Coral Gables Giving False Information to a Pawnbroker Lawyers

Giving False Information to a Pawnbroker is a crime in Coral Gables, Florida that can lead to criminal charges. As a lawyer practicing in this area, I often advise clients accused of this crime on their rights and options. It’s a complex issue with many nuances, so let’s break it down.

What exactly is “giving false information to a pawnbroker” anyway? Well, it’s when someone intentionally provides inaccurate or misleading information to a pawnbroker in relation to a pawn transaction. This could be lying about your name, address, ownership of an item, or other details required by the pawnbroker. The intent is to deceive.

Now why is this illegal? Pawnbrokers are regulated businesses required to collect certain information per Florida statutes. Providing false info undermines their ability to comply with laws and properly identify customers. It’s also considered a type of fraud.

The crime falls under Florida statute 812.055 which states: “It is unlawful for any person to give false information to a pawnbroker”. Simple as that. It’s a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $1000 fine.

As a Coral Gables defense lawyer, I’ve seen folks charged for various reasons:

• Using a fake name when pawning items, often to hide stolen goods
• Providing false ID or false address to remain anonymous
• Lying about owning an item being pawned
• Generally just trying to deceive the pawnbroker about their identity

The problem is pawnbrokers are required by law to collect things like names, addresses, and ID from anyone pawning or selling items. This helps track stolen property and regulate the industry. So lying about this info messes up their processes.

Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t judge clients accused of this crime. Times are tough and people do what they gotta do to get by. But it is illegal, so anyone charged should speak to a lawyer ASAP.

As a defense attorney, I first look at the evidence and make sure the charges will stick. Police and prosecutors have to prove beyond reasonable doubt my client intentionally gave false info. If the evidence is shaky, we can get charges dismissed.

If the evidence is solid, we consider defenses like:

• Lack of criminal intent – my client didn’t mean to mislead the pawnbroker or was confused
• Entrapment – my client was tricked or pressured into giving false info
• Misidentification – my client is not the person who gave the false info
• Violation of rights – police violated rights in obtaining evidence

I also negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or pre-trial diversion programs to avoid a conviction. Things like community service and counseling can be better than jail time.

The penalties really depend on criminal history and other factors. Many first-time offenders just get probation or community service. But subsequent charges can mean weeks or months in jail. It varies case by case.

My advice? Be truthful with pawnbrokers and don’t try to deceive them about your identity or anything else. It’s a quick way to get in legal trouble. But if charged, stay calm and call an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Coral Gables. We can protect your rights and build the strongest defense.

I know money is tight, but a conviction can hurt job and housing prospects down the road. So fight the charges with an aggressive lawyer on your side. We help everyday people accused of crimes large and small. Call my office for a free consultation and learn your options.

With the right legal strategy, many of these cases can be dismissed, reduced, or even avoided with pre-trial programs. Don’t go it alone against police and prosecutors. A knowledgeable lawyer can steer you through the complex criminal justice system.