St. Petersburg Theft Attorney, Theft Lawyer


	The Morris Law Firm can help and has specific knowledge and experience in Theft defense. Melinda Morris, managing partner of The Morris Law Firm, was a State Attorney, and was responsible for prosecuting a range of very serious Theft Offenses from investigation through trial. As well, Ms. Morris received special training on prosecuting Theft cases from the State of Florida. For a Theft lawyer, this inside knowledge is of critical importance and can benefit the defense of your case.

A Theft as defined in Chapter 812 of the Florida Statutes is: A person commits theft if he or she knowingly obtains or uses, or endeavors to obtain or to use, the property of another with intent to, either temporarily or permanently: Deprive the other person of a right to the property or a benefit from the property. Appropriate the property to his or her own use or to the use of any person not entitled to the use of the property. The Morris Law Firm can defend you against various Theft Offenses including: Shoplifting / Retail theft Felony Theft (two prior theft convictions) Grand Theft (value over $300) Dealing in stolen property Auto Theft Worthless checks "Dine and dash" or gas drive-off Defrauding an Innkeeper Burglary Theft by embezzlement or fraud

YOU HAVE A VERY NARROW WINDOW OF TIME BETWEEN WHEN YOU ARE ARRESTED AND WHEN THE STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE MAKES A DECISION TO FILE A CRIMINAL CHARGE AGAINST YOU. HIRING AN ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY TO NEGOTIATE ON YOUR BEHALF WITH THE STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE GIVES YOU THE BEST CHANCE OF AVOIDING CRIMINAL CHARGES.

Act now to consult with an attorney and find out how to best protect your rights and future opportunities. Theft consequences can be far reaching, including but not limited to: possible jail time, probation, negatively affecting your employment, military, or academic status; and ineligibility to have your record sealed.

You May:

Face Jail time
Face probation
Face criminal fines in addition to a separate civil penalty sought from the victim
Be required to pay restitution
Be required to attend shoplifters awareness counseling
Be required to attend substance-abuse treatment
Be subject to random drug testing
Be required to perform community service
Have your employment or military service status negatively affected
Have a permanent criminal record

Potential Defenses include:

Failure to Read Miranda Warnings
Illegal Search or Seizure
Lack of Intent
Alibi
Mistaken Identity

The Morris Law firm is dedicated to defending Theft clients throughout Pinellas County and the entire Tampa Bay Area (St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Polk).