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Expert Defense Attorneys Dedicated to Your Case

Melbourne Theft Crime Defense Attorneys

Facing Charges for Theft? Call (321) 360-4446 for Strong Defense!

Theft is a serious crime in Florida that can lead to serious consequences. If you are convicted of theft, you could face a prison sentence, thousands of dollars in fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you are a first-time offender, the court may be able to waive the adjudication of your case, but only if you work with a qualified theft crimes lawyer. If you are facing charges for theft, it is critical that you retain the services of a skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

What Is Considered Theft Under Florida Law?

Florida law defines theft as the unlawful taking or carrying away of property from the owner. Depending on the circumstances, theft can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Theft can be charged as grand theft if the property stolen is valued at $300 or more, or petit theft if the property stolen is valued at $100 or less. Theft crimes include shoplifting, embezzlement, fraud, burglary, and robbery, among others.

Penalties for Theft in Florida

If you are convicted of theft, you may face the following penalties:

Misdemeanor — Up to one year in jail and $1,000 in fines
Felony — Up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 in fines
Super-aggravated felony — Up to 30 years in prison and $10,000 in fines

How Does the Prosecutor Prove Theft in Court?

In order to convict you of theft, the prosecutor must prove that you unlawfully took or carried away the property of another person. In most cases, the prosecutor will try to prove that you took the property without the owner's permission. However, the law also considers it theft if you take the property of another person without permission even if you have the owner's permission to use the property. In either case, you can be charged with theft even if you have the owner's permission to use the property if you do not return the property when you no longer need it.

In order to convict you of theft, the prosecutor must also prove that you intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property at the time you took or carried away the property.

How Our Theft Crime Lawyers Can Help

As seasoned criminal defense attorneys, our theft crime attorneys in Melbourne, FL can help you fight theft charges. We can help you challenge the evidence against you and work to protect your rights. We understand that your freedom is at stake, and we will do everything we can to help you avoid the serious penalties associated with theft convictions.

Contact Funk, Szachacz & Diamond today to schedule your free consultation with our Melbourne theft crime attorneys. We are available 24/7 for urgent matters.

Dismissed A tennis pro, Mr. D. was arrested and accused of 6 felony counts of Performing Lewd Acts Upon a Minor. After nearly three years of investigation by the firm, the government eventually dismissed all felonies against Mr. D. 6 felony counts of Performing Lewd Acts Upon a Minor Sex Crimes
Dismissed Mr. B. was arrested and charged with Lewd & Lascivious Battery. After four years of investigation into the case and the alleged victim, Mr. B. agreed to a plea that resulted in him not being convicted and not serving 1 day in jail or prison. Lewd & Lascivious Battery Sex Crimes
Not convicted of any crime. Mr. M. was arrested and charged with Trafficking in Oxycodone, Conspiracy to Traffic in Oxycodone and Acquiring a Controlled Substance by Fraud. After a year-long investigation by the attorneys, the Government dismissed all felonies and Mr. M. was not convicted of any crime. Trafficking Drugs
Dismissed Mr. W. was arrested and charged with 6 counts of Possession of Hydrocodone. After the firm conducted a pre-trial investigation, the Government dismissed all 6 counts. 6 counts of Possession of Hydrocodone. Drugs
Dismissed Mr. S. was arrested and charged with Trafficking in Cannabis and Cultivation of Cannabis. After a thorough review of the search warrant and the witness statements by the firm, the Government dismissed all charges. Trafficking in Cannabis and Cultivation of Cannabis. Drugs
Reversal of his conviction and death sentence. The attorneys were asked to serve as appellate counsel for Mr. B. after he was convicted of two murders and sentenced to death. The attorneys agreed to become Mr. B’s appellate counsel. They successfully briefed and argued before the Florida Supreme Court for the unanimous 7-0 reversal of his conviction and death sentence. Double Murder Homicide
Received a non-incarcerative sentence. After a gruesome homicide occurred in Central Florida, numerous men were charged with the killing. Mr. W. was formally charged with the gang-style murder. After exhaustive investigation by the partners in the firm, Mr. W. was convicted of a simple misdemeanor and received a non-incarcerative sentence. Gang-Style Murder Homicide
Charges Dismissed Young woman formally charged with DUI Manslaughter in the death of her fiancé. After 2+ years of investigation and consultation with experts in Florida, Washington and Michigan, Funk, Szachacz & Diamond disproved the government’s theory and the State dismissed all charges against Ms. M. DUI Manslaughter Homicide
Not adjudicated guilty of any crime Mr. D. was arrested and formally charged with 2nd Degree Murder. The firm conducted an extensive pre-trial investigation, including important background of the deceased and began negotiations with the State. As a result, Mr. D. was not adjudicated guilty of any crime and did not serve one day in prison. 2nd Degree Murder Homicide
Awarded a new trial. At the time Mr. O. met with the firm, he had been convicted of Attempted Murder with a Firearm and sentenced to 30 years in prison. Funk, Szachacz & Diamond was hired as post-conviction counsel. After the firm conducted a thorough investigation, the attorneys presented an alibi witness and cross-examined two defense attorneys and one government attorney at an exhaustive hearing. The firm advocated that Mr. O. had initially received ineffective assistance of counsel. The trial court agreed and consequently, Mr. O.’s conviction and sentence were vacated and he was awarded a new trial. Attempted Murder Homicide

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From NASA employees to school teachers, our team has an undeniable track record of success.
We take your case seriously and personally. You deserve diligent representation.

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