Theft Charges Galanter Law Defends in Miami
If you were arrested or are under investigation for theft, burglary, shoplifting, robbery, identity theft, or a stolen-property offense in Miami, early legal action can protect your freedom, record, job, and reputation. Galanter Law, P.A. brings former-prosecutor insight, 35+ years of South Florida criminal defense experience, and 24/7 availability to high-stakes theft crime cases. Call (305) 576-0244 for a free initial consultation.
Galanter Law defends clients accused of petit theft, shoplifting and retail theft, grand theft, burglary, breaking and entering, home invasion, robbery, armed robbery, identity theft, trafficking in stolen property, and possession of stolen property across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
Petit Theft and Shoplifting
Petit theft and shoplifting cases may involve lower alleged property values, but they can still create a damaging record for a crime of dishonesty. Defense may focus on intent, mistaken identity, receipt or ownership records, surveillance footage, store procedures, and whether diversion, dismissal, or charge reduction may be available.
Grand Theft
Grand theft is generally charged when the alleged property value or property type supports felony prosecution. Because valuation can drive the charge level, early defense may include reviewing appraisals, depreciation, ownership documents, repair records, and whether prosecutors can prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt.
| Charge type | Typical property value or trigger | Possible exposure | Why early defense matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree petit theft | Property valued under $100 | Up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine | Can still create a theft record that affects employment and licensing |
| First-degree petit theft | Property valued from $100 to less than $750 | Up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine | Pretrial diversion, value disputes, or dismissal may be available in some cases |
| Third-degree grand theft | Property valued from $750 to less than $20,000, or certain specified property | Up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine | Felony exposure makes immediate evidence review and negotiation critical |
| Second-degree grand theft | Property valued from $20,000 to less than $100,000, or certain protected property | Up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine | The alleged valuation and ownership records may decide the level of the charge |
| First-degree grand theft | Property valued at $100,000 or more, or specific aggravating circumstances | Up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine | High-stakes cases often require rapid investigation and expert review |
For a broader overview of offense levels and sentencing exposure, read our guide to Florida theft laws and penalties.
Burglary, Breaking and Entering, and Home Invasion
Burglary focuses on unlawfully entering or remaining in a structure, dwelling, or conveyance with intent to commit an offense inside. Breaking and entering allegations and home invasion accusations can raise the stakes quickly, especially when a dwelling, occupied property, alleged weapon, or confrontation is involved. Learn more about burglary charges in Florida.
Robbery and Armed Robbery
Robbery involves taking property from a person through force, violence, assault, or fear. Armed robbery and weapon-related allegations can expose a person to severe felony penalties and require immediate investigation into identification, witness credibility, surveillance video, alleged force, and firearm evidence. If the accusation involves force or a weapon, review our Miami robbery attorney guide.
Identity Theft and Stolen Property Offenses
Theft cases can also involve identity theft, trafficking in stolen property, possession of stolen property, financial records, account access, or alleged fraud. When a theft investigation overlaps with digital evidence or financial accusations, Galanter Law can evaluate the full criminal-defense risk, including whether related fraud and white collar crime defense issues are involved.
Why Early Defense Matters in a Florida Theft Case
Theft charges can affect jail or prison exposure, fines, restitution, immigration status, employment, professional licensing, reputation, and a permanent criminal record. A theft conviction can be especially damaging because employers, licensing boards, schools, landlords, and immigration authorities may view it as a dishonesty offense.
Early defense can help preserve surveillance video, identify witnesses, review police reports, analyze ownership and value disputes, challenge intent, and address constitutional issues involving searches, statements, or evidence collection. A criminal defense attorney may be able to pursue dismissal, reduction of charges, pretrial diversion, withhold of adjudication, suppression of evidence, or trial when the state cannot prove the case.
Why Choose Galanter Law for Theft Crimes Defense
Yale Galanter is a nationally recognized criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor who began his career at the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office under Janet Reno. His prosecution background helps him anticipate how the state may evaluate witnesses, evidence, negotiations, and trial risk.
For more than 35 years, Galanter Law has defended clients in high-stakes South Florida criminal cases. The firm is known for aggressive defense, direct client communication, high-profile case experience, bilingual accessibility, free initial consultations, and 24/7 availability when clients need help urgently.
What to Do After a Theft Crime Arrest or Investigation
- Remain silent and do not give police, store investigators, alleged victims, or witnesses a statement without legal advice.
- Do not contact alleged victims or witnesses about the accusation.
- Preserve receipts, texts, emails, rental agreements, ownership records, photos, account records, and documents that may explain what happened.
- Write down the names of witnesses and the location of surveillance cameras before footage is deleted.
- Avoid posting about the accusation on social media.
- Call a Miami theft crimes lawyer before your arraignment or before responding to detectives.
Theft Crimes Defense FAQ
What is the difference between petit theft and grand theft in Florida?
Florida theft charges depend largely on property value and the circumstances of the accusation. Petit theft usually involves lower-value property and is generally charged as a misdemeanor, while grand theft generally involves property valued at $750 or more, certain specified property, or aggravating factors and is charged as a felony.
Can a theft charge in Miami be dismissed?
Dismissal may be possible depending on the facts. Potential defenses can include lack of intent, mistaken identity, ownership disputes, value disputes, insufficient evidence, illegal search, or problems with witness and surveillance evidence, but outcomes depend on the specific case.
Do I need a lawyer for a shoplifting charge?
Yes. Even a lower-level shoplifting or petit theft allegation can affect your criminal record, employment, immigration status, and future opportunities. Prompt legal guidance can help evaluate diversion, dismissal, reduction, or other defense options.
When should I call a Miami theft crimes attorney?
Call as soon as you are contacted by police, accused by a store or alleged victim, arrested, or notified of an investigation. Early action can help protect evidence and reduce the risk of making statements that prosecutors may use later.
Call a Miami Theft Crimes Attorney 24/7
Facing a theft crime charge in Miami? Call Galanter Law at (305) 576-0244 for a free initial consultation. Available 24/7.
