🏚️ Fort Lauderdale Property Crime Defense Attorney
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Being charged with a property crime in Fort Lauderdale or South Florida is no minor matter. These offenses can lead to felony convictions, mandatory prison time, and a permanent criminal record—even if it’s your first offense.
At Michael White, P.A., we defend clients charged with everything from trespassing and graffiti to burglary with tools and structure entry. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, we’re ready to fight for your freedom.
📞 Call (954) 270-0769 or book your free consultation
🧱 What Is a Property Crime Under Florida Law?
A property crime is any offense involving the unauthorized entry into, damage to, or interference with another person’s property. These charges may be misdemeanors or felonies, depending on:
- The value of damage
- Intent of the accused
- Whether a school, home, or business was involved
- Prior convictions
🗂️ Common Property Crimes We Handle
At Michael White, P.A., we routinely represent clients in Fort Lauderdale and across Broward County facing charges such as:
- Trespass – Fla. Stat. §§ 810.08 & 810.09
- Trespass on School Grounds – Fla. Stat. § 810.097
- Criminal Mischief (Vandalism) – Fla. Stat. § 806.13
- Burglary of a Structure or Conveyance – Fla. Stat. § 812.02
- Possession of Burglary Tools – Fla. Stat. § 810.06
👉 What are my options if I’m charged with burglary in Florida?
⚠️ Why Property Crimes Shouldn’t Be Taken Lightly
Even seemingly minor charges like trespassing or graffiti can carry:
- Jail or prison time
- Lengthy probation
- Thousands in restitution or fines
- Permanent criminal records that affect housing, jobs, and immigration
And for felony property crimes like burglary, sentencing enhancements may apply if weapons or prior offenses are involved.
👉 Trespassing vs. Burglary in Florida: Key Differences Explained
🛡️ Common Defenses to Property Crime Charges
Every property crime case is unique—but we often use these strategies to fight the charges:
❌ Lack of Intent
Burglary and vandalism require intent. If prosecutors can’t prove you intended to commit a crime, your charges may not hold.
🏷️ Permission or Lawful Presence
If you had permission to be on the property, or reasonably believed you did, we’ll argue that the entry was lawful.
🚫 Mistaken Identity
Surveillance footage and eyewitnesses are not always reliable. We cross-examine ID evidence and challenge improper lineups or assumptions.
🧰 Burglary Tools Defense
Possessing a crowbar isn’t illegal. The State must prove you intended to use the tool to commit burglary, which can be hard to establish.
Attorney Michael White has handled hundreds of property crime cases—on both sides of the courtroom. As a former prosecutor, he understands the strategy behind how these charges are filed and fought.
We take a proactive, aggressive approach to get charges dismissed, reduced, or resolved through diversion programs wherever possible.
📞 Call (954) 270-0769 or request a consultation online
👨⚖️ Former Prosecutor. Now Your Advocate.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Property Crimes in Florida
1. What is considered a property crime in Florida?
Property crimes include any unlawful act involving entry, damage, or interference with another person’s property. Common charges include trespass, burglary, vandalism (criminal mischief), and possession of burglary tools.
2. Is trespassing a misdemeanor or felony in Florida?
Most trespass charges are misdemeanors, but the offense can become a felony if it occurs in a school, dwelling, or occupied structure, or if the defendant is armed.
3. Can I be charged with burglary for entering a car or garage?
Yes. Florida law defines burglary broadly. Entering any structure or conveyance (like a garage or vehicle) with the intent to commit a crime inside—even theft—can result in a burglary charge.
4. What if I had permission to be on the property?
If you had permission or reasonably believed you had the right to enter, that can be a valid legal defense. We can raise this issue early to get charges reduced or dismissed.
5. Can a lawyer get my property crime charge dismissed or reduced?
Yes. An experienced defense attorney can challenge intent, dispute identification, or pursue diversion programs and withholds of adjudication, especially for first-time offenders or non-violent charges.