Port Charlotte Property Crime Lawyer

Port Charlotte Property Crime Attorney

Property crimes involve incidents where someone destroys, steals, or unlawfully enters someone else’s property. Property can refer to real property, such as a home, land, or a building, or it can refer to personal property, such as an automobile, jewelry, or other possessions. Property crimes are treated seriously in Florida, so you should consider consulting a Port Charlotte property crime lawyer if you are facing charges.

The team at Ruhl Law, P.A. has been dedicated to serving clients and helping them successfully navigate the often complex legal system for many years. Whether you need assistance with property crime charges or require a local Port Charlotte criminal defense lawyer, we are prepared to educate our clients within the walls of our law firm or vigorously defend them in the courtroom.

Most Common Property Crimes in Florida

There are many property crimes that are committed in the state of Florida. However, three of the most common are larceny, burglary, and motor vehicle theft. At our firm, we have the experience and skills to confidently handle cases involving any of these crimes as well as other property crimes like vandalism, arson, or trespassing.

Penalties for the Most Common Property Crimes

If you are charged with a property crime, you may be facing a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the crime. Whether a crime is charged as a felony or misdemeanor is determined by the value of the goods stolen, how the crime was committed, if there were weapons involved, and if it is a repeat offense. In addition to being sentenced to jail time, you may also have to pay hefty fines or restitution for the property stolen.

• Larceny or theft: Larceny is stealing personal property and can be broken into petit theft and grand theft. Petit theft is a lesser crime, while grand theft is more serious.
  • First-degree grand theft is a first-degree felony punishable by 30 years imprisonment to life and includes items stolen valued at a very large amount.
  • Second-degree grand theft is a second-degree felony and could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison.
  • Third-degree grand theft is a third-degree felony and may be sentenced to up to five years in prison.
  • First-degree petit theft is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison.
  • Second-degree petit theft is a second-degree misdemeanor with a possible penalty of up to 60 days in prison.
• Burglary: Burglary is unlawfully entering or remaining in a building or dwelling that may or may not be occupied for the purpose of committing theft. Sentencing can be either a felony or misdemeanor, depending on whether the property was stolen in someone’s home or a building or whether or not another person was present during the actions.
  • First-degree burglary is a first-degree felony and involves a person entering an occupied home, committing an assault in the process, using a firearm or explosive, and causing costly damage.
  • Second-degree burglary is a second-degree felony and means the person did not commit an assault or did not have a firearm. The burglary could have occurred in a home or dwelling that may or may not have been occupied or a building that was occupied.
  • Third-degree burglary is a third-degree felony and means the person did not commit assault, was not armed, and the building, not a home, was unoccupied.
• Motor vehicle theft: Motor vehicle theft is stealing or attempting to steal a motor vehicle and can include grand theft auto or grand theft if the vehicle is worth a certain amount.
  • First-degree grand theft is a first-degree felony and means the motor vehicle was worth more than $100,000 or if cargo was stolen, and it was worth more than $50,000.
  • Second-degree grand theft is a second-degree felony and means the motor vehicle was worth between $20,000 to $100,000.
  • Grand theft auto is considered a felony of the third degree unless it has one of the aforementioned values.

Possible Defenses for Property Crime Charges

There are several defenses at your disposal if you are charged with a property crime. First, if you believe your actions were justified to prevent further harm or if they were legally authorized, you may have a defense. Other defenses include being under duress or being threatened to do the crime, or you may have a defense if you left the scene before a crime was committed.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in Florida?

A: In Florida, the cost of a criminal lawyer will depend on factors such as the lawyer’s experience, the firm’s location, and how complex the case is. Costs tend to be higher if the case is more complex, the lawyer is more skilled and experienced, and the firm is in a location with a high cost of living.

Q: What Are Property Crime Lawyers Called?

A: Property crime lawyers are a type of criminal defense lawyer. Criminal defense lawyers represent and defend people who are charged with crimes that may result in jail time, fines, or restitution. Property crime lawyers tend to have unique experience handling cases involving property crimes.

Q: What Is the Sentencing for Property Crimes in Florida?

A: The sentencing for property crimes depends on the type of crime committed and the severity of the crime. All property crimes can be either felonies, up to first-degree felonies, or misdemeanors. The penalty or sentencing for a first-degree felony can result in a punishment of up to life in prison, for example.

Q: What Is the Most Common Property Crime in Florida?

A: There are several property crimes that can be committed in Florida as well as throughout the United States; however, the most common property crimes, according to recent data, are larceny or theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft. Theft can be broken down into grand theft and petit theft, and each crime has its own severity depending on how, where, and when the crime was committed.

Contact Ruhl Law, P.A. Today – Property Crime Lawyers You Can Trust

Being charged with a property crime is serious business. Whether you are found guilty or you maintain your innocence, at Ruhl Law, P.A., we are here to fight for you and defend your case. You do not have to deal with the complicated legal system alone. Contact us today for a free consultation.