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 & Property Crimes
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....
Retail fuel theft is illegal and punishable by law
It’s known that gas prices are constantly changing based on available crude oil supplies. The prices may have gone down now, but they could suddenly spike in the near future as supplies run out. Price hikes for fuel hurt everyone, and some desperate drivers might turn...
Cargo theft is a serious criminal felony
Retailers across America wouldn’t survive without the help of interstate cargo lines. Shipping and cargo delivery form the backbone of any distribution operation. People can purchase products from the other side of the country or world thanks to these deliveries. But...
Some forensic evidence is based on junk science
Juries listen carefully when forensic scientists give evidence, and Florida prosecutors know this. Scientific evidence has long been used to prove that an individual visited a location, touched an object or left a drop of blood behind, and DNA testing can link tissue...
Stealing fire extinguishers is a serious offense
No matter which building you go to, you’re bound to find a fire extinguisher. To meet fire safety standards, most buildings have a fire extinguisher, which can help put out small flames before they start growing. You might think stealing a building’s fire extinguisher...