🕵️‍♂️ Fort Lauderdale Theft & Fraud Defense Attorney

Last updated April 2026

Updated for 2026 — Former Prosecutor. Local Strategy. Proven Results.

Former Prosecutor. Local Strategy. Proven Results.

Florida consistently ranks among the top states for identity theft, fraud, and felony theft investigations. In Broward County, prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively — even when the facts involve misunderstandings, workplace disputes, or accounting errors rather than criminal intent.

According to recent Florida Attorney General and law-enforcement data:

• Identity theft complaints continue to rise statewide

• Fraud investigations increasingly involve digital records and financial audits

• Retail and employee-theft prosecutions are expanding across South Florida

If you’re accused of theft or fraud in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Plantation, Pembroke Pines, or anywhere in Broward County, the consequences can be severe — prison exposure, professional damage, and a permanent criminal record.

That’s where Michael White, P.A. steps in.

⚖️ How Theft & Fraud Cases Actually Develop

In real cases, theft and fraud charges rarely begin with a clear-cut criminal event. Instead, they often develop from:

Business disputes
Retail or workplace allegations
Financial irregularities or audits
Misunderstandings about ownership or permission

In many cases, what starts as a disagreement or investigation escalates into criminal charges based on how the situation is interpreted early.

This is why early legal strategy often determines whether a case proceeds, is reduced, or is stopped entirely.

⚖️ Theft & Fraud Charges in Florida: What You Need to Know

Under Florida law, theft and fraud charges are built around intent, value, and conduct — not just accusations.

For example, Florida Statute § 812.014 defines theft as knowingly obtaining or using another person’s property with the intent to deprive them of it, permanently or temporarily. Fraud statutes focus on deception, misrepresentation, and financial gain.

Prosecutors evaluate factors such as:

• 💰 The value of the alleged loss

• 📜 Your prior criminal history

• 🔫 Whether the property is specially protected (firearms, vehicles, controlled substances, emergency equipment)

• 🏪 Whether the allegation involves a business, employer, or financial institution

Some cases involve possession rather than direct taking—learn how receiving stolen property charges in Florida are handled.

Possible penalties can include:

• State prison sentences (up to 30 years in first-degree felony cases)

• Substantial fines and restitution

• Probation or community control

• Long-term consequences for employment, licensing, housing, and immigration

Because intent is a required element, many cases hinge on whether it can actually be proven—see how lack of intent defense in Florida theft cases applies.

To understand how these offenses are defined and grouped under Florida law, start here:

👉 What’s the Difference Between Theft, Larceny, and Fraud?

👉 How Florida Classifies Theft and Grand Theft

🔑 Theft Charges in Florida: Felony vs. Misdemeanor

One of the most common — and most misunderstood — questions is whether a theft charge is a misdemeanor or a felony.

In many cases, the distinction turns on value, but not always.

When Theft Is a Misdemeanor

Theft is typically charged as petit theft when the property involved is valued under $750 and does not fall into a specially protected category. Petit theft is usually a misdemeanor, though repeat offenses can still carry jail time and permanent records.

When Theft Becomes a Felony

Theft becomes grand theft — a felony — when:

• The value of the property is $750 or more, or

• The item is specially protected under Florida law, regardless of value

Examples include firearms, motor vehicles, controlled substances, emergency equipment, and certain government or infrastructure property.

Because valuation and item classification are frequently disputed, many felony theft arrests are defensible — or reducible — with early legal intervention.

In many cases, the strongest outcomes come from early strategic intervention—see how grand theft defense strategies in Florida are used to challenge these charges.

For a side-by-side breakdown, see:

👉 Petit Theft vs. Grand Theft in Florida

📦 Grand Theft in Florida: Degrees and Exposure

Florida divides grand theft into three felony degrees, based primarily on value:

• Third-Degree Grand Theft – $750 to $19,999, or protected items

• Second-Degree Grand Theft – $20,000 to $99,999

• First-Degree Grand Theft – $100,000+, or certain aggravated circumstances

Some categories — such as firearm theft or motor-vehicle theft — automatically trigger felony treatment regardless of value.

For a full breakdown of felony levels and sentencing exposure, see:
👉 Grand Theft Felony Penalties in Florida

🧭 Can Theft or Fraud Charges Be Dropped or Reduced?

Not every theft or fraud case should proceed to trial — or even survive filing.

Depending on the evidence, many cases are resolved through dismissal, reduction, or diversion when:

• Intent cannot be proven

• Value is inflated or unsupported

• Ownership or permission is disputed

• Evidence was obtained unlawfully

• The defendant qualifies for pretrial intervention

Learn more about outcome-focused strategies here:

👉 Can Theft Charges Be Dropped in Florida?

👉 Can Grand Theft Charges Be Reduced in Florida?

These cases often overlap with financial instrument offenses, including credit card theft charges in Florida.  In some cases, multiple charges may be filed from a single allegation—see how grand theft charge combinations are handled in Florida.

🔗 Theft & Fraud Defense Strategies

Depending on the facts, theft and fraud cases may be challenged in several ways:

• Grand theft defense strategies in Florida
• Lack of intent defense in Florida theft cases
• When theft charges can be dropped in Florida
• When grand theft charges can be reduced in Florida

🧭 Charged or Under Investigation? What to Do Next

Early defense strategies often include:

• Challenging whether you intended to steal or deceive

• Disputing ownership, authorization, or misunderstanding

• Contesting valuation methods used by loss-prevention or auditors

• Examining surveillance footage, transaction logs, and digital records

• Filing motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence

• Exploring Pretrial Intervention (PTI) for eligible first-time offenders

Many cases are won — or stopped entirely — before formal charges ever stick.

🔗 Common Theft & Fraud Situations in Florida

Many cases arise from everyday situations such as:

• Shoplifting charges in Broward County
• Receiving stolen property charges in Florida
• Credit card theft charges in Florida
• Theft allegations between family members or roommates
  

🕵️‍♂️ Broward-Specific Insights Most People Don’t Know

• Broward County has one of Florida’s most aggressive retail-theft units

• Loss-prevention reports often exaggerate value or intent (these disputes often affect how restitution is calculated—see how restitution works in Florida theft cases.)

• Video evidence frequently contradicts written affidavits

• Early contact with the State Attorney’s Office can prevent filing

As a former Broward prosecutor, Michael White understands how these cases are built — and where they break.

📞 Call a Fort Lauderdale Theft & Fraud Lawyer Today

You don’t have to face theft or fraud charges alone.

At Michael White, P.A., we move fast to protect your freedom, reputation, and future — using insider knowledge of how prosecutors evaluate, charge, and negotiate these cases.

If you’re under investigation or already charged, early legal action can often determine whether the case proceeds or is stopped entirely.

📍 Serving Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Plantation, Pembroke Pines, and all of Broward County
📞 Call (954) 270-0769 or schedule your confidential case review online