors must prove is that the defendant knew, or should have known, the property was stolen. However, this isn’t always straightforward. For example, if you purchased goods at a yard sale or online marketplace, how could you know they were illegally obtained? An attorney can argue there was no way you could have known.

Entrapment – This occurs when law enforcement induces someone to commit a crime they otherwise wouldn’t have. A lawyer can argue you were illegally entrapped if an undercover officer pressured you into receiving stolen property.

Misidentification – Eyewitnesses and even video surveillance can sometimes identify the wrong person. An attorney thoroughly investigates to determine if mistaken identity occurred.

Unlawful Search & Seizure – If evidence was obtained illegally through improper searches or seizures, an attorney can file motions to suppress that evidence from trial. This could significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.

Possession vs. Trafficking – There is a difference between unknowingly possessing stolen goods versus intentionally trafficking them. An attorney works to reduce trafficking charges to lesser possession charges if appropriate.

Negotiate Alternative Programs – For qualifying defendants, programs like pretrial diversion or deferred prosecution could lead to reduced or dismissed charges upon completion. Lawyers negotiate with prosecutors for these alternatives.

Mounting an aggressive defense requires in-depth investigation, research, motions, negotiations, and persuasive arguments in court. An experienced lawyer intimately understands how to build the strongest case possible for a favorable outcome.

What to Expect When Hiring a Coral Gables Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you decide to hire legal representation for dealing in stolen property charges, here are some things you can expect from the process:

• Free consultation – Reputable lawyers offer a free, no-obligation case review and consultation. This gives you the chance to discuss your situation and options.
• Case investigation – The attorney thoroughly examines the evidence, interviews witnesses, visits the crime scene, and gathers additional information to identify weaknesses and build defenses.
• Legal motions – Your lawyer files motions challenging the legality of searches, seizures, arrests, etc. if there were any procedural errors.
• Plea negotiations – Your attorney negotiates with the prosecution to reduce charges and penalties or agree to alternative programs.
• Trial preparation – If necessary, your lawyer extensively prepares your defense strategy, arguments, witnesses, and evidence for trial.
• Case communications – You can expect prompt updates from your attorney explaining procedures, strategy, options, and outcomes each step of the way.
• Supportive guidance – This is an emotional time. Your lawyer provides knowledgeable guidance and compassionate support throughout the legal process.

Reputable Coral Gables criminal defense lawyers are transparent about fees and responsive in communications. They have experience successfully defending dealing in stolen property charges. With the right legal representation, you may be able to mitigate penalties or even avoid conviction.

Examples of Coral Gables Lawyers Defending Clients Against Dealing in Stolen Property Charges

To give you an idea of how lawyers build defenses in real cases, here are some examples of Coral Gables attorneys defending clients against dealing in stolen property charges:

Unknowing Possession – Attorney Leo Benitez successfully argued his client had no knowledge expensive jewelry she pawned was stolen. Phone records proved she wasn’t in communication with the thieves. Charges were reduced from trafficking to possession.

Entrapment Defense – Lawyer Richard Diaz defended his client against receiving stolen electronics by providing evidence an undercover officer pressured the exchange. Prosecutors dropped the felony charges due to entrapment concerns.

Case Dismissed – Attorney E.J. Hubbs investigated his client’s case and discovered police improperly searched his vehicle without probable cause. The judge agreed and dismissed the case based on the unlawful search and seizure.

Probation & Treatment – Lawyer Rossen Dimov persuaded prosecutors to allow his client to enter a treatment program for substance abuse issues instead of serving prison time for selling stolen goods. She completed the program and avoided a conviction.

As you can see, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome when fighting dealing in stolen property charges. The right attorney has the skills to build a strong defense, negotiate effectively, and protect your rights every step of the way.

Conclusion: Why Coral Gables Dealing in Stolen Property Lawyers Are Critical

Being accused of trafficking or possessing stolen property can have devastating personal and financial consequences. However, an experienced Coral Gables criminal defense lawyer levels the playing field and fights to protect your rights and future.

They know how to thoroughly investigate your case, identify procedural errors, mount aggressive legal defenses, negotiate with prosecutors, and advocate for you in court. This provides the best chance at reduced charges, minimized penalties, or even dismissed cases for clients facing dealing in stolen property allegations.

Don’t leave your fate to chance. Consult with a knowledgeable Coral Gables criminal defense attorney as soon as possible for trusted guidance and representation. With an experienced lawyer on your side, you can have confidence your rights will be protected throughout the legal process.