Petit Theft Lawyer

Florida petit theft attorney, Thomas Feiter: “A good petit theft attorney is worth every penny – he or she will know what needs to be presented to the judge and prosecutor to get your charge dismissed.”

Petit Theft (a.k.a. Petty Theft) or Shoplifting

Probably the most common form of theft is shoplifting or petit theft.  This is where the item taken is not of significant value.  If the item taken is worth less than $100, then it is a second degree misdemeanor.  If it is worth $100 or more but less than $750, it is a first degree misdemeanor.  You should also know that, if you have prior convictions for any theft charge, a new arrest can upgraded to a felony.

Another important but less well-known consequence of a petit theft charge is that a conviction will likely lead the court to suspend your driving privileges. If it is your first conviction, for a period of up to 6 months.  If it is your second or subsequent, it must be for a period of 1 year.  Before entering a plea to a petty theft charge, know whether or not the adjudication is going to be withheld.  If it is not, that means you are going to adjudged guilty (or convicted), which will require your driver’s license to be suspended.

What can happen to me if I am arrested and convicted of petit theft or shoplifting?

Hire the best petty theft attorney you can afford if you get arrested or receive a notice to appear for this crime. If you or a loved one faces an arrest for petit/petty theft (also known as shoplifting), act with urgency. This crime can remain on your record forever and is classified as a crime of dishonesty, which can severely damage your future. It may prevent you from securing a job or attending events at your children’s schools.

These days, information is readily available and you do not want this to be on your record if you can avoid it.  Your mugshot and arrest report in your case may be public records out there for anyone to see.  So you will want your lawyer to move quickly to have this sealed or expunged off your record as soon as possible.

Below is more detailed information related to petit theft. We are happy to sit down with you to explain your chances and recommend the best strategy for fighting your petit theft arrest. Furthermore, you will want to do everything possible to resolve the case in a way that allows you to seal or expunge it off your record later.  Hire the best Orlando petit theft attorney – hire Fighter Law.

Petit Theft (a.k.a. Petty Theft) or Shoplifting Less Than $100.00

Crime Level: 2nd degree misdemeanor

Most likely outcome*: You might face a fine, an impulse control course, court costs, and possibly some probation. Be careful not to accept a fine offer if it includes an adjudication of guilt (in other words, a conviction). A conviction for petit theft means you can never seal or expunge the record and will require a suspension of your driver’s license.

Maximum Penalties: 60 days in jail; $500 fine.

Collateral Consequences: Being arrested for a crime of dishonesty carries significant stigma. If convicted, the court will impose a mandatory driver’s license suspension: 6 months for a first conviction and 1 year for a second or subsequent conviction. Additionally, you might also receive a civil demand letter from a law firm requesting a settlement payment.

Can I get pretrial diversion: Yes, with victim approval.  No if you stole from your employer.  Talk to an experienced Orlando petit theft attorney for more on this.

Defenses: Mistake (no intent), Entrapment, Necessity

Related Offenses: Grand Theft, Burglary, Robbery, Carjacking, Home Invasion Robbery

* Actual outcomes vary from case to case and this most likely outcome estimate should not be relied upon as definite.

Petit Theft (a.k.a. Petty Theft) or Shoplifting More than $100.00 But Less Than $750.00

Crime Level: 1st degree misdemeanor

Most likely outcome: Same as above – maybe a little higher of a fine.

Maximum Penalties: 1 year in county jail or probation; $1,000 fine.

Collateral Consequences: Same as above.

Can I get pretrial diversion: Same as above.

Defenses: Same as above.

Related Offenses: Same as above.

Detailed Legal Information Related to Petit Theft (or Shoplifting)

Various levels of theft crimes exist. The value and nature of what you take determine the level of crime charged. Typically, the higher the value of the items taken, the more severe the crime. The method of taking the items (such as breaking in or using force) will also affect the charge.

Loss prevention officers (LPOs) and security cameras seem to be everywhere these days. Even with video evidence and the testimony of an LPO, you can still seek to have the case dismissed. Hire an attorney who will genuinely care and aggressively fight to have your case thrown out. Remember, video footage of the theft does not guarantee that you cannot challenge and win the case.

Civil Demand Letters

An experienced petty theft attorney can give you good advice. The advice will vary from person to person. Most of our clients receive a letter in the mail from the business’ corporate offices (or sometimes from a law firm) demanding payment of $100 or $300 as a settlement for their civil demand. Paying this amount can be beneficial because you can later show it to the prosecutor, which might help your criminal case. Companies can legally issue these demands, and Wal-Mart sends out many civil demand letters. We’ve heard that the company or law firm may reduce the amount if you ask, so it could be worth trying

We Offer Free Consultations

Don’t just hire a lawyer, hire a fighter to help you with your case – an experienced Orlando Petit Theft Attorney.  Call Fighter Law at 407-344-4837.