In Palm Beach County, theft charges are classified based on the value of allegedly stolen property, with penalties ranging from simple misdemeanors to serious felonies carrying decades in prison. The classification system determines not only immediate consequences but also long-term impacts on your employment, housing, and professional licenses, making it crucial to understand how prosecutors…
As Florida continues to grapple with rising retail theft rates, lawmakers have enacted tougher laws to deter offenders and protect businesses. These changes mean that theft-related offenses carry more severe penalties, which can have lasting effects on your life and future opportunities. Florida’s approach to retail theft has become stricter, leading to harsher penalties and…
In the heat of the moment, the decision to pocket a small item or walk out of a store without paying for your cart of groceries may seem inconsequential. However, the reality is that shoplifting is a serious offense that can lead to severe, potentially life-long effects. In addition to penalties such as hefty fines…
Because theft is considered a crime of dishonesty, the State of Florida is particularly tough when penalizing these types of offenses. It only takes one allegation of grand theft to lead to lengthy prison time, substantial fines, and other severe penalties. Grand theft crimes are serious, and mitigating these types of charges requires a comprehensive…
When you think of “grand theft,” there is a good chance your mind goes to the popular video game Grand Theft Auto. These games may make grand theft look exhilarating, but here in the real world, these crimes are typically much less action-packed. Committing grand theft in the real world is also a lot more…
“Theft” is a broadly used term in Florida that covers a multitude of crimes, from high-profile embezzlement cases to minor shoplifting charges. However, one crime you may be surprised theft does not include in Florida is robbery. Although theft and robbery are frequently—and mistakenly—used interchangeably, both involve stealing, and both are considered property crimes in…
The coronavirus pandemic has spawned enormous changes from public health crises and disrupting schooling to economic distress and high unemployment. Perhaps one of the most fascinating shifts during the COVID-19 pandemic has been the fluctuation of crime. At the onset of the pandemic in early 2020, even before stay-at-home orders were issued in many places,…
As early as 1591 references to shoplifting were being made in England. Playwright Robert Greene wrote a pamphlet offering shoplifting advice, going as far as suggesting proper attire to avoid being detected. Shoplifting first became a serious problem in 17th-century England, when the exploding population of London pushed vendors who sold a variety of goods…
In Florida, mere possession of stolen property can lead to criminal charges. Property crimes like receiving, selling, possessing, or even disposing of stolen property carry heavy penalties that vary based on the value of the property involved. These crimes may be misdemeanor or felony offenses should the property reach a specific value. If you purchase…
When store security detained you for suspected shoplifting, you possessed fundamental constitutional rights that remained intact throughout the encounter. Understanding what rights you had during detention can help you evaluate whether those rights were violated and how any violations might impact your case. Even if you felt powerless in the moment, the law provides specific…
