Miami Petit Theft Lawyer

What is Petit Theft?

In Florida, theft crimes are categorized as grand theft or petit theft depending on the value and type of property stolen. Under Florida Law (Section 812.014), petit theft is defined as when a person steals property from a person or business valued at less than $750. Petit theft is often associated with shoplifting; however, it doesn't have to occur in a store.

Don't wait to speak with an experienced theft crime attorney in Miami if you are charged with petty theft. Schedule your free consultation. 

Petit Theft Penalties in Florida

Although petit theft is most often categorized as a misdemeanor offense, punishable by a maximum of 12 months in jail, it often qualifies for alternative sentencing to avoid imprisonment. However, there are circumstances which will result in petit theft being charged as a felony.

Petit theft is classified and punishable under Florida law as follows (although it is important to remember that specific penalties will vary on a case by case basis):

• Petit theft of property valued at less than $100 - second degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
• Petit theft of property valued at $100 to less than $300 (1st degree petit theft)- first degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
• Felony petit theft (petty theft with 2 prior convictions) - third degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

For more information on felony petit theft in Florida, contact us today. 

What Happens When You Go to Court for Petty Theft?

Petty theft in the state of Florida can lead to heavy consequences despite being considered a low-level offense. Usually, if you are accused of petty theft, this means that law enforcement officers believed you were unlawfully taking someone else’s property with an estimated value of less than $300.

Upon being cited by police or charged by prosecutors, you may be required to attend court and answer to the allegation. The presiding judge will determine your guilt or innocence, as well as what penalties—if any—should be imposed upon your conviction. The possible penalties for committing petty theft could range from probation and expensive fines to jail time and even long-term consequences if this is not your first criminal conviction. 

Can Petty Theft Charges Be Dropped in Florida?

Petty theft charges in Florida can be dropped depending on the severity of the offense and other relevant factors. Whether it is a first-time or repeat offense, and whether anyone was injured are all important considerations for dropping a petty theft charge within the state.

For example, minor shoplifting offenses may be eligible for a form of diversion program, allowing the charge to be dropped later if certain criteria are met. In more serious cases involving multiple stolen items or other aggravating circumstances, there may also be opportunities for plea bargaining which could result in a lesser sentence as well as a potential dismissal.

An experienced Miami petit theft attorney can help petition the court for dismissal or reduce any associated penalties.

Get help from an experienced petty theft attorney in Miami, FL!

Have you been arrested for petit theft in Florida? You will need all the help you can get to fight your charges and reach a positive case outcome. Miami criminal attorney Michael Mirer can meet with you to discuss your case and the charges you are facing.

As a former Miami-Dade prosecutor and trial attorney with over a decade of experience, Attorney Mirer understands what you are up against and has the skill and experience needed to build a powerful defense against your Florida petit theft charges.

Contact the Law Office of Michael Mirer, P.A. today or fill out a free case evaluation form to learn more about your options if you are charged with petty theft in Miami, FL!