Property Crimes Lawyers in Orlando

The Defense Group routinely represents clients in Central Florida for a variety of criminal offenses that are classified as “property crimes.” Before you speak with any law enforcement officer about the allegations against you, call us to speak to an attorney about the specific facts and circumstances of your case. In fact, never speak with a law enforcement officer unless you are accompanied by an experienced criminal defense attorney.

From our main office in Maitland (Orange County), Florida, we represent clients all over Central Florida, including Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Brevard, Polk, Lake, Sumter, Marion, and Volusia Counties. Call The Defense Group at 407-759-6844 or 407-250-9557.

Property Crimes Defined in Florida

Property crimes are generally defined in Florida as an intentional criminal act that results in the taking or destruction of another person’s property without the owner’s consent. The definition of property crimes includes both misdemeanor and felony offenses. While theft is the most common, this category includes worthless checks, embezzlement, fraud, credit card offenses, identity theft, arson, and criminal mischief.

Property crimes are usually distinguished from violent crimes that involve the threat of force or actual force in order to accomplish the taking of property. The most common type of property crime involving violence is robbery. Robbery is basically theft by use of force or threat of force.

Different Types of Property Crimes in Florida

The severity of the offense depends on the value of the property taken or damaged. Finding the proper valuation of the property is often an important part of the defense. Types of property crimes commonly prosecuted in Florida include the following:

criminal mischief or vandalism;
burglary;
dealing in stolen property ;
scheme to defraud;
trespass;
arson;
burning to defraud an insurance company;

theft crimes such as grand theft, employee theft, petit theft, larceny, and shoplifting; and
burglary of a vehicle, occupied dwelling, or unoccupied dwelling.

A property crime is defined as a criminal act that occurs when a person takes another person’s property without consent. When a person destroys another person’s property, it is also considered a property crime under Florida law.

How Florida Law Classifies Theft Crimes by Degree and Why It Matters

The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony theft charge in Florida often comes down to the value of the property involved, but the penalties at each level escalate dramatically. Understanding how Florida statute classifies theft crimes helps you see why having an experienced criminal defense lawyer challenge the prosecution’s valuation and the specific charges is so critical to protecting your future.

Theft Classifications Under Florida Law

Petit theft (second-degree misdemeanor). Property valued at less than $100. Punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. While this is the lowest theft offense, even petty theft creates a criminal record that affects employment and housing.
Petit theft (first-degree misdemeanor). Property valued between $100 and $750, or a second petit theft offense, regardless of value. Punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Grand theft (third-degree felony). Property valued between $750 and $20,000. Punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Second-degree grand theft applies to property valued between $20,000 and $100,000 and is a second-degree felony carrying up to 15 years in prison.
Grand theft (first-degree felony). Property valued at $100,000 or more, or theft involving specific circumstances such as cargo valued over $50,000 or the use of a motor vehicle to facilitate the theft. A first-degree felony carries up to 30 years in prison.

Why Valuation Is a Defense Strategy

Prosecutors determine the degree of theft charges based on the alleged value of the stolen property. Challenging that valuation — whether through independent appraisals, questioning depreciation, or disputing how the property was assessed — can mean the difference between felony convictions and a misdemeanor outcome. The property crimes lawyers in Orlando at The Defense Group scrutinize every valuation to ensure grand theft charges aren’t inflated beyond what the evidence supports.

What to Do After Being Arrested for a Property Crime in Orange County

The actions you take immediately after an arrest for a property crime in Central Florida directly affect the strength of your criminal case. Many defendants make mistakes during this period that give prosecutors ammunition they wouldn’t otherwise have. Understanding your rights and following the right steps protects your defense from the start.

Steps to Protect Yourself After an Arrest

Exercise your right to remain silent. Beyond providing your name and identification, you are not required to answer questions from law enforcement officers about the alleged offense. Anything you say — even casual comments that seem harmless — can be used against you in court. You are presumed innocent until proven guilty, and silence is your strongest protection.
Do not consent to searches. If officers ask to search your home, vehicle, or personal belongings, you have the right to decline unless they have a warrant. Consenting to a search waives protections that your defense attorney could otherwise use to challenge how evidence was obtained.
Document everything you remember. As soon as possible after your release, write down every detail of the arrest, including what officers said, how they conducted any search, who was present, and the timeline of events. This information helps your criminal defense lawyer identify procedural violations and build defense strategies.
Do not discuss the case with anyone. Conversations with friends, family members, or on social media can be used as evidence by the prosecution. Speak only with your defense attorney about the facts of your case.
Hire a property crime defense attorney immediately. The sooner your legal team is involved, the more effectively they can preserve evidence, challenge the charges, and negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or getting charges dropped entirely.

Whether you’re facing petit theft charges in Winter Park or grand theft charges anywhere in Orange County, The Defense Group provides personalized attention and aggressive defense to every client. Every person accused of a property crime deserves a fair trial and the opportunity to be defended by lawyers who will hold the prosecution to its burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Finding an Attorney for Property Crimes in Florida

If you are a loved one is arrested for a property crime in Central Florida, contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at The Defense Group. We have handled hundreds of similar cases in these counties over our many years of practice. Contact us at 407-759-6844 or 407-250-9557 for a free consultation.