Defense Against Florida Property Crime Charges
A stolen property charge is serious in Florida. Depending on the value of the property, the offense may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony — and the consequences for each can be dire. If you or a loved one has been charged with violating stolen property laws, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney in order to avoid severe punishment.
At The Law Offices of Elaine E. Lukic, I have been practicing criminal law for 20 years. As a former prosecutor, I know how the system works from the inside — and I can use this knowledge to your advantage in a stolen property case. Now is not the time to go with anyone but the best.
The Consequences Are Serious
The criminal offense of dealing in stolen property occurs when a person offers, sells or traffics in property that they know, or should have reason to know, is stolen. If found guilty, a person can be sentenced to:
- 15 years in prison
- 15 years of probation
- Over $10,000 in fines
If the evidence establishes that the accused organized, operated, managed, directed or financed a trafficking operation dealing in stolen property, the penalties increase and can include up to 30 years imprisonment.
When there is no evidence that the accused intended to resell the property, they can still be charged with and convicted of grand theft of petit theft if it can be proven that they knew, or should have known, the property was stolen.
Protect Your Freedom And Your Future
When the stakes are this high, you need an experienced, aggressive lawyer who understands how to defend a possession of stolen property case. I will thoroughly investigate your case, obtain all the evidence the prosecution intends to use against you and formulate a strong defense that takes advantage of weaknesses in the state’s case.
Some of the defenses we may be able to use in your case include:
- Lack of knowledge that the item was stolen
- The property was not stolen
- There was a mistaken belief as to the right to dispose of the property
- Belief that the property had been abandoned or gifted
- Mistaken identity as to the property
- There was a false claim to ownership by the alleged victim
- Lack of evidence that property was stolen
- No intent to resell (or “fence”) the property
- The “satisfactory explanation” defense
If you have been arrested or charged with possessing stolen property in the greater Palm Beach Gardens area, contact The Law Offices of Elaine E. Lukic today by calling 800-478-8859 or completing our online contact form.
