Dealing in stolen property is considered to be an extremely serious crime in Fort Myers, and across the State of Florida. Unfortunately, many people are charged and prosecuted for the crime, even if they had no prior knowledge that the property was, in fact, stolen. If convicted of dealing in stolen property, you may find yourself facing serious penalties and punishments, including hefty fines, a criminal record, and potentially even jail time.
If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges for dealing in stolen property in Fort Myers, FL., then it is important to seek legal representation as soon as you possibly can. An adept criminal defense lawyer will work alongside you to build a strong defense strategy that can stand up in court. This defense strategy may also see the charges and penalties you are facing reduced or even dropped.
At The Law Place, we have a highly skilled team of criminal defense lawyers with over 75 years of collective experience in dealing with cases like yours and defending the accused. At our firm, we offer all our customers a free consultation where we will give legal advice on the best way to proceed to ensure you receive the best possible outcome for your case. Our Fort Myers phone lines are open 24/7. So you can contact us at a time most convenient for you and relax in the knowledge that an adept criminal defense lawyer will be on the other end of the phone for you. Call our offices at (941) 444-4444, and get started with your case today.
How Can Dealing in Stolen Property Be Defined?
As highlighted in Florida Statute 812.019, dealing in stolen property can be defined as any person who traffics in or endeavors to traffic in property that they are aware is stolen. Additionally, any person who organizes, initiates, or has any involvement in the theft of a property will also be deemed to be guilty of the crime.
It is also worthwhile mentioning that in line with Florida law, no matter the value or worth of the stolen property in question, each case will be charged in the same way. Additionally, if you had purchased a stolen item but had no intentions to sell it, then you will not face charges for dealing in stolen property. However, it is likely that you will face lesser criminal charges, at least to a certain extent.
Defining Legal Terms Used in Fort Myers, FL., Dealing in Stolen Property Charges
With regards to the charges you may be facing for dealing in stolen property, there are a number of key terms that you may find are useful to understand.
- Property – This can be defined as being anything of value. Therefore, it can be both real property or tangible or intangible personal property. Under the property definition, this includes claims, interests, services, rights, or privileges that are associated with the stolen property in question.
- Traffic – This refers to the selling or disposing of stolen property. Additionally, if you are found guilty of buying, selling, possessing, or controlling the property in question, as a means to sell or dispose of it, then you may still be charged with dealing in stolen property.
- Endeavor – This can be defined as any overt action to traffic in stolen property.
- Stolen – This is defined as being anything that is wrongfully, illegally, or criminally taken.
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What Are the Penalties for Dealing in Stolen Property in Fort Myers, FL?
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the crime that was committed, the charge and penalties that you may be facing may vary. Dealing in stolen property is typically charged as a third-degree felony and can include the following penalties:
- Up to 15 years in prison.
- Up to 15 years of probation.
- Up to $10,000 payable in fines.
- Permanent criminal record.
If you are charged with facilitating or organizing the theft and sale of stolen property, then it is likely that your criminal charge will be elevated to a first-degree felony. Penalties for a first-degree penalty may include:
- Up to 30 years behind bars.
- Up to $10,000 payable in fines.
- Permanent criminal record.
No matter the charges you may be facing, it is strongly advised to seek representation from a reputable criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. At The Law Place, we have a highly skilled team of attorneys with an abundance of experience in handling cases like yours and dealing with the Florida legal system.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience
Possible Defenses for Dealing in Stolen Property in Fort Myers, FL.
A highly skilled criminal defense attorney will work to gather any evidence and information that can be used to build a strong defense strategy that can stand up in court against the prosecution. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, a criminal defense lawyer will seek to use any number of the following defenses:
- That you were unaware that the property had been stolen.
- That the stolen property was not ‘trafficked’ according to the meaning defined by the Florida Statutes.
- That the property was, in fact, not stolen.
- That you were selling the property on behalf of a friend and therefore genuinely lacked any awareness and knowledge that the property had been stolen.
- That you believed that the property had been given to you or was genuinely abandoned by the legal owner.
- That you believed that you had the right to sell or dispose of the property in question.
- That there has been an issue of mistaken property, and you had no involvement in dealing with the stolen property in question.
- That the victim of the stolen property made false claims regarding their ownership of the property.
