A Theft Charge Is About More Than the Value Alleged.

THEFT & PROPERTY-CRIME DEFENSE

Intent and Context Shape the Evidence

Florida theft allegations generally focus on whether a person knowingly obtained or used another person’s property with the required intent. The degree of the charge can depend on value, the type of property, and other circumstances.

A transaction, possession of property, business disagreement, or disputed authorization does not explain itself. The defense may need to examine ownership, consent, access, valuation, communications, accounting records, surveillance, identification, and the chain of possession.

Attorney Dan Hassinger brings 15 years of legal practice and 15 years of prior law-enforcement experience, including years investigating fraud and financial crimes. That background informs his review of documents, digital evidence, interviews, business relationships, and theories of intent.

Early review can help preserve receipts, messages, video, access records, witness information, and other evidence that may become difficult to recover later.

Call (941) 313-2559 to request a confidential case review.

Theft and Property Matters May Include

• Petit theft and grand theft

• Employee theft and embezzlement allegations

• Retail theft and shoplifting

• Motor-vehicle and leased-property allegations

• Burglary and related property offenses

• Dealing in or possessing stolen property

• Contracting or business disputes that lead to charges

• Loss, restitution, ownership, and valuation disputes

The State Must Prove Its Case

The defense should test identification, intent, ownership, permission, valuation, and the reliability of the records or witnesses used to connect a person to the alleged taking.

Value Can Change the Degree of a Florida Theft Charge

Under the current general statute, property valued from $100 to under $750 is ordinarily first-degree petit theft; $750 or more can qualify as third-degree grand theft; $20,000 or more can qualify as second-degree grand theft; and $100,000 or more can qualify as first-degree grand theft. Property type, location, prior history, alleged damage, and other provisions can change the analysis.

The reported number should be tested against market value, condition, depreciation, ownership records, receipts, aggregation, and the precise subsection.

Employee Theft and Disputed Authority

These cases may involve payroll, expense accounts, purchasing authority, refunds, inventory, company cards, customer payments, bookkeeping access, or claimed personal use. The review should distinguish access from authority, error from intent, policy violations from criminal conduct, and records created by the accused from records created or changed by others.

Evidence We Examine

• Ownership, possession, consent, authority, and intent

• Receipts, invoices, contracts, policies, account statements, and accounting data

• Video, identification procedures, access logs, location records, and device evidence

• Market value, condition, depreciation, repair, replacement, and aggregation

• Witness statements, internal investigations, loss calculations, and restitution claims

• Search, seizure, statements, chain of custody, and evidence connecting the accused

Protect Helpful Evidence

Preserve receipts, messages, video, photographs, account records, policies, schedules, access logs, witness information, and court papers. Do not delete, alter, return, transfer, conceal, or ask anyone to move disputed property or records without legal advice.

Experience Relevant to Theft and Property Cases

Attorney Dan Hassinger has practiced law for 15 years and previously served 15 years in law enforcement, including years investigating fraud and financial crimes. His experience informs review of documents, digital evidence, interviews, business relationships, identification, valuation, and competing theories of intent.

What Happens After You Call

1. We obtain basic names, charge, county, custody or release status, and court date and complete a conflicts check.

2. Dan reviews the report, property description, alleged value, available records, release conditions, and immediate deadlines.

3. You receive a clear explanation of the issues, evidence to preserve, and next steps.

4. If representation begins, the scope and fee are confirmed in writing.

Theft and Property-Crime FAQs

Is every dispute over money or property a theft?

No. Theft requires proof of the statutory intent and other elements. Ownership, permission, authority, contract terms, performance, communications, mistake, and timing may matter.

How is the value of allegedly stolen property determined?

The statute uses valuation rules that can depend on the property or instrument. Market value, replacement cost when market value cannot be determined, condition, and reliable documentation may be relevant.

Can several items or transactions be combined?

Sometimes. Whether aggregation is permitted depends on the charged statute and facts. The State’s theory should be compared with dates, ownership, transactions, the alleged course of conduct, and jury instructions.

What if I had permission or believed I was authorized?

Permission or a good-faith understanding of authority can be important because theft requires specified intent. Preserve communications, policies, prior practice, witnesses, and records showing the scope of authority.

Should I return disputed property or repay money before speaking with a lawyer?

Obtain legal advice first. A well-intended act can affect evidence, admissions, negotiations, or related civil and employment matters. Do not conceal, destroy, or transfer evidence.

Request a Confidential Theft-Case Review

Call (941) 313-2559 or send a brief message using the form below. Please do not include confidential information before a conflicts check.