Sarasota Property Crime Lawyer

Sarasota Property Crime Attorney

If you have been charged with a property crime in Florida, it may be time to consult with a Sarasota property crime lawyer. Property crimes are treated seriously in Florida, whether the crime is vandalism or burglary. You do not want to face harsh penalties for a property crime alone. Hiring an experienced lawyer may be the difference between freedom and spending years behind bars.

At Ruhl Law, P.A., our team is committed to helping clients navigate Florida’s complex legal system. Whether you need assistance with property crime charges or require an experience Sarasota criminal defense lawyer, we are ready to provide the guidance and defense you need to protect your rights.

What Are Property Crimes in Florida?

There are several property crimes that have been committed in Florida, including larceny-theft, grand theft, robbery, burglary, motor vehicle theft, arson, shoplifting, or vandalism. However, the most common property crimes reported are larceny, burglary, and motor vehicle theft. A brief description of each is listed below:

• Larceny – is stealing personal property of a specified amount. It can be broken into grand theft and petit theft.
• Burglary – is unlawfully entering into and remaining in another person’s property, whether a commercial building or a home, with the purpose of committing a felony or theft.
• Motor vehicle theft – is stealing or trying to steal a motor vehicle.

What Are the Penalties for Property Crimes in Florida?

The penalties for property crimes in Florida are nuanced and dependent upon the value of the property stolen, if the building or home was occupied, the manner in which the theft occurred, and if the offender was armed while committing the act. Property crimes can be treated as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on how serious the crime is.

In addition to prison sentencing, if you commit a property crime, you may also have to pay hefty fines or restitution. Some sentencing can also mean losing your license, firearms, or ability to obtain a job in the future. The following describes examples of some of the sentencing for property crimes:

• First-degree larceny or first-degree grand theft is a first-degree felony that can carry a sentence of up to 30 years to life in prison.
• Second-degree larceny or second-degree grand theft is a second-degree felony with penalties including up to 15 years in prison.
• Third-degree larceny or third-degree grand theft is a third-degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
• First-degree petit theft is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison.
• Second-degree petit theft is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in prison.
• First-degree burglary is a felony in the first degree and involves the offender being armed, assaulting a victim, damaging property, or breaking into an occupied home.
• Second-degree burglary is a felony in the second degree and involves the offender being unarmed, not committing an assault, but breaking into either an occupied or unoccupied home or an occupied building.
• Third-degree burglary is a third-degree felony and involves the offender breaking into an unoccupied building unarmed and without committing assault.
• First-degree motor vehicle 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 motor vehicle theft is a second-degree felony and means the motor vehicle was worth between $20,000 to $100,000.
• Grand theft auto is a felon of the third degree.

What Is a Solid Defense for a Property Crime Charge?

Sometimes, property crimes are committed intentionally, with the purpose of depriving a person of their property, and other times, a person is simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. If you are charged with a property crime, you may have several defenses available to you.

1. Justification – If you committed a crime to prevent further harm or you were legally authorized, such as breaking into a home to help save a child.
2. Duress – If you were under duress, meaning you were under threat of harm or danger. An example of this is someone threatening you at gunpoint to break into a store and steal merchandise.
3. Reasonable belief – If you had reason to believe you had the right to the property. For instance, you were charged with stealing jewelry, but it was actually a gift.

FAQs

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

A: The cost of a criminal lawyer in Florida varies by practice. Some factors that are considered in terms of cost are the lawyer’s experience, the firm’s location, and how complex the case is. More complex cases tend to require more billable hours. More experienced lawyers can justify charging more, and firms in locations with a higher cost of living may have more costly rates.

Q: What Is Classified as Property Crime?

A: A property crime is a crime that one person commits against another person’s property. Examples of property crimes include burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft. Other property crimes include vandalism and graffiti, arson, and trespassing. Property crimes are considered serious crimes in Florida and can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors.

Q: What Is the Difference Between a Lawyer and an Attorney in Florida?

A: The terms lawyer and attorney are used interchangeably in Florida, but there are differences in the terms. The main difference between a lawyer and an attorney is that a lawyer is someone who successfully graduated from law school, and an attorney is someone who not only graduated from law school but passed the bar and can represent clients in court.

Q: How Do You Afford a Criminal Lawyer?

A: How you afford a lawyer is based on your personal situation as well as the lawyer’s rates. Lawyers may charge hourly rates, contingency fees, or retainer fees. At Ruhl Law, P.A., we offer a free consultation so that you can better understand the extent of your case, how we can help, as well as our rates.

Let Us Represent You at Ruhl Law, P.A.

Facing property crime charges can be life-changing and, in some cases, devastating if the charges are severe. At Ruhl Law, P.A., we realize all that is at stake and will do all that we can to help you beat your charges, or we may be able to negotiate your sentence if you are facing felony charges. No matter your situation, contact us today for a free consultation.