Orlando Theft Crimes Lawyer — Free Consultation
Facing theft charges in Orlando? Our experienced theft crimes defense attorneys handle everything from petit theft and shoplifting to grand theft, burglary, and robbery. Florida Statute § 812.014 classifies theft by value — determining whether you face a misdemeanor or a felony carrying up to 30 years in prison, restitution, and a permanent criminal record. Call (407) 777-8888 for a free, confidential case evaluation.
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Why You Need a Theft Crimes Defense Attorney in Orlando
Florida takes theft offenses seriously — even petit theft (property under $750) is a first-degree misdemeanor carrying up to 1 year in jail. A second petit theft offense automatically becomes a felony regardless of the value involved. Grand theft starts at $750 and is classified by dollar thresholds: third-degree felony (up to 5 years), second-degree felony (up to 15 years), and first-degree felony (up to 30 years in state prison) for thefts exceeding $100,000.
At ANT Law Firm, our theft crimes attorneys challenge the prosecution's evidence at every level. Did you actually intend to steal? Did you have permission to take the property? Was the value calculation accurate — or did the prosecution inflate it to reach a felony threshold? Were your Fourth Amendment rights violated during a search or detention? We investigate every detail and hold the state to its burden of proof.
A theft conviction creates a “crime of dishonesty” on your record that is uniquely damaging. Employers, landlords, and professional licensing boards view theft convictions as disqualifying — often regardless of the dollar amount involved. For non-citizens, theft offenses can trigger deportation proceedings and bars to naturalization. The collateral consequences of a theft conviction extend far beyond the courtroom.
Types of Theft Cases We Handle
Our Orlando theft crimes lawyers defend clients against the full spectrum of theft and property crime charges. Each type of case requires specialized knowledge of Florida statutes, value thresholds, and defense strategies.
Burglary
Entering a structure with intent to commit an offense inside — charged as a first, second, or third-degree felony depending on the circumstances and whether anyone was present.
Robbery
Theft accomplished by force, violence, assault, or threat — a felony offense in Florida that can carry penalties up to life imprisonment under § 812.13.
Shoplifting / Retail Theft
Petit theft from a retail establishment under Florida Statute § 812.015. Charges escalate rapidly with prior convictions, turning misdemeanors into felonies.
Identity Theft
Using another person's identifying information without consent — a second or third-degree felony under Florida Statute § 817.568 with severe penalties.
Grand Theft
Theft of property valued at $750 or more, classified into third, second, and first-degree felonies based on dollar thresholds under Florida Statute § 812.014.
Petit Theft
Theft of property valued under $750 — a misdemeanor that escalates to a felony with a second or subsequent conviction under Florida's theft escalator statute.
Dealing in Stolen Property
Buying, selling, or trafficking stolen goods is a second-degree felony in Florida under § 812.019, carrying up to 15 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Carjacking
Theft of a motor vehicle by force, violence, or threat — a first-degree felony in Florida carrying penalties up to life imprisonment.
Florida Theft Penalties by Offense
Florida Statute § 812.014 classifies theft offenses primarily by the value of the stolen property. Understanding the penalties you face is the first step toward building an effective defense.
Petit Theft — 2nd Degree
Under $1002nd Degree Misdemeanor — Up to 60 days in jail, $500 fine, 6 months probation
Petit Theft — 1st Degree
$100 – $7491st Degree Misdemeanor — Up to 1 year in jail, $1,000 fine, 12 months probation
Grand Theft — 3rd Degree
$750 – $19,9993rd Degree Felony — Up to 5 years in state prison, $5,000 fine
Grand Theft — 2nd Degree
$20,000 – $99,9992nd Degree Felony — Up to 15 years in state prison, $10,000 fine
Grand Theft — 1st Degree
$100,000+1st Degree Felony — Up to 30 years in state prison, $10,000 fine
Robbery
Force or threat of force1st Degree Felony — Up to life imprisonment under § 812.13
Burglary
Entry with criminal intent3rd to 1st Degree Felony — Varies — up to life imprisonment for occupied dwelling under § 810.02
Florida's Theft Escalator
Under Florida's theft escalator statutes (§§ 812.014, 812.015, 812.13, 810.02), a second petit theft conviction is automatically elevated to a first-degree misdemeanor regardless of the value stolen — carrying up to 1 year in jail. A third petit theft conviction becomes a third-degree felony carrying up to 5 years in state prison. This is why fighting even a first theft charge is critical.
