North Port Property Crime Lawyer

North Port Property Crime Attorney

Property crime laws can be difficult to navigate in Florida, especially if the first time you’re trying to do so is in the context of your own criminal charge. Instead of stressing over the nuances of your impending case, let a local North Port property crime lawyer help you through the process. Facing any type of criminal charge is scary, but an attorney can help shed light on the situation and present you with solid legal options to get through it.

Ruhl Law, P.A. has years of criminal law experience under our belt, and we’ve seen our fair share of property crime cases in Florida. From petty theft to grand theft and every charge in between, we’re confident we can come up with a sound legal strategy for your case. Whether you have a few simple questions about your charges or you require hands-on representation through each stage of your case, we’ve got you covered.

Property Crime Laws in North Port, FL

Under Florida law, property crime is defined as destroying, stealing, or unlawfully entering someone else’s real property or personal property. Real property covers things like land, a house, or another building. Personal property, on the other hand, refers to a person’s belongings, like a vehicle or other valuables.

The property crime rate in Florida in recent years was recorded at 1,420 property crimes per 100,000 people, which was lower than the national average. Sarasota County specifically ranks in the 98th percentile for safety in regard to property crimes. That means it’s considered to be less safe than only two percent of other counties.

This being said, there were still a total of 466 property crimes reported by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office in a single month in 2024. Florida takes property crimes of any type seriously; it’s important that you know how to defend yourself if you find yourself facing charges. You may want to consider hiring a property crime lawyer to facilitate this process.

Defenses Against Property Crimes in North Port

It’s possible to have your charges reduced or dropped altogether for a property crime, but it involves strengthening the defense against the claims against you. A North Port property crime attorney can help you build your defense, using their knowledge of Florida property crime laws and their experience to develop a sound legal strategy.

Common defenses against property crimes in Florida include:

• Claim of right
• Coercion or duress
• Insufficient evidence
• Lack of intent
• Legal right or ownership
• Mistake of fact

It’s also important to note that Florida recognizes the right to defend one’s property. This means that an individual can use reasonable force to prevent what they believe to be a criminal offense regarding their personal or real property.

Hire a Property Crime Lawyer

Over our many years in business, Ruhl Law, P.A. has helped Florida residents through thousands of misdemeanor and felony cases. From evaluating cases to negotiating plea deals to getting records sealed and expunged, we can be there to support you through every phase of your property crime case.

Our team believes that everyone deserves fair and just legal defense, and that’s what we deliver to each client. No matter the details of your case, you can rest assured that we can help you take care of it and answer any questions you may have along the way.

FAQs About North Port, FL Property Crime Law

Am I Legally Obligated to Work With a North Port Property Crime Lawyer?

You do not have to hire a property crime lawyer to represent you in a property crime case in Florida. It’s recommended that you work with a legal professional on your case to ensure you have fair legal support throughout your case. Your attorney can make sure your rights are protected while working to secure you a lighter sentence. In some cases, they may even be able to have your case dismissed entirely.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Property Crime Lawyer in North Port?

The cost of working with a North Port property crime lawyer can vary depending on the lawyer you choose and the circumstances of your case. You can typically expect a Florida criminal defense lawyer to charge a flat fee or an hourly rate for their services. How much a lawyer charges is going to hinge on the types of services you require. You can usually get a better idea of the services they offer and their prices through an initial consultation.

What Are the Most Common Types of Property Crimes in North Port?

There are many types of offenses that fall under the category of property crimes in Florida, all of which involve destroying, stealing, or simply unlawfully entering someone else’s property. The most common types of property crimes reported in North Port include arson, burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft.

Are Property Crimes Charged as Misdemeanors or Felonies in North Port?

Whether a property crime is charged as a felony or a misdemeanor is going to depend on the specific type of crime committed. The threshold between misdemeanors and felonies for these types of crimes typically involves the nature of the crime, the value of the property stolen, and the offender’s prior criminal record. By working with a North Port property crime attorney, you can strengthen your defense to reduce the charges for a crime.

North Port Property Crime Lawyer

There are many different types of property crimes that are recognized under Florida law, and all of them can carry serious consequences. No matter the type of charge you’re facing, it’s critical that you understand your rights and legal options.

Fortunately, you don’t have to do this all by yourself. Instead, you can reach out to our team at Ruhl Law, P.A. Our attorneys have been dedicated to helping our clients successfully navigate even the most complex cases. If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, contact the office to set up a consultation with a member of our team right away.