Top-Rated Central Florida Criminal Defense Attorney
If you’ve been accused of employee theft in Orlando, you need an experienced and dedicated criminal defense attorney on your side. At Frost Law, we are committed to defending your rights and as a former prosecutor, Attorney Frost can help you understand the charges brought against you, help you navigate the legal system and achieve the best outcome for your case.
Employee theft in Florida is a serious legal matter under Section 812.014 of the Florida Statutes. This comprehensive guide provides insights into the types of cases Frost Law defends, the law, penalties applicable in Florida, defense strategies, frequently asked questions, and additional resources.
Employee theft is typically categorized in Florida as a white-collar crime. This means that it is committed by an individual in a position of trust or a professional position. There are many different stereotypes associated with white-collar criminals, which is why prosecutors and judges in Orlando tend to be especially strict when enforcing or investigating the law.
If you have been accused of employee theft in Orlando, you need an experienced and dedicated criminal defense attorney. Those individuals who have been accused of employee theft and are ultimately convicted of this crime may face more serious penalties than those who have been accused of a lesser charge, like shoplifting.
Employee theft involves illegally taking an employer’s money or property with the intention of temporarily or permanently depriving them of it.
Employee theft occurs when an employee knowingly and without consent takes or attempts to take their employer’s property, intending to deprive the employer of their property temporarily or permanently. There is no legal classification for “employee theft,” it is typically considered grand or petit theft, depending on the value of the stolen property.
The consequences of what will happen in an employee theft conviction will vary based on law enforcement’s decision on what to charge you with.
Under Florida Statute 812.014, the penalties for theft, often associated with employee theft, are determined by the value of the property taken.
Since no Florida laws expressly stipulate employee theft as a crime distinct from other allegations of theft, you could be charged with multiple crimes. For example, you may be charged with fraud, theft, or grand larceny. Grand theft involves claims of taking items valued at $750 or more. You could even be charged with other crimes, such as being part of an organized scheme to commit fraud or operating such a scheme. The penalties are much higher for these allegations. The amount of money ultimately stolen and the method by which you obtained it will play a crucial role in determining your charges.
Prosecutors may even attempt to pursue multiple charges to get you convicted of at least one. Retaining an Orlando criminal defense attorney with extensive experience with employee theft allegations makes it more important.
Effectively defending against employee theft charges in Central Florida requires tailored strategies. Key defense approaches include:
Lack of Intent: Arguing that the accused lacked the intent to permanently or temporarily deprive the employer of their property.
Legal Purpose: Demonstrating that the employee used the property for legitimate and legal purposes.
Necessity of Duress: Establishing that the defendant acted out of necessity or under duress can serve as a valid defense.
Consent: Theft allegations can be undermined by presenting evidence that the employer consented to the actions.
Mistake of Fact: The prosecution’s case may be undermined if a genuine mistake of fact is proved.
Lack of Evidence: Challenging the evidence presented by the State, especially when there is no confession or independent corroborating evidence, can weaken the case.
Incorrect Amount of Loss/Taking Alleged: Contesting the accuracy of the alleged loss or taking, particularly when discrepancies in accounting or record-keeping are evident.
There is too much on the line for your future to leave this up to chance. Any allegation of theft, including employee theft, should be responded to by retaining an experienced and committed criminal defense attorney. You can bet that the authorities, including the prosecutors in your case in Florida, will work as hard as possible and use every resource at their disposal to obtain a conviction. These attorneys often have years of experience pursuing employee theft charges and will work quickly to gather a case against you.
Once you have been arrested, they may even encourage you to cooperate in the case and share as much information as possible about the circumstances. You may think you are doing yourself a favor by communicating with them and telling them what they need to know. However, it is important to realize that you could be providing them with far more information than is necessary or that you are legally required to give.
You could make their job of prosecuting and convicting you that much easier. Instead, it is strongly recommended that you schedule a consultation immediately with an Orlando employee theft criminal defense attorney so that you have an opportunity to walk through the circumstances of your arrest as well as the alleged incidents involved so that you can identify any opportunities in which the authorities overstepped their bounds and violated their rights.
The value of the stolen goods will also have a determining impact on assessing your potential sentence.
At Frost Law, we are committed to helping you with your Employee Theft charge in Central Florida. As a prosecutor, Attorney Frost handled hundreds of theft crime cases, and he knows how to build a strong defense.
Call Frost Law today at 407-670-5669 to get started on your defense with a free consultation.
Employee theft is not a specific crime under Florida law. Grand Theft is theft over $750 or more. Employee theft is often considered more serious than Grand Theft because an employee was involved in the alleged crime.
Lack of intent can be demonstrated by presenting evidence that the accused did not intend to permanently or temporarily deprive the employer of their property.
Frost Law is a full-service law firm that focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI, Estate planning, Wills, Trusts & Asset Protection and Probate. Our Estate Planning options ensure that you have a comprehensive and effective plan in place for you and your loved ones.
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