Theft & Burglary Defense Attorney in St. Petersburg

Accused of Theft or Burglary in St. Petersburg? We Can Help

When it comes to theft and burglary charges, we understand the serious implications they can have on your life. Our theft lawyers and burglary attorneys in St. Petersburg have a deep understanding of the laws surrounding these offenses and will meticulously analyze the details of your case to build a strong defense strategy. 

Whether you have been accused of petty theft, grand theft, burglary, or robbery, we are committed to protecting your rights and fighting for your best interests.

The consequences of a theft or burglary conviction can be severe, including fines, probation, and even imprisonment. However, with the right legal representation, there are often various defense strategies that can be employed to challenge the prosecution's case. Our skilled attorneys are well-versed in the complexities of theft and burglary laws and will explore all possible avenues to build a robust defense on your behalf.

Call (727) 619-1827 or fill out this online form to contact our experienced theft lawyer in St. Petersburg for a confidential consultation. We’re ready to fight for your rights.

Understanding Theft Crimes in Florida

Florida Statute § 812.014 defines theft broadly as unlawfully taking or endeavoring to take the property of another with the intent to either temporarily or permanently deprive the owner of a right to the property or a benefit from it, or to appropriate the property to one's own use or to the use of any person not entitled to it. 

The severity of a theft charge largely depends on the value of the property stolen and, in some cases, the nature of the property itself or the method of theft. A qualified theft attorney in St. Petersburg will explain these distinctions clearly.

Categories of Theft Charges:

Petit Theft: This is generally a misdemeanor offense, applied when the value of the property stolen is less than $750.

• Second-Degree Petit Theft: Property valued at less than $100. This is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
• First-Degree Petit Theft: Property valued between $100 and $749. This is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Grand Theft: This is a felony offense, occurring when the value of the property stolen is $750 or more, or if certain types of property are stolen regardless of value.

• Third-Degree Grand Theft:
  • Property valued between $750 and $19,999.
  • Specific types of property, regardless of value, including: a will, codicil, or other testamentary instrument; a firearm; a motor vehicle; a commercially farmed animal; any fire extinguisher; more than 2,000 pieces of citrus fruit; anhydrous ammonia; any amount of a controlled substance.
  • This is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
• Second-Degree Grand Theft:
  • Property valued between $20,000 and $99,999.
  • Specific types of property, regardless of value, including: law enforcement equipment, a stop sign, or an amount of a controlled substance exceeding certain thresholds.
  • This is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
• First-Degree Grand Theft:
  • Property valued at $100,000 or more.
  • Specific types of property, regardless of value, including: cargo transported in interstate or foreign commerce if the cargo has a value of $50,000 or more; or if the property is taken from a dwelling and is valued at $50,000 or more.
  • This is a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Navigating these distinctions requires the focused attention of a dedicated theft attorney in St. Petersburg.

Understanding Burglary Crimes in Florida

Burglary, as defined by Florida Statute § 810.02, is distinct from theft. It centers on the unlawful entry into a dwelling, structure, or conveyance with the intent to commit a crime inside. While the intended crime is often theft, it does not have to be; it could be assault, battery, or any other offense. 

The "breaking" element commonly associated with burglary is not strictly required in Florida; "entering or remaining" unlawfully with the intent to commit an offense is sufficient. A St. Petersburg burglary lawyer understands these precise legal definitions.

Categories of Burglary Charges:

Burglary of an Unoccupied Structure or Conveyance: This is typically the least severe form of burglary.

• Unoccupied Structure: A building not designed for habitation (e.g., a business, warehouse) that is empty at the time of the offense.
• Unoccupied Conveyance: A vehicle (e.g., car, boat, aircraft) that is empty.
• This is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Burglary of an Occupied Structure or Conveyance, or a Dwelling: These charges carry more severe penalties due to the increased risk to human life.

• Dwelling: A building or conveyance of any kind, including any attached porch, which has a roof over it and is used for temporary or permanent habitation. Whether occupied at the moment of entry or not, burglary of a dwelling is generally treated more severely.
• Occupied Structure or Conveyance: A non-dwelling structure or vehicle that has a person inside at the time of the offense.
• This is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

First-Degree Felony Burglary: This is the most serious form of burglary and carries the harshest penalties, often life imprisonment. It occurs if, in the course of committing the burglary, the offender:

• Makes an assault or battery upon any person.
• Is or becomes armed within the dwelling, structure, or conveyance with explosives or a dangerous weapon.
• Uses a motor vehicle as an instrumentality (other than merely a getaway vehicle) to assist in committing the offense, and thereby damages the dwelling or structure.
• Causes damage to the dwelling or structure in excess of $1,000. If you're facing such severe charges, retaining a St. Petersburg burglary lawyer immediately is paramount.