Theft Crimes DEFENDERS of Your Rights. Your Life. Your Future.

Theft Crimes

The Morris Law Firm, P.A. can help defend you or your loved one from theft charges. As a former state prosecutor, Attorney Melinda Morris was responsible for prosecuting a range of very serious theft offenses, from investigation through trial. For a Theft lawyer, this inside knowledge is of critical importance in weakening the prosecution’s case and can benefit your defense.

St. Petersburg Theft Defense Attorney

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:

  1. Deprive the other person of a right to the property or a benefit from the property.
  2. 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, P.A. can defend you against various theft offenses, including:

Time is of the essence.

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 gives you the best chance of avoiding criminal charges.

Hire the Morris Law Firm and let us fight for you.

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.

What Happens Next?

You May:

  • Face Jailtime
  • 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

Melinda Morris is dedicated to defending clients facing theft charges in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Dunedin, Largo, Bradenton, Seminole, and nearby areas. She represents both adults and youth who have been arrested for these potentially life-altering charges. Contact the Morris Law Firm, P.A. today and learn more about defense options for your specific situation.

Why Choose Our Law Firm?

See the Difference Our Service Provides
  • FORMER STATE PROSECUTOR

    Melinda Morris is a former prosecutor and has handled thousands of criminal cases from investigation through sentencing enabling us to identify weaknesses in the State’s case against you.

  • STRATEGICALLY AGGRESSIVE

    We never settle for the easiest outcome or the typical result. We know how to negotiate with the State Attorney and we will work to get you the best possible outcome.

  • TRUSTED & EXPERIENCED

    Melinda Morris has practiced criminal law for over 20 years. Our clients trust advice that comes from experience in nearly every type of criminal case.

  • PERSONAL ATTENTION

    We will know every client’s story because we will take the time to listen and understand. You will work with your attorney one-on-one at every stage of the process.

  • PROMPT COMMUNICATION

    You will have the cell phone number of your attorney. Your attorney will directly return your call, email, or text to answer your pressing questions.

  • SAME DAY REPRESENTATION

    The government is wasting no time in trying to prove your guilt, a proactive defense is imperative. Prompt and decisive action from your defense attorney is of critical importance.

Meet the Attorneys

Melinda Morris & Seth Shapiro

Attorney Profiles

Client Testimonials

Hear From Real People We've Helped
    She took a personal understanding of my specific case and explained things to me every step of the way.

    “I had the pleasure to be represented by Melinda Morris of Morris Law Firm. Working with her made the process of what I was dealing with painless and stress free. During the entire process she was ...”

    - Mike T. on Google
    Mr. Shapiro took on our case on a Sunday evening and had us in front of the judge the next day.

    “We were on vacation in Florida and ran into some troubles and needed an attorney. Mr. Shapiro took on our case on a Sunday evening and had us in front of the judge the next day (which other attorneys ...”

    - Jennifer A. on Google
    Ultimately she was able to get the charges dropped without trial, or plea.

    “I think everyone's biggest concern when hiring a lawyer is will the lawyer be responsive, and will they put your best interests first. Melinda represented me in two cases in which my wife was trying ...”

    - Avvo User
    The faith that I put into the hands of this team of loving, caring, compassionate Attorneys was life changing.

    “I'd like to start out first with wishing there was a higher star rating for this review. The faith that I put into the hands of this team of loving, caring, compassionate Attorneys was life changing. ...”

    - Shannon W. on Google
    I'm really glad that I found Seth Shapiro.

    “This was my first time that I had to get attorney I'm really glad that I found Seth Shapiro. Right away he made me feel like I was in good hands that he was going to take care of everything which he ...”

    - Chris B. on Google
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