3 Defenses Against Felony Theft in Florida
Felony theft is a serious offense in Florida that can lead to severe penalties, including prison time and hefty fines. Under Florida law, theft becomes a felony if the value of the stolen property exceeds $750, or if the stolen property falls under specific categories, such as firearms or vehicles.
If you are facing felony theft charges, there are multiple defense strategies your felony defense attorney in Tampa with The Rickman Law Firm may choose to employ depending on the context of your case.
1. Lack Of Intent
To convict someone of theft, it must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that you deliberately took the property with the intent to deprive the owner of its use. In many cases, individuals may take property by mistake or without realizing they do not have the right to possess it. For example, someone might have believed the property was theirs or had permission to use it. In these instances, the lack of intent to steal can be used as a defense.
2. Ownership Or Right To Possession
Another defense to felony theft charges is the claim that the defendant actually owned the property or had a legal right to possess it. Disputes over ownership can arise in cases involving borrowed property, joint ownership, or misunderstandings about who has the rightful claim. If your Tampa grand theft attorneys with The Rickman Law Firm can prove that you believed they were entitled to the property, the theft charge may not stand.
3. Mistaken Identity Or False Accusation
In some cases, theft charges can stem from misidentification or false accusations. For instance, in crowded or chaotic situations, it may be difficult to accurately determine who committed the theft. Similarly, individuals might be wrongly accused due to personal vendettas or misunderstandings of situations. A strong alibi or evidence that casts doubt on the credibility of the accusation can be an effective turning point in these situations.
Like any criminal case, the prosecution carries the burden of proof. If the defense can show that the defendant was not the person who committed the crime or was wrongly accused, the case may be dismissed or result in an acquittal.
Working With an Experienced Attorney Can Make a Significant Difference in the Outcome Of Your Case
Facing felony theft charges in Florida can be overwhelming, but your felony defense attorney Tampa with The Rickman Law Firm will work to build the most effective defense strategy possible, depending on the facts and context of your case.
The Tampa grand theft attorneys with The Rickman Law Firm are equipped to provide the proven legal guidance and defense you need to challenge the charges effectively. For a free case consultation, contact our firm at (813) 370-1185 or fill out the consultation form on our website.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.