How Our Theft Crimes Attorneys Defend You
From the moment you call ANT Law Firm, our Orlando theft defense lawyers begin building your defense. Here's our proven process for fighting theft charges in Florida.
Free Case Evaluation
Call us or submit our form. We review your theft charges, examine the evidence, and outline a defense strategy — free and confidential.
Evidence Review
We obtain and analyze surveillance footage, store receipts, witness statements, digital records, police reports, and all evidence the prosecution plans to use against you.
Pre-Trial Motions
We file motions to suppress evidence obtained through illegal searches, challenge identification procedures, and contest the prosecution's value calculations.
Negotiation
When it serves your interest, we negotiate pretrial diversion, civil compromise, restitution agreements, or reduced charges to protect your record and your future.
Trial
If the state won't offer a fair resolution, we take your theft case to trial. We prepare every case as if it's going before a jury — because that reputation gets results.
How We Fight Theft Charges in Orlando
Every theft case is different, but effective defense always starts with challenging the prosecution's evidence of intent. Our theft defense attorneys use every tool available under Florida law to dismantle the state's case and protect your rights and your record.
Lack of intent
No intent to permanently deprive the owner — the item was borrowed, taken by mistake, or simply forgotten in a shopping cart. Intent is an element the prosecution must prove.
Ownership or right to possession
Good faith belief that the property was yours or that you had a legitimate claim to it. A genuine ownership dispute is not theft under Florida law.
Consent
The owner gave permission to take or use the property. If consent existed, no theft occurred — even if the owner later changed their mind or disputes the arrangement.
Challenging value calculations
The prosecution inflated the value of the property to reach a felony threshold. We retain appraisers and challenge retail markup versus actual fair market value.
Illegal search and seizure
Fourth Amendment violations — unlawful stop and frisk, vehicle search without probable cause, or improper store detention. Evidence obtained illegally gets suppressed.
Misidentification
Wrong suspect identified from unreliable surveillance footage, grainy camera images, or suggestive photo lineups. We challenge identification procedures and eyewitness reliability.
Duress or coercion
Forced to participate in the theft by threat of violence or harm. Duress is an affirmative defense that can result in acquittal if proven.
Challenging "intent to permanently deprive" element
Florida theft requires intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property. Temporary use, an intent to return, or abandonment before leaving the premises undermines the prosecution's case.
A Theft Charge Doesn't Have to Ruin Your Future. Let Us Fight for You.
A theft conviction creates a permanent “crime of dishonesty” that follows you for life. Our Orlando theft defense attorneys will challenge every element of the prosecution's case and fight for the best possible outcome. Call today — your consultation is free and confidential.
What Our Clients Say
Real results from real clients. See why people facing criminal charges in Orlando trust ANT Law Firm.
“My experience with Ant Law Firm was exceptional! From the first consultation, they were professional, attentive, and genuinely cared about my case. They kept me informed every step of the way.”
Andoni Cruz
January 2025
“Alex went above and beyond for me on my case. She even spent several hours on a Saturday with my wife talking strategy. She has incredible attention to detail, knows the law inside and out, and truly cares about her clients.”
Andrew Christiansen
November 2024
“This law firm showed me what real legal representation looks like. They were aggressive when they needed to be and strategic throughout. I would recommend them to anyone facing a serious legal situation.”
Zay Alexander
October 2024
Theft Crimes Lawyer FAQ
Answers to the questions our Orlando theft defense attorneys hear most often.
Protect Your Record. Protect Your Future. Call Today.
The prosecution has already started building their case. A theft conviction is a crime of dishonesty that stays on your record permanently. Before you accept a plea deal, let our theft crimes lawyers review your case. Your consultation is free and confidential.