Seminole County Shoplifting Retail Theft Attorney


If you have been arrested in Seminole County and charged with retail theft or shoplifting, you need to consult with an experienced former Seminole County theft and shoplifting prosecutor prior to appearing in court.  Located in Winter Park, Florida, the Criminal Defense firm Tilden Law represents clients throughout Seminole County who are charged with petit theft, retail theft and shoplifting in cities including: Altamonte Springs, Sanford, Oviedo, Winter Springs, Longwood, Lake Mary, Apopka and Casselberry.  Our law firm’s focus is to protect our clients in court and to prevent our clients from having a criminal record. See our success in defending Seminole County Shoplifting below in Shoplifting case wins section.

Tilden Law represents and defends clients accused of a variety of Seminole County theft claims including:

  • Shoplifting
  • Petty/Petit theft
  • Burglary
  • Grand theft
  • Auto theft
  • Worthless/Bad checks
  • Identity theft
  • Larceny
  • Bank fraud
  • Insurance fraud
  • Healthcare fraud
  • Welfare fraud
  • Forgery
  • Counterfeiting
  • Embezzlement

How Tilden Law Defends Your Seminole County Theft Charge

Attorney Fleet Tilden has 22 years criminal defense experience in litigating Theft and Shoplifting charges in Seminole County courts and has handled hundreds of theft and shoplifting cases throughout Orange and Seminole Counties. We will use our unique knowledge and experience as a former Seminole County Theft and Shoplifting Prosecutor in defending Seminole County theft charges to achieve a positive and superior result. Every client’s case is thoroughly reviewed and examined, specifically looking for any weakness in the prosecution’s case in order to position our clients to achieve a positive resolution.

Our Seminole County Theft/Shoplifting defense strategy includes:

  • Immediately contact the victim (store, shop or individual) office to petition for dismissal of all charges
  • If you are a First Time Offender, we will petition the State Attorney’s Office for a Diversion/Deferred Prosecution resolution which will result in your case being dismissed
  • Review prior Theft cases seeking to overturn prior convictions. If successful, your case may be reduced to a lower level criminal offense
  • Immediately contact the State Attorney’s office and provide the prosecutor with mitigating evidence and information from your prospective showing a different accounting of the facts from what has previously been provided by law enforcement
  • Interview witnesses and conduct an independent investigation to help prove your factual innocence
  • Personally visit and photograph the scene of the arrest/accident to provide proof to the judge and/or jury of your innocence

 

What Is Shoplifting and Retail Theft in Seminole County

Florida law defines shoplifting and retail theft as the taking of merchandise from a retail business and exiting the store (or passing all cashiers) without making any attempt to pay for the merchandise.  There are different crime levels of retail theft.

2nd Degree Misdemeanor: If the value of the stolen merchandise is less than $100, and the person accused has no prior theft convictions, it is considered Petit Theft which is punishable by up to 60 days jail.

1st Degree Misdemeanor:  The value of the merchandise is between $100 and $300.  If convicted the maximum jail sentence is 1 year.

3rd Degree Felony: If the value of the merchandise is greater than $300, it is considered a felony where the maximum incarceration is 5 years.

 

Retail Theft and Shoplifting Defense Seminole County

Theft and Shoplifting charges have a significant impact on a person’s reputation for honesty and truthfulness.   The reality is that employers and schools are less likely to hire and accept your applications if you have a theft or shoplifting charge pot up in your criminal background check.  As a former Seminole County shoplifting and theft prosecutor, we focus our criminal defense efforts to dismiss theft and shoplifting charges and clear your criminal record so any negative impact is minimized.

 

Civil Theft Demand in Florida Shoplifting Cases

Seminole County retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target, Dillards, Macy’s and others not only prosecute shoplifting charges in criminal court but also in the civil arena.  Clients charged with retail theft or shoplifting from one of these retailers will receive a letter from a law firm seeking compensation for the theft even though the merchandise is recovered at the time of the arrest or incident.  Florida Statutes Section 772.11 provides that “any person who proves by clear and convincing evidence that he or she has been injured in any fashion by reason of any violation of [Florida Statutes Sections] 812.012 – 812.037 or s. 825.103(1) has a cause of action for threefold the actual damages sustained and, in any such action, is entitled to minimum damages in the amount of $200, and reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs in the trial and appellate courts.”  If you receive a letter from a firm seeking money, contact Tilden Law immediately.

Tourist Theft Charges

Central Florida is a world tourist destination with attractions such as Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios and the like to name but a few.  Many times, vacationers find themselves arrested for a variety of crimes, including shoplifting, and are in need of a local Central Florida criminal defense attorney.  Regardless if it is a first offense or there are prior offenses, Tilden Law focuses on dismissing your charge without the need of you appearing back in the area to address your case.  Contact Tilden Law immediately for a free and confidential consultation at 407-599-1234.

Theft and Shoplifting Charge Consequences

A criminal conviction for any degree of theft or shoplifting will carry significant criminal penalties including:

  • Jail
  • Driver License Suspension
  • Loss of Employment or Future Promotions
  • Loss of Professional Licenses and Occupational Licenses
  • Loss of College Scholarships
  • Denial of College Admission
  • Civil Monetary Prosecution
  • Denial of Entry into the Military
  • Denial of Apartment Housing
  • Disqualification of Mortgage Financing
  • Fines, Restitution and Denial of Reentry to Shopping areas

 

Free Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation

Our initial consultation and case evaluation is free. If you have been arrested or issued a notice to appear in court on a retail theft or shoplifting charge, contact our experienced Seminole County theft lawyer today.  During our meeting, we will thoroughly review the facts of your case and discuss any potential defense to your shoplifting charge.  Call now to either schedule an office appointment or to discuss your case by telephone.  We represent both Central Florida residents as well as tourists visiting the Orlando area. If you have been charged with theft or shoplifting in Central Florida, call Tilden Law at 407-599-1234 or toll free at 877-388-9595 for a free case evaluation to confidentially discuss your case. We can represent clients on all Orlando and Orange County theft charges and Seminole County Shoplifting cases. Resolving your case properly may allow you to Expunge or Seal your criminal theft arrest in the future.  Please Contact the criminal defense firm Tilden Law to schedule a free case evaluation. Out of state clients are welcome, and weekend and evening appointments are available.

Contact Criminal Defense Attorney N. Fleetwood Tilden – Free Initial Consultation

Criminal Defense Lawyer N. Fleetwood Tilden fights for each and every client accused of theft and shoplifting in Orange County and Seminole County.

Call 407.599.1234 to speak with a highly experienced Central Florida shoplifting attorney.