- That there is a lack of evidence to support the prosecution’s claim that property in question had been stolen or trafficked.
By building a strong defense strategy, your attorney will be able to use it in court against the prosecution. A strong defense strategy has the ability to reduce the penalties you may be facing or even eliminate them entirely. Contact The Law Place today to arrange a free consultation with one of our reputable defense lawyers.
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What Is the Statute of Limitations for Dealing in Stolen Property in Fort Myers, FL?
According to the statute of limitations highlighted in Florida Statute 95.11, the prosecution has up to five years to file charges against you from the date that the incident involving the stolen property occurred. Additionally, if an individual resides outside of the State of Florida, or is unable to be located by the relevant authorities, then the prosecution has up to 6 years to file charges.
The sooner that you seek representation following an arrest then the greater your chances of having those criminal charges reduced or even eliminated entirely. Contact The Law Place today to get started with your case.
Fort Myers Dealing in Stolen Property Lawyer, FAQ
What constitutes a Fort Myers theft crime, and how is it prosecuted?
A Fort Myers theft crime involves unlawfully taking someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. This includes offenses ranging from petty theft to grand theft and dealing in stolen property. Prosecution varies based on the value of the property and the nature of the theft.
What are the differences between theft crimes, petty theft, and grand theft in Fort Myers?
Theft crimes in Fort Myers are categorized based on the value and type of property stolen. Petty theft typically involves lower-value items and is often classified as a misdemeanor, whereas grand theft charges relate to higher-value items and are considered more serious, often resulting in felony theft charges.
What is considered a third degree felony in Fort Myers regarding theft crimes?
In Fort Myers, theft crimes can escalate to a third degree felony when the value of the stolen property meets or exceeds a certain threshold, typically several hundred dollars, or involves certain types of property, such as firearms or motor vehicles.
How can a theft crime lawyer assist with theft charges in Fort Myers?
A theft crime lawyer in Fort Myers can provide legal representation, help understand the charges, develop a defense strategy, and navigate the criminal justice system. They can negotiate plea deals or represent clients in court, aiming to reduce or dismiss the charges.
What qualifies as a criminal offense under the theft category in Fort Myers?
A criminal offense under the theft category in Fort Myers includes acts like shoplifting, embezzlement, fraud, or burglary. Each type of theft has specific legal definitions and penalties.
How does the criminal justice system handle theft cases in Fort Myers?
The criminal justice system in Fort Myers handles theft cases by assessing the severity of the crime, the value of the stolen property, and any previous criminal history. This determines whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony and influences the legal proceedings and potential penalties.
What legal services does a theft lawyer offer for grand theft charges?
For grand theft charges, a theft lawyer in Fort Myers provides legal advice, represents clients in court, challenges evidence, and works on plea bargains. They focus on mitigating the severity of the charges and protecting the client’s rights.
Can a law firm in Fort Myers help reduce a petit theft to a lesser charge?
Yes, a law firm in Fort Myers can often help reduce a petit theft charge. This may involve negotiating with prosecutors for a lesser charge, such as a second degree misdemeanor, or seeking alternative sentencing options like diversion programs.
Contact The Criminal Defense Attorneys at The Law Place Today
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges for dealing in stolen property in Fort Myers, FL., then it is advised to seek representation from a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. At The Law Place, our highly skilled defense attorneys have over 75 years of combined experience in handling cases similar to yours.
We understand how daunting facing criminal charges can be, and so we work tirelessly to ensure you receive the best possible outcome, which may see your charges reduced or even dismissed entirely. We will work alongside you to develop a strong defense strategy that can be used to your advantage. Furthermore, our attorneys pride themselves on developing trusting and open attorney-client relationships built on honesty. Many of our lawyers are AVVO rated 10.0, which is the highest possible rating. This rating is awarded based on trial skills, length of service, awards received, as well as customer reviews and testimonials.
We offer all our customers a free consultation in which we assess the legitimacy of your case and offer valuable and comprehensive legal advice on the best way to proceed. Our Fort Myers phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so don’t hesitate to call us at a time that suits you best, and rest assured an experienced defense attorney will be on hand to help.
Call us today at (941) 444-4444, and schedule a free initial consultation with an adept attorney today.
