Clearwater Employee Theft Lawyer

Theft by employee is a unique property crime outlawed under Florida Statute Section 509.162. Whereas most property crimes are categorized by seriousness depending on the amount of value or money taken, theft by an employee does not have the same limitation. For example, a petit theft can be charged if the value of the stolen property is between $0 and $500. While a third degree felony grand theft can be charged where the value is greater than $500. Under the theft by employee law, the value does not matter. Instead, if the state can prove that property of any value was stolen by an employee of the establishment, a third degree felony grand theft can be proven.

Theft by employee is treated more seriously than other theft and property crime offenses because store and business owners often have to put their trust in employees who, due to the nature of the business, are given free reign and access to the goods and products of the business. And often, those employees are given full access to the cash registers and money deposits. For this reason, the law allows harsher punishment for those who violate that trust and steal from their employers. If you have been charged with this offense, you should make sure you remain silent and contact a skilled Clearwater criminal defense attorney to begin building your defense.

Criminal offenses can generally be grouped into several different categories. For example, offenses like murder, battery, or aggravated assault can be categorized as violent offenses. Sex based offenses can form another category including sexual battery and lewd and lascivious molestation. And drug offenses like possession of cannabis or sale or delivery of cocaine can fall into another category. Within those categorizations, certain offenses will carry more serious penalties than others. These days, marijuana charges are far less serious than similar drug charges like possession of methamphetamine. The dangerousness of the drug dictates the seriousness of the crime. When dealing with property crimes an offense like a petit theft might be punished with a metaphorical slap on the wrist, while a burglary charge might carry serious prison time.

Property crime is a category that is extremely broad. It contains some of the most minor criminal offenses along with some of the most serious and harshly punished ones. People accused of stealing a few items from a convenience store often receive a fine or a diversion program. However, home invasion burglary is also a property crime and carries mandatory prison sentences. Somewhere in the middle is the offense of theft by employee. Though the range of penalties for property crimes can vary wildly, they all have one thing in common: the fact that you should hire a skilled Clearwater criminal defense lawyer right away.

Anyone facing felony charges should not hesitate to consult with a defense attorney. The lawyers at Hanlon Law have the experience and skills necessary to achieve the results that you desire on your case. We take an aggressive and proactive approach to our clients cases that often results in the dismissal or reduction of serious criminal charges. We believe in protecting our clients’ futures, and not simply getting them a good plea deal. Instead, we fight for dismissals and not guilty verdicts because we know that any sort of criminal record can have a detrimental effect on the lives of our clients. Don’t wait to call us today at 727-897-5413 to set up a consultation.