Fort Pierce Larceny Lawyer

In Florida, larceny serves as a catchall term for various types of theft. Although charges rarely use the word larceny, the term still appears in phrases such as “grand larceny,” commonly referred to as grand theft, and “petit larceny,” also known as petty theft. Prosecutors bring theft charges when they believe someone wrongfully took another person’s property with the intent to keep it.

A Fort Pierce larceny lawyer can explain what different theft charges mean and how to develop defense strategies for each of them. If you face any kind of larceny charge, your first call should be to a talented theft attorney to protect your legal rights.

What is Larceny?

Larceny is an old legal term for theft. State statutes include the term in the current definition of theft, along with other phrases used to mean theft or stealing. Under Florida statute § 812.014, theft is the intentional taking of the property or money of another, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it.

Theft includes many types of unlawful taking, including:

• Robbery
• Shoplifting
• Vehicle theft
• Fraud, including identity theft and cybercrimes
• Burglary, if the individual enters intending to steal items

Theft can also include taking livestock, agricultural products, items from a police vehicle or ambulance, or cargo from a loading dock when you are not the designated shipper.

The value of the items taken determines the degree of theft and the potential penalties. In Florida, theft of property or money valued over $750 qualifies as grand theft and is typically charged as a felony. Theft involving lesser amounts is generally charged as a misdemeanor. Other factors, such as the use of a weapon, can also affect the charge and potential penalties.

Defenses to Larceny Charges

When you come to the law office of Fort Pierce Criminal Lawyer Jonathan Jay Kirschner, our legal team will review your case and develop a defense to the charges. To prove a theft charge, prosecutors must show:

• Intent to take the property: If you took property without knowing it or without intending to take it, your attorney can show a lack of intent to steal
• Without the owner’s consent: If you had consent to take the property, theft did not occur. Some cases involve misunderstandings about when consent was given or later withdrawn
• Lack of ownership: You cannot steal your own property. When ownership is shared, another person cannot claim you took the property unlawfully
• Intent to permanently or temporarily deprive the owner of the property: If you only moved the item to a different location, the conduct does not meet the definition of theft

Our legal team will carefully review your case and examine the evidence to establish the relevant facts. Our larceny attorneys will develop a strong defense strategy focused on protecting your legal rights and pursuing the best possible outcome.

Get Legal Representation From Our Fort Pierce Larceny Lawyer

If you face a theft or larceny charge, you need experienced legal assistance from a Fort Pierce larceny lawyer. We will review your case and work out the best defense based on the facts in your case. Our investigators will examine the evidence and talk to witnesses so that we know what the prosecution is bringing to the table.

No matter what the facts in your case may be, we will give you the best legal options. We can take the case to trial or work out a plea bargain if that seems to be in your best interest. You will always have the final say in your case. Contact us today for an appointment to discuss your case.