Florida Grand Theft Defense Lawyer | Van Riper & Nies Attorneys – Former Prosecutor on Your Side

Florida Grand Theft Defense Lawyer: Understanding Grand Theft Charges in Florida

Grand theft is one of the most serious property crime charges in Florida. Unlike shoplifting or petty theft (petit theft), which involves lower-value property, grand theft is a felony offense that can have life-altering consequences, including prison time, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. If you or a loved one has been arrested for Grand Theft in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, or Broward County, call us for free. It is critical to understand what the charge means, possible criminal defenses, and how an experienced Florida criminal defense lawyer can protect your rights.

What Is Grand Theft in Florida?

Under Florida Statutes §812.014, grand theft occurs when a person unlawfully takes property valued above a certain threshold with the intent to deprive the rightful owner. The degree of the felony depends on the value and type of property:

• Grand Theft in the Third Degree – Property valued between $750 and $20,000 (or certain specified items like firearms, motor vehicles, or controlled substances).

• Grand Theft in the Second Degree – Property valued between $20,000 and $100,000.

• Grand Theft in the First Degree – Property valued over $100,000, or if the theft causes significant property damage.

Each level of Grand Theft carries serious penalties, including potential prison terms, restitution, and long-term consequences for employment and reputation.

Common Defenses to Grand Theft Charges

An experienced Florida criminal defense attorney can raise powerful defenses depending on the facts of the case. Some common strategies include:

• Lack of Intent – The prosecution must prove that you intended to permanently deprive the owner of property. If intent is unclear, charges may be reduced or dismissed.

• Mistaken Identity – Theft cases often rely on eyewitness testimony or surveillance footage, both of which can be unreliable.

• Ownership or Right to Possess – If you believed in good faith that the property belonged to you, or you had permission to use it, this may be a defense.

• Insufficient Evidence – A skilled defense lawyer will scrutinize the evidence, chain of custody, and whether law enforcement followed proper procedures.

Tactics of an Experienced Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer

When facing grand theft charges, the knowledge and strategies of your Florida criminal defense attorney can make the difference. An experienced defense lawyer will:

• Challenge the prosecution’s valuation of the property to reduce the degree of the charge.

• File motions to suppress evidence obtained unlawfully.

• Negotiate aggressively for reduced charges or diversion programs.

• Prepare a strong criminal trial defense, if necessary, to fight for a not guilty verdict.

With a former prosecutor on your side, you gain insight into how the State builds its case and how to strategically dismantle it.

Conclusion – Call for a Free Consultation

Grand theft charges in Florida are serious, but you do not have to face them alone. At Van Riper & Nies Attorneys, criminal defense attorney Christian Van Riper, a former prosecutor, has the experience and insight to fight for your rights. Whether you are in Palm Beach, Broward, Martin, or St. Lucie County, we are here to help. Criminal defense lawyer Christian Van Riper also represents juveniles charged with Grand Theft.

📞 Call today or tonight for a free consultation:

• 561-948-5588 (Palm Beach County)

• 772-283-8712 (St. Lucie and Martin County)

• 954-369-0776 (Broward County)

Your future is too important to leave to chance. Contact us now 24/7 for free and put an experienced Florida grand theft defense lawyer on your side. We are lawyer warriors for our clients. Our law offices are in Stuart, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and Deerfield Beach, Florida.

We are a veteran-owned law firm and offer veteran discounts for those who have served.

Van Riper and Nies Attorneys

Stuart: 900 SE Ocean Boulevard, Suite 140-E, Stuart, FL 34994

West Palm Beach: 801 Northpoint Parkway, Suite 375, West Palm Beach, FL 33407

Delray Beach: 55 SE 2nd Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444

Boca Raton: 9825 Marina Boulevard, Suite 100A, Boca Raton, FL 33428

Deerfield Beach: 10 Fairway Drive, Suite 139, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442