Miami Petit Theft Lawyers

Table of Contents

Miami Petit Theft Lawyers – A Friend in Your Corner When You Need One

Getting arrested for petit theft in Miami can be scary and overwhelming. As a local defense attorney focused on these types of cases, I totally get it. And I’m here to help. This article will walk you through exactly what petit theft is under Florida law, typical penalties if convicted, and most importantly, your defense options and rights.

What is Petit Theft in Florida?

Petit theft basically means shoplifting or stealing an item under $750 in value. It’s considered a misdemeanor in Florida, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t serious. A petit theft conviction stays on your criminal record and can impact jobs, housing, loans and more down the road.

Some common examples I see of petit theft charges in Miami include:

Concealing store merchandise in your purse, bag or clothing and walking out without paying
Switching price tags to get an item cheaper
Walking out with unpaid small ticket items, like makeup or electronics
Accidentally forgetting to scan something at self checkout

While the item values are small in these types of cases, the penalties can be very real if convicted.

What Happens If You’re Convicted of Petit Theft in Florida?

The good news is that petit theft is still a misdemeanor in Florida, rather than a felony. But you could still face:

Up to 1 year in jail – Judges rarely give jail time for a first offense, but it is possible under the law
Up to 1 year probation – Very common for petit theft convictions
Up to $1,000 fine – Plus court costs and fees
Permanent criminal record – Makes background checks extremely difficult to pass

And if you’re convicted of multiple petit thefts, penalties escalate quickly to felonies under Florida’s theft statute. So getting experienced legal help from the start is extremely important.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer For a Petit Theft Charge?

I know – it feels like “no big deal”, it’s just a small item, right? But there’s a lot more than just the item value at stake. As you read above, petit theft convictions stay on background checks forever.

They can prevent you from getting jobs, apartments, loans and professional licenses down the road. And a second petit theft leads to felony charges.

An experienced Miami theft defense lawyer knows how to fight the charges and protect your record. We dig into the details..were you wrongly accused? Is there video evidence to dispute? Does the value actually meet the threshold to be a crime?

When your life is hanging in the balance over a small item, you need someone in your corner who knows the system and how to defend you.

Legal Defenses Miami Lawyers Use to Fight Petit Theft

As a local theft defense lawyer, I have helped many people just like you fight back against unfair petit theft accusations. Some of the most common legal defenses I use include:

You Didn’t Have Intent to StealThis is a very common defense in petit theft cases! If you simply forgot to pay or made an honest mistake, you legally didn’t have intent to deprive the owner of the item. I’ve won many shoplifting cases by arguing no intent.

You Have an Innocent ExplanationI also dig deep into the context and your side of the story. Did you forget your wallet and intend to come back to pay? Did the cashier miss scanning an item you already bagged? As your lawyer, I investigate these details to show your innocence.

The Value is WrongOften stores exaggerate the value of items, to make it seem more serious. As your lawyer, I scrutinize their reported value against actual retail prices. Knocking the value under $750 destroys their petit theft claim!

Illegal Search & SeizureHow did the store catch you? I look closely to ensure they followed proper protocol, like reasonable suspicion before detaining you. Any missteps on their end can get damaging evidence thrown out of court.

Case Dismissal ProgramsFlorida offers “pretrial diversion programs” for first-time retail theft offenses. If completed, your charges are dropped completely! As your attorney, I help you navigate eligibility and enrollment into these programs.

And those are just a few of the defenses and programs I use to protect my clients from unfair petit theft allegations. The key is acting fast, before you accidentally say something to police that comes back to haunt you later.

Why Work With Us? How We Help Petit Theft Defendants

I know this whole situation is scary and that legal help feels expensive. But protecting your future is so important. Here is what we provide to clients facing petit theft charges, for a fair, flat rate:

Free consultation to discuss the details of your case, best defense options, what to expect and answer all your questions
Aggressive defense of your charges so they are dismissed or reduced
Meticulous review of prosecution evidence and preparation of your defenses
Negotiation of reduced penalties, diversion programs and alternative pathsIn short – I stand in your corner, apply firm pressure where needed and do everything possible to protect you now and in the future. Let’s talk case specifics and get started defending your rights today. The system moves fast once charges are filed, so call me asap!