Theft & Burglary Defense Attorneys in Jacksonville, FL

Under Florida law, burglary is defined as a property crime whereby one enters a premise with an intent to commit unlawful activities. Theft is defined as unlawfully taking another’s property. At Monroe & King, P.A. our Jacksonville theft and burglary lawyers can investigate the incident and use the facts to build your case. We can tenaciously defend your rights in court.

Call our Jacksonville theft and burglary attorneys today at (904) 474-3115 for a FREE consultation.

Common Theft Crimes in Florida

Theft may include a variety of property crimes such as:

• Larceny
• Conversion
• Misappropriation
• Stealing

Penalties for Theft & Burglary in FL

Penalties for theft and burglary convictions in Florida include:

• Prison time
• Hefty fines
• Life in prison for first-degree felony burglary charges

In order to reach a conviction for a theft charge, the prosecution must prove that the defendant took the property willfully and with the intention to deprive the owner of that property or to use it for his or her own purposes. The Jacksonville burglary and theft lawyers at Monroe & King, P.A. can gather evidence and use various defense strategies, such as claims of involuntary intoxication and the good faith belief or consent of the property owner, to seek a positive solution.

What Is Larceny in Florida?

Larceny is the unlawful taking of another person's property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. Larceny differs from robbery in that it does not take force or threat, it's taking any item of value.

Understanding Florida Theft Classifications

Florida classifies theft according to the value of the items involved and the charges range from petty to grand theft. Second-degree petty theft involves property valued at less than $100 and carries penalties of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine, while first-degree petty theft involves property with a value between $100 and $299 and carries penalties of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Third-degree grand theft involves property that includes motor vehicles, firearms, fire extinguishers, commercially farmed animals, construction or stop signs, or anhydrous ammonia, and it also includes property that is valued between $300 and $19,999. A conviction under this classification results in 5 years in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Second-degree grand theft involves property that is valued between $20,000 and $99,999 and carries penalties of 15 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. First-degree grand theft, the most severe classification, involves property valued at $100,000 or more and carries penalties of 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The Jacksonville theft and burglary attorneys at Monroe & King, P.A. can work hard to build a solid defense for your case and represent you in court against a variety of theft charges.

Legal Help for Theft & Burglary Charges in FL

In order to prove a burglary charge, the prosecution must provide evidence that the defendant entered the premises with the intent to commit a crime. Our team can work to build a defense that may involve proving that you did not have any intent to commit a crime, that the property was open to the public at the time of the incident, or that the owner gave consent for you to enter the property. With our knowledgeable Jacksonville theft and burglary lawyers, you can get the legal assistance you need to defend your rights in court and seek a beneficial outcome.

If you've been arrested, contact us online or call (904) 474-3115. Our Jacksonville burglary and theft lawyers can take your calls 24 hours a day, and they are always free and unrecorded!