Theft or Larceny in West Palm Beach

1. Theft or Larceny in West Palm Beach Overview of Theft or Larceny Theft, also known as larceny, is a crime that involves the unauthorized taking of another person's property with the intent to deprive them of it permanently. • In Florida, this crime can be classified as either petit Theft or Grand Theft based on the value of the stolen property. • The severity of the punishment for this crime varies, but it generally includes fines, probation, or imprisonment. • A range of defenses can be used in a theft case, including lack of intent, claim of right, and owner's consent. • A Hypothetical Scenario: Unintended Consequences Picture this: A resident of West Palm Beach, let's call him John, finds himself on the wrong side of the law. He's been accused of stealing a high-value painting from a local art gallery. John swears he's innocent and claims he borrowed the artwork to show a potential buyer, intending to return it later. However, the gallery owner insists he did not know about this arrangement. Consequences of Larceny in Florida In Florida, the penalties for Theft or larceny are considerable. Depending on the value of the stolen property, Theft can be categorized as either Petit Theft or Grand Theft and can range from a misdemeanor to a felony. Petit Theft involves property valued at less than $300 and can result in the following: • Up to one year in jail for a first-degree misdemeanor • Up to 60 days in prison for a second-degree misdemeanor • Grand Theft involves property valued at $300 or more and, depending on the degree, can result in the following: • Up to five years in prison for a third-degree felony • Up to 15 years in prison for a second-degree felony • Up to 30 years in prison for a first-degree felony • For more detailed information on the penalties, you can visit the official Florida state website. Defending Against Theft Charges in Florida As an attorney, it's my job to build the best defense for individuals facing theft charges. Here are some common defense strategies that may be used in the state of Florida: Lack of Intent: The defendant didn't intend to deprive the owner of the property permanently. •

2. Claim of Right: The defendant believed they had a legal right to the property. • Owner's Consent: The owner had permitted the defendant to take the property. • Involuntary Intoxication: The defendant was involuntarily under the influence of a substance and was not in control of their actions. • Turning to LeRoy Law for Assistance When faced with a theft or larceny charge, having a trusted, competent attorney on your side is essential. At LeRoy Law, I understand the gravity of the situation and the stress you are experiencing. With my extensive knowledge of the law and steadfast dedication to my clients, I will work diligently to defend your rights and fight for the best possible outcome. FAQ 1. What makes Theft or larceny different from robbery or burglary? Theft or larceny involves taking someone else's property without force or threat. Robbery involves the use of force or threat, while burglary involves unlawful entry into a structure with the intent to commit a crime. 2. What if the property owner decides they don't want to press charges? Even if the property owner chooses not to press charges, the state can still prosecute the case if they believe they have enough evidence. 3. Can I be charged with Theft if I intended to return the property? Yes, even if you intended to return the property, you could still be charged with Theft. The key factor is whether you intended to deprive the owner of their property when you took it. Disclaimer: LeRoy Law tries to ensure the accuracy of this article. However, Florida Statutes change, caselaw changes, and as such, errors may occur. LeRoy Law assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions in this article. LeRoy Law encourages you to utilize the links we provide to relevant Florida Statutes. Contact my office directly at [561.290.2730] if you have any questions or require legal assistance. #WestPalmBeachCriminalAttorney #JoshLeRoy #LeRoyLaw #TheftInFlorida #FloridaLarceny #CriminalDefense #FloridaLaw #TheftDefense #FloridaCriminalLaw #CriminalLawyerFlorida West Palm Beach Criminal Attorney, Josh LeRoy, LeRoy Law, Theft in Florida, Florida Larceny, Criminal Defense, Florida Law, Theft Defense, Florida Criminal Law, Criminal Lawyer Florida