Possession of Stolen Property Attorney in DeLand

If you’ve been charged with possession of stolen property in Florida, it’s important to understand the seriousness of these charges. Depending on the value of the stolen property and other circumstances, you could face significant penalties, including time in prison, fines, and a criminal record that could affect your future.

At Williams Legal, P.A., we specialize in defending individuals accused of possessing stolen property. Our criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience handling these types of cases and will work tirelessly to protect your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and build the best defense possible.

What is Possession of Stolen Property in Florida?

Under Florida law, possession of stolen property occurs when someone knowingly possesses property that has been unlawfully taken from its rightful owner. To convict someone of this crime, the prosecution must prove several key elements:

1. The property was unlawfully taken: This means the item was stolen without the owner’s consent.
2. Actual or Constructive Possession:
   1. Actual possession occurs when the accused has the stolen item physically on their person or within immediate reach.
   2. Constructive possession applies when the individual has control over the location where the stolen property was found, such as in their home, vehicle, or storage unit.
3. Knowledge or Reasonable Knowledge: The prosecution must also prove that the accused knew or should have reasonably known that the property was stolen. This can be inferred if, for example, the accused purchased the property at a suspiciously low price or in other questionable circumstances.

Penalties for Possession of Stolen Property

The severity of the penalties for possession of stolen property depends on the value of the stolen item(s). Florida law categorizes possession of stolen property into various degrees based on value:

• First-degree misdemeanor (under $750):
• Penalties: Up to 1 year in jail, 1 year of probation, and a fine of up to $1,000.
• Third-degree felony ($750 to $20,000):
• Penalties: Up to 5 years in prison, 5 years of probation, and a fine of up to $5,000.
• Second-degree felony ($20,000 to $100,000):
• Penalties: Up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and a fine of up to $10,000.
• First-degree felony (over $100,000):
• Penalties: Up to 30 years in prison, 30 years of probation, and a fine of up to $10,000.

In addition to the value of the stolen property, certain situations can increase the severity of the charge. If the stolen property involves items such as firearms, law enforcement equipment, motor vehicles, or controlled substances, the classification of the crime may be enhanced regardless of the value.

How We Can Help

If you’ve been charged with possession of stolen property, having a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At Williams Legal, P.A., we will:

• Challenge the evidence: We will thoroughly examine the evidence to ensure that it was properly obtained and that it meets the necessary legal standards.
• Build a strong defense: Whether the property was not stolen, you did not have knowledge it was stolen, or there were other factors involved in the case, we will craft a defense tailored to your situation.
• Seek a reduction in charges: We will fight to have the charges reduced, or even dismissed, when possible.

Contact a Possession of Stolen Property Attorney Today

If you are facing charges for possession of stolen property, you need an experienced and knowledgeable attorney to defend your case. Don’t wait—contact [Firm Name] today for a free consultation. Our legal team will guide you through every step of the legal process and work to secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Call (386) 277-1166 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation.