Last updated November 2025
🚨 A Shoplifting or Theft Charge Can Wreck Your Record
Whether you were accused of walking out of a store with merchandise, caught with someone else’s property, or even involved in an online return scheme — theft charges in Florida are serious.
Even a misdemeanor petit theft conviction can damage your employment, immigration status, or professional license. You need a strategic, fast-moving Fort Lauderdale theft crime lawyer who knows how to protect your record from day one.
At Michael White, P.A., we defend clients across South Florida facing misdemeanor and felony theft charges — from retail theft to employee embezzlement. As a former prosecutor, I know how to beat these charges before they stick.
⚖️ Florida’s Theft Laws: What You’re Facing
Under Florida Statute § 812.014, theft charges are classified by the value of the property taken:
Petit theft (under $750) – Misdemeanor
Grand theft (\\$750 or more) – Felony
Theft from a person, school, construction site, or emergency vehicle – Felony regardless of value
Other factors that can escalate the charge:
Prior convictions
Use of a booster bag or tool
Allegations of deception or coordination
🛡️ How a Fort Lauderdale Theft Crime Lawyer Can Help
We build your defense with a focus on avoiding conviction and protecting your future:
🔹 Lack of intent (accidental possession, mistake)
🔹 Weak or missing video evidence
🔹 Poor witness identification
🔹 Proof the item belonged to you or was abandoned
🔹 Pretrial diversion or civil resolution
In many cases, we resolve theft cases with dismissals, withholds of adjudication, or record-sealing outcomes.
✅ Why Clients Choose Michael White
✅ Former prosecutor with retail and felony theft experience
✅ Hands-on defense for students, professionals, and first-time offenders
✅ Aggressive negotiation to avoid conviction and protect your name
✅ Trusted legal support through every phase — from detention to dismissal
📞 Facing Theft Charges? Let’s Talk Before You Talk to Anyone Else
Police and prosecutors move fast — but so do we.
📲 Call (954) 270-0769 or schedule a consultation with the best theft lawyer in South Florida.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🧑⚖️ Is theft a misdemeanor or felony in Florida?
It depends on the value. Under $750 is generally a misdemeanor; $750 and above is a felony.
📄 Can I be charged if I didn’t leave the store yet?
Yes — if prosecutors believe you had intent to steal, you can be charged. But this is a common weak point we challenge.
🧠 What if I forgot I had the item?
Lack of intent is a valid defense in theft cases. Accidents, distractions, or confusion happen — and we present that clearly.
📉 Will this stay on my record?
If convicted, yes. But if we get the charge dismissed or resolved with a withhold, you may qualify for sealing or expungement.
🚨 Can theft charges affect my job or immigration status?
Yes. Theft is considered a “crime of dishonesty” and can impact professional licensing and immigration. That’s why defense must be fast and effective.