Menu
Shoplifting, a form of theft, is a criminal offense in Florida that involves unlawfully taking merchandise from a retail establishment without paying for it. The value of the property shoplifted has an effect on the charges and if convicted, the penalties.
It is considered a property crime and is prosecuted under Florida’s theft statutes. Shoplifting can take various forms, such as concealing items, altering price tags, or switching packaging, all with the intent to deprive the retailer of the item’s value.
In Florida, the penalties for a shoplifting conviction can vary based on the value of the stolen merchandise and the defendant’s criminal history. Shoplifting offenses are categorized by the value of the stolen property:
1. Petit Theft: If the stolen property is valued at less than $750, the offense is typically classified as petit theft, a misdemeanor. A first-degree petit theft conviction can result in a sentence of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
2. Grand Theft: If the stolen property’s value exceeds $750, the offense is considered grand theft, which can be charged as a felony. Grand theft is further divided into three degrees based on the value of the stolen property:
• Third-degree Grand Theft: Stolen property valued between $750 and $20,000. Conviction may result in up to five years in prison and fines.
• Second-degree Grand Theft: Stolen property valued between $20,000 and $100,000. Penalties include up to 15 years in prison and fines.
• First-degree Grand Theft: Stolen property valued over $100,000. A conviction may lead to up to 30 years in prison and substantial fines.
Additionally, the court may order restitution, requiring the defendant to compensate the retailer for the value of the stolen items. Repeat offenders or those with prior convictions may face enhanced penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences.
Florida law does provide the opportunity for pretrial intervention programs or diversion programs for first-time offenders. Such programs can allow individuals to avoid a criminal record by completing certain requirements, such as restitution, community service, and/or educational classes.
Sometimes first-time offenders do not realize the seriousness of a shoplifting conviction or having a criminal record. They may make a foolish decision to take an item of clothing or an electronic gadget, without realizing the ramifications of their actions. If the offender is a teenager (juvenile) parents also suffer heartache and worry over what will happen.
Since the state of Florida considers that rehabilitation may prevent the person from continuing on a path of criminal behavior, they are willing to be “kinder’ to first-time offenders. If we can obtain a formal dismissal, we may be able to have the court seal or expunge your records. This action can be helpful to you because having a criminal record could hinder the ability to get or keep a job, get into college, obtain a rental apartment, and obtain a loan for a car or home among other things. We will work to ask the court for this level of leniency on your behalf.
It’s important to note that laws can change, and specific circumstances can affect the outcome of a shoplifting case.
Consulting with the legal professionals of Adam Farkas and Jacqueline Crowley is essential to understanding your rights and potential consequences when facing a shoplifting charge in Florida.
Since opening their practice, former prosecutors Adam Farkas and Jacqueline Crowley have defended hundreds of clients against criminal charges. Their experience with criminal defense ranges from minor traffic violations to theft crimes, DUI, drug crimes, and even serious felonies like murder.
Their previous experience as Florida prosecutors gave them a rare insight into the challenges that face those accused of a crime in Florida and some of the inequities in Florida’s criminal justice system. They decided their skill and passion could be better used to defend people instead of finding ways to put them behind bars. Working as a team, they offer their clients a wider range of services and talent. Their considerable trial experience also offers clients strong representation in court that can lead to a better outcome.
The criminal defense attorneys at Farkas & Crowley, P. A. will use their 20+ years of experience and dedication to aggressively defend you from criminal allegations in Florida. Anytime you’re accused of a crime, your rights and your liberty are at stake.
If you’ve been accused of shoplifting, or any theft crime, act today and obtain our legal advice immediately. Contact our office today at (561)-444-9529 24/7 or use our online contact form to reach out to us. We will provide a strong defense, fight for your rights, and protect your future.
Looking for a criminal law firm? Farkas & Crowley, P.A. are the attorneys for you. They are extremely knowledgeable of the law and go the extra mile for their clients. Their expertise and impeccable work ethic are hard to beat. Available 24/7. Highly recommended.
-Marla Newman
500 S. Australian Ave.
6th Floor
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) - 444 - 9529
Mon - Fri: 9 am – 5 pm
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. No content on this site may be reused in any fashion without written permission from criminal defense attorneys at Law Office of Farkas & Crowley, P.A.
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. No content on this site may be reused in any fashion without written permission from criminal defense attorneys at Law Office of Farkas & Crowley, P.A.
