Shoplifting is a crime many people mistake as minor, but Florida imposes severe penalties depending on the circumstances. If you’re caught shoplifting, understanding how the law treats the offense and its potential consequences is important. What is shoplifting under...
Theft & Property Crimes
What happens if I get charged with identity theft in Florida?
Florida faces a growing challenge with identity theft. In 2023, the state ranked second nationwide for identity theft reports. This digital-age crime affects residents and tourists alike, making it essential to know how Florida law tackles this issue. What is identity...
3 times Florida theft offenses may lead to felony charges
Theft offenses and property crimes are relatively common. People of all ages and backgrounds in Florida commit theft-related offenses. White-collar professionals might embezzle from their employers. People dealing with substance abuse disorders might burglarize homes...
Trespassing with a firearm is a criminal offense in Florida
Borders define boundaries. They mark the start and end of a space, whether it's a home, a shop or even a piece of land. Like a fence, a physical barrier sends a clear message: "This is mine. Please respect my space." Anyone crossing this boundary without permission is...
Auto theft in Florida: Severity and sentencing
Theft is a punishable offense in Florida, with the penalties based on the total value of the items stolen. So, what happens if someone steals a motor vehicle? Because motor vehicles cost much money, stealing one is a graver offense than regular petty theft. If you...
Theft in times of unrest: The legal consequences of stealing during riots
Riots and other similar forms of civil disobedience can bring out the worst in people. Civil unrest can quickly turn violent, with demonstrators clashing with law enforcement. But violence isn’t the only thing that can happen during rioting. When riots occur, there’s...
Selling off stolen items on the Internet is a punishable offense
The Internet is the perfect place to buy and sell stuff because of its global reach and accessibility. It’s not just the major retailers who sell goods online; even people who make their own products or want to sell off their possessions are welcome to post their...
Is it a crime to request a refund using a dubious receipt?
It’s a customer’s right to be able to return any merchandise they’re not satisfied with for a refund, and all U.S. states have laws governing customer returns and refunds. Customers can return items for a variety of reasons. Perhaps the customer is experiencing...
The role of Miranda rights in home invasion cases
The threat of home invasion is a concern that touches the lives of many. This happens when someone forcibly enters another person's home with the intent to commit a crime, such as burglary, theft or assault. However, accusations in these cases are not always...
Criminal record expungement in Florida
A criminal record can have a negative impact on a convicted person’s life. They may not be aware that there is a legal process called expungement that allows their criminal record to effectively be removed, limiting the negative consequences of the past conviction....