Tallahassee Theft Crimes Attorney
A conviction for a theft crime can send you to jail or prison, subject you to expensive fines, and require you to make restitution of stolen money or property. On top of any penalties imposed, having a theft crime on your record can cause you to lose your job or professional license and keep you from getting future employment in any area dealing with money or where honesty or trust are critical parts of the job. Even if you avoid jail and get a favorable outcome like probation, the damage to your reputation can be lasting and harmful.
The Tallahassee theft attorney at Luke Newman, P.A., can help you avoid the worst consequences of a theft crime arrest and conviction. We’ll work to get the charges against you reduced or dropped or move to have the case dismissed if possible. We’ll negotiate a favorable plea when it’s in your best interests to do so or zealously defend you in court. You can count on Luke Newman, P.A., to use all our skills and resources to get you the best outcome we can in your particular case. Call our office if you’ve been arrested for a theft crime in Tallahassee.
Aggressive Defense of all Florida and Federal Theft Crime Charges
Tallahassee criminal defense attorney Luke Newman is familiar with local, state and federal laws and the full range of Florida and federal theft crimes, including those involving deception as well as the use or threat of force. Some of the theft charges we defend against include:
- Burglary
- Larceny
- Embezzlement
- Petty Theft
- Stealing
- Fraud
- Writing Bad Checks
- Shoplifting
- Automobile Theft
- Identify Theft
- Credit Card Fraud
Depending on the value or type of property involved and other factors, theft crimes can be charged as felonies or misdemeanors under different circumstances. If convicted or if pleading guilty, the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor, at a minimum, is the difference between possibly spending a year in jail or five years in prison, or being ordered to pay $1,000 or $5,000 in fines. Prosecutors sometimes charge more severe crimes than they can prove, hoping to get a guilty plea. We offer practice advice and knowledgeable representation and will work to get charges reduced or dropped where applicable and vigorously defend you against any charges that remain.
Defendants charged with theft offenses might have several different defenses available to help them avoid a conviction or raise reasonable doubt whether they committed any crime. Common defenses in Florida theft cases include:
- Taking statements from defendants without giving the required Miranda warnings first
- Unlawful search and seizure
- Evidentiary procedure mistakes
- Lack of intent to steal or permanently deprive someone of their property
- Mistaken identity
- Taking property by mistake
- Having a legal right to the property
- Taking property while intending to pay for it
Don’t Fight Tallahassee Theft Charges Alone
When the police get you alone in an interrogation room, it can be a frightening experience where you are made to feel like you don’t have a friend in the world. You do have someone you can turn to for help. You are not alone, and real help is available. You are entitled by law to have an attorney present at any questioning and to talk to a lawyer before you answer any questions after an arrest. Exercising this right is just about the most important thing you can do to improve your situation and position yourself for the best outcome in your case. Your lawyer will protect your rights and make sure you are treated fairly while working to get a favorable result on your behalf. The moment you get arrested for a theft crime in Tallahassee, let the police know you want a lawyer and call Luke Newman, P.A., at your earliest chance.
If you’ve been arrested for a theft offense in Tallahassee, call Luke Newman, P.A., for a confidential consultation and immediate assistance to get a good outcome despite the charges against you.
