Category Archives: Theft Crime
Florida Men Convicted of “Maritime Theft” Over Decision to Free Sharks
It is quite extraordinary for a federal judge to openly criticize the government’s decision to prosecute a defendant, especially in a decision upholding that defendant’s conviction. Yet that is what recently happened in the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, where a three-judge panel affirmed the convictions of two men charged… Read More »
Is Bankruptcy Fraud the Same Thing as “Grand Theft” in Florida?
In a criminal case, Florida prosecutors may try to introduce evidence of crimes the defendant may have committed other than the charged offense. There are, however, restrictions on such evidence. Florida courts must apply what is known as the Williams rule to decide if “collateral crime evidence” is relevant and would not prejudice the… Read More »
Is It Still Shoplifting If You Put the Merchandise Back?
Under Florida law, a person commits theft if they “knowingly” obtain to use–or “endeavor” to obtain or use–someone else’s property with the intent to deprive that person of their property. Put another way, you can still be convicted of theft in Florida by attempting (i.e., endeavoring) to take someone else’s property, even if that… Read More »
What Constitutes Petit Theft In Florida?
Unlawfully taking property that is not yours and that you are not entitled to is theft. When that property is worth less than $750, in Florida, this crime is called petit theft. Petit theft is a misdemeanor offense in most cases but can be a felony offense in others. Petit theft is not solely… Read More »
Woman Claims She Was Under The Influence Of Marijuana While Shoplifting
They say that marijuana use is harmless. After all, the drug has never actually killed anyone. But it can apparently cause you to get in trouble with the law, according to an elderly Florida woman, who claims that her medical marijuana made her unaware she was stealing clothing. The 78-year-old woman was arrested on… Read More »
