If you’re arrested for theft in Miami, speaking to a Miami theft attorney with a proven record of success is essential. Therefore, your go-to lawyer is Stroleny Law in Miami. Our firm understands all the details involved in a theft defense. We’re a top law firm for anyone seeking a criminal defense.
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Why Choose Stroleny Law for Your Theft Defense?
Stroleny Law has proven its influence in the legal community. Our legal team stands out because we follow a personalized defense strategy—a strategy that enables us to advocate on your behalf. This strategy includes negotiation and open communications with our clients.
Making an Informed Decision
When confronted with theft charges in Miami, the choice to engage a competent theft attorney can greatly influence the resolution of your case. Our team of legal professionals:
- Possess specific experience handling theft cases within the jurisdiction of Miami courts.
- Foster and sustain positive professional relationships with local prosecutors and judges.
- Exhibit a comprehensive grasp of the statutes governing theft in the state of Florida.
- Ensure clear communications and maintain transparency throughout the entire process.
- Demonstrate a history of achieving favorable results in comparable matters.
It is essential to recognize that the expense of obtaining competent legal counsel constitutes a strategic investment in your future, as it may prevent you from facing far more severe long-term repercussions.
Stroleny Law: Your Go-To Legal Defense in Miami – About Our Founder, Julian Stroleny
Julian Stroleny, the founder of our firm, is a Miami defense attorney. His background as an Assistant State Attorney gives him insight into the prosecution’s strategies. This knowledge can be leveraged to improve the outcome of your theft defense case.
Mr. Stroleny, a Coconut Grove native, attended MAST Academy before earning a bachelor’s degree from Florida International University. While attending law school at Florida International University, he worked in a top probate and guardianship firm, where he learned the value of dedication to clients and passionate advocacy.
Mr. Stroleny’s background has instilled in him the importance of collaboration, advocacy, and dedication to achieving justice.
How to Contact Us: Our Location and Phone Number in Miami
If you’re charged with theft, Stroleny Law can help. We’re at 66 West Flagler, Suite 1005, in Miami, FL 33130. Call us anytime at 786-481-4129. We’re near Maurice A. Ferre Park, the River Front, and the Lummus Park Historic District.
What is the Legal Definition of Theft?
In Miami, theft is defined as an act intended to deprive a person of their possessions permanently or temporarily. Lawmakers categorize theft into two categories: petit theft and grand theft, which are determined by the value of the stolen property.
Petit Theft
You’re charged with a second-degree misdemeanor when you’re arrested for petit theft. The amount of property stolen is $100 or less. Punishments include a jail sentence of up to 60 days, up to $500 in fines, or probation of up to six months.
If the property stolen is worth $100 or more but under $300, the charge can lead to a first-degree misdemeanor conviction, punishable by a year in jail and a fine up to $1,000.
Petit theft can become a felony if you’ve been convicted of theft two or more times.
Grand Theft
Again, this form of theft involves property stolen at $750 or less. This charge results in a felony that can lead to 30 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
Defense Strategies: How Our Legal Team Can Help
If you’re arrested for theft, we will look at all the factors in your case to map out the proper defense. Below are some defenses we may present in theft cases.
Defenses to Petit Theft
Below are some defense strategies we may employ for petit theft, depending on your case’s circumstances.
Equal ownership. If you co-own property with someone else, authorities can’t charge you with a petit theft crime. After all, you’re not stealing from yourself.
Good faith. If an offender believes they had rightful permission to take an item or thought the property was theirs, they may claim good faith if they’re charged with theft.
No value. If an item has no value, an offender can’t be charged with theft.
Voluntary abandonment. If an offender does not complete the theft, they can claim voluntary abandonment as a defense. They didn’t go through with the activity, so they can’t be charged with the crime.
Grand Theft Defenses
We can use one of several defenses for a charge of grand theft, including:
A lack of intent. We can show that a defendant did not intend to steal an item or property.
Mistaken identity. Sometimes, a defendant is not the actual culprit, and witnesses mistook the alleged offender for someone else.
Good faith belief. The defendant reasonably believed they had an actual right to the item allegedly stolen.
Consent. The property owner gave implied or explicit consent to use or take the property that was said to be taken.
Necessity or duress. A defendant may have taken an item under duress or because of necessity.
Equal ownership. The defendant had equal property rights.
The property had no value. The property was discarded, having no value to its owners.
Fraudulent practices. The prosecution’s methods involved a scheme to defraud the defendant.
Insufficient Evidence. The prosecution must show that the defendant intentionally took the property beyond a reasonable doubt. If the other side does not provide enough evidence, our defense team can argue for a dismissal or an acquittal.
Why You Can Depend on Stroleny Law
As your defense law firm, Stroleny Law can provide information about your legal rights, defenses, and the next steps in your case. We maintain open communications, so you always will know what’s going on every step of the way.
Other Theft Crimes We Handle
Besides petit theft (which usually includes charges for shoplifting) and grand theft, Stroleny Law can also help with your defense for the following crimes.
- Receipt of Stolen Property – Receiving stolen property to resell it.
- Theft of Lost Property: Keeping a lost item that may have been returned to the rightful owner.
- Embezzlement – Taking funds or misappropriating money placed in your trust or belonging to an employer.
