Miami Grand Theft Lawyers: Your Guide to Fighting Theft Charges in Miami
Hey there! If you’re reading this, you’re probably dealing with some sort of theft charge in Miami. I feel you – getting accused of stealing something sucks. But don’t panic. This article will give you the lowdown on grand theft charges in Miami, and how a good lawyer can help you fight them.
What is Grand Theft in Miami?
In Miami, grand theft – also called grand larceny – is when someone takes property worth $300 or more without permission. The state laws break it down like this:
- Grand theft first degree – taking property worth $100,000 or more
- Grand theft second degree – taking property worth $20,000 to $100,000
- Grand theft third degree – taking property worth $300 to $20,000
So if you’re accused of taking someone’s Rolex, or cleaning out their bank account, you’re looking at some pretty serious charges.
Other common grand theft charges in Miami include:
- Stealing cars or boats
- Burglary – breaking into a building to steal stuff
- Fraud – tricking someone to hand over cash or valuables
- Embezzlement – stealing money from your employer
The penalties get harsher as the value of the stolen property increases. Even third degree grand theft can land you 5 years in state prison. Not good.
Common Defenses Against Grand Theft Charges
Luckily, a skilled Miami theft crimes lawyer can often get charges reduced or dismissed. Some common defenses they may use include:
You had permission to take the item – This can apply if you borrowed a friend’s car or took money you honestly believed was a gift. Your lawyer just has to prove you had no intent to permanently deprive the owner.
Mistaken identity – If your lawyer can show police arrested the wrong person, the case can be dismissed. Eyewitnesses do make mistakes.
Entrapment – This argues that police improperly tricked or coerced you into committing a crime you wouldn’t normally do. It’s a valid defense against theft stings.
False accusations – People sometimes wrongly accuse others of theft out of anger or revenge. Your lawyer can demonstrate the accuser is simply not credible.
Lack of evidence – If there’s no solid proof you took the items, the charges can often get dropped. Surveillance footage and eyewitnesses help, but aren’t always available.
Addiction – For theft fueled by drug or gambling problems, rehab and treatment programs can lead to reduced charges.See how the right lawyer makes a difference? Let’s look at some of the best in Miami…
Top Miami Grand Theft Attorneys
If you’re facing grand theft accusations in Miami, I really recommend hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney. Here are some of the best:
1. David Edelstein
With over 20 years experience, Edelstein is one of Miami’s top white collar and fraud crimes lawyers. He’s helped many clients avoid conviction for theft, embezzlement, and related charges by exposing sloppy police work and unreliable witnesses. His firm offers free case reviews.
2. Frank Quintero
Quintero is a former Miami prosecutor who knows how the DA builds theft cases. He excels at plea bargaining to get charges reduced and avoid jail time. He also speaks Spanish, and his firm has payment plans for those struggling financially.
3. Jim Lewis
Lewis takes an aggressive approach to knocking out theft charges. He’s known for relentlessly attacking shaky evidence and questionable police conduct. He also has strong relationships with prosecutors that help resolve cases.
4. David Olshansky
Olshansky has an impressive track record defending clients accused of white collar crimes like fraud, embezzlement, and employee theft. He’s passionate about protecting the falsely accused from excessive charges.
5. Stephanie Kraft Sheldon
A former public defender, Sheldon has a sharp legal mind and knack for spotting constitutional violations. She excels at getting confessions thrown out and exposing sloppy investigative work.
The takeaway? Don’t just accept the charges. Talk to one of these experienced Miami theft crimes lawyers about fighting your case. Many offer free consultations, so you have nothing to lose.
What Happens at a Grand Theft Arraignment Hearing?
If you’ve been arrested for grand theft in Miami, your first court appearance will be an arraignment hearing. Here’s what you can expect:
- The charges are read – The judge reads the formal grand theft accusation against you.
- Enter a plea – You’ll enter a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest. Always plead not guilty until your lawyer can review the evidence.
- Bail is set – The judge decides if you should be released on bail while awaiting trial. Your lawyer can argue for lower bail or even release on your own recognizance (no bail).
- Trial date – The judge sets a date for the trial if you plead not guilty. This gives your lawyer time to build your defense strategy.
- Pre-trial motions – Your lawyer can file motions challenging the legality of searches, seizure of evidence, interrogations etc. This builds your defense.
Having an experienced Miami theft crimes attorney with you at arraignment is critical. Don’t go it alone.
How Lawyers Investigate Grand Theft Cases
Once you’ve pled not guilty, your Miami grand theft lawyer’s investigation kicks into high gear. Here are some things they’ll do:
- Interview witnesses – Eyewitnesses can be questioned about what they really saw. Your lawyer can expose inconsistencies or bias.
- Review police reports – Police often make mistakes cataloging evidence that can help beat the charges.
- Visit the crime scene – Your lawyer may visit the site of the alleged theft to reconstruct events. Crime scenes sometimes tell a different story than police reports.
- Subpoena evidence – Witness statements, surveillance video, cell phone records and forensic evidence can be subpoenaed. These can prove your innocence.
- Consult experts – A false confession expert can analyze if your Miranda rights were violated. An eyewitness ID expert can discredit unreliable witnesses.
- Dig into the accuser’s background – If the accuser has a history of making false claims or has ulterior motives, it undermines their credibility.
Leave no stone unturned – that’s how great theft defense lawyers operate.
How Much Does a Miami Grand Theft Lawyer Cost?
Costs vary by law firm, but expect to pay a retainer fee of $2,000 – $10,000 or more. Complex cases like defending embezzlement charges can run even higher.
But skilled lawyers are often worth the price. They get charges dismissed in over 60% of theft cases, saving clients huge fines, jail time and criminal records.
Many lawyers offer payment plans so legal fees don’t break the bank. And rates are sometimes negotiable for those facing financial hardship. Don’t let money prevent you from getting the best legal defense.
Takeaways: Fighting Miami Grand Theft Charges
Being arrested for grand theft feels scary and overwhelming. But an experienced Miami criminal defense lawyer can help you beat the charges and move on with your life.
- Don’t take a public defender – their huge caseloads mean less focus on you. Hire a private lawyer who’ll fight aggressively for you.
- Explore all defenses – you’d be surprised what an experienced lawyer can uncover to create doubt about the accusations.
- Act fast – the sooner you hire a lawyer after being charged, the more options you’ll have. Don’t delay.
- Be hopeful – with the right legal strategy, many theft charges end up dismissed or reduced to misdemeanors.
Stay strong and know there are excellent lawyers in Miami ready to take your call today. Don’t go through this alone. Help is out there!