- Forgery – Altering a document, intending to defraud. This may include signing another person’s name without their permission, falsifying a check, or creating a fake prescription form to obtain drugs unlawfully.
- Fraud can include identity fraud, Internet fraud, bank fraud, check fraud, credit card fraud, mail or wire fraud, or securities fraud.
How a Theft Lawyer Can Help You Achieve a Better Outcome in Miami
When you’re facing theft charges in Miami, you need a legal advocate who understands the local legal climate and has experience defending cases like yours.
A conviction for theft can affect employment opportunities, housing options, and professional licensing.
Early Intervention and Case Assessment
The hours and days after being arrested or charged are critical. Having a lawyer from the beginning can greatly affect how your case goes. A skilled theft lawyer will start right away—gathering proof, talking to witnesses, and looking into how you were arrested. All these activities can help your theft attorney build a strong defense.
Therefore, your lawyer will carefully look over your case, checking things like whether the right steps were taken when you were arrested, whether or not your rights were broken, and whether the evidence against you was acquired legally. An early evaluation can help us find holes in the prosecution’s case – a defense that might be missed by other attorneys.
Building a Strong Defense Strategy
An experienced theft attorney will formulate a defense strategy specifically designed to address the unique aspects of your case. This may necessitate contesting the evidence presented by the prosecution, scrutinizing the credibility of witnesses, or establishing a lack of intent. Your legal representative may also examine the possibility of misunderstandings, mistaken identity, or whether you possessed a valid claim to the property.
Negotiating with Prosecutors
A significant number of theft cases in Miami are settled through negotiation as opposed to proceeding to trial. An experienced theft attorney can effectively negotiate with prosecutors to potentially mitigate charges or obtain a plea agreement. This may involve:
- Engaging in pretrial intervention programs that may cause the dismissal of charges upon successful completion.
- Engaging in discussions to secure a reduction in charges or penalties by presenting mitigating circumstances.
- Facilitating restitution payments as an alternative to criminal penalties
- Obtaining alternative sentencing options that prioritize rehabilitation over punitive measures
The reputation and relationships of your legal representative within the Miami legal community can prove to be of significant value during these negotiations. Skilled legal professionals in theft cases possess a comprehensive understanding of local prosecutorial policies and preferences, which enables them to advocate more effectively for your interests.
Therefore, your legal representative’s reputation and relationships within the Miami legal community can be invaluable during negotiations. Skilled theft lawyers understand local prosecutorial policies and tendencies, enabling them to advocate more effectively for your interests.
Exploring Alternative Resolution Options
The legal framework in Miami provides a range of programs and alternatives to conventional criminal prosecution, specially designed for first-time offenders or individuals facing charges related to minor theft offenses. An experienced theft attorney with experience handling theft cases can explore these potential avenues, which may include:
- Programs designed to divert individuals from the traditional justice system, emphasizing educational initiatives and preventive measures
- Arrangements for community service
- Advisory services or courses focused on theft prevention
- Restitution agreements that focus on ensuring the victim is fully compensated
These alternatives frequently cause the reduction or dismissal of charges while also assisting you in addressing any underlying issues that may have contributed to the alleged theft.
Protecting Your Rights in Court
If your case proceeds to trial, the importance of securing a proficient theft attorney cannot be overstated. Your legal representative will:
- Argue persuasive reasoning and substantiate your position with relevant evidence.
- Conduct a thorough and strategic examination of the prosecution’s witnesses.
- Conduct a thorough and meticulous jury selection process.
- Challenge the admissibility of evidence or the appropriateness of procedures employed.
- Provide expert testimony when advantageous.
An attorney with trial experience in Miami courts possesses a comprehensive understanding of local judicial preferences and procedures, which can be useful in effectively presenting your case.
Minimizing Long-term Consequences
In addition to addressing the current legal matters, an experienced attorney can assist in mitigating the enduring consequences that theft charges may impose on your future. The following activities are included within this scope:
- Seeking the expungement or sealing of records when one meets the eligibility criteria.
- Providing guidance on responding to inquiries regarding the incident in job applications.
- Assist in the preservation or restoration of professional licenses.
- Evaluate potential immigration implications for clients who are not citizens.
- Safeguarding your right to secure or retain housing.
Your legal representative can work to restore your reputation and progress more positively after the case is resolved.
The Value of Local Knowledge
The legal environment in Miami possesses distinct features. An attorney who understands theft cases will be well-versed in the details involved in managing cases within this jurisdiction. The following activities are included within this scope:
- Understanding the local judge’s preferences and inclinations.
- Comprehension of particular courthouse protocols and traditions.
- Familiarity with the stipulations and accessibility of local diversion programs.
- Understanding available community resources that can potentially enhance your case.
- Comprehension of how various neighborhoods and demographic factors may influence jury selection and the overall strategy for the case.
Local knowledge is essential in effectively advocating for your case and securing the most favorable resolution.
We’re Here to Help with Your Defense – Give Us a Call Today at Stroleny Law
If you’re facing theft charges in Miami, you don’t have to go through the legal process alone or accept the worst outcome. A skilled criminal justice lawyer can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible result.
Their experience and dedication can make a significant difference in safeguarding your rights and future. Call 786-481-4129 as soon as possible.
