Theft & Shoplifting Defense Attorney in Okaloosa County

Attorney Shawn Lupella offers aggressive representation for all forms of Theft Related Criminal Offenses Maybe you had a momentary lapse of judgment or perhaps you are accused of something for which you are innocent.

Either way, you have a tough road ahead and need an experienced attorney to help you get through the daunting legal process of the criminal court system.

In Destin & Fort Walton Beach, Florida, we have some of the most punitive and comprehensive laws against Theft crimes. From Petit Theft to Grand Theft, from Retail Theft (Shoplifting)to Dealing in Stolen Property, in my practice, I have seen it all. I know what can happen and what to expect, and above all, I know how to defend my clients against these charges.

One thing my experience has taught me defending theft cases: the END RESULT is the most important part to the clients. And it should be. Your future is at stake if you suffer a criminal conviction for such a crime. Now you may have defenses, or you may have a terrible case. What matters in the end is getting you the absolute best outcome….. period.

Some of it will depend on your individual situation and the severity of the charges, but there are always creative ways to resolve theft cases. And I have also found that knowing how to leverage restitution and creatively negotiate every detail is of utmost importance. That is why you should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney that can discuss your legal options with you.

Petit Theft, sometimes called Petit Larceny can be charged as a 1st or 2nd degree misdemeanor depending on value of the goods alleged to have been stolen. Sometimes it is charged under the category of Retail Theft or Shoplifting. Misdemeanor theft penalties bring the potential sentence of 60 days to 1 year in jail if convicted. Priors Convictions Matter because they can result in your charges being enhanced to higher level offenses. Even a misdemeanor theft could become a felony if based on prior offenses.

Grand Theft is the next step up and labeled felony theft. It requires that the property or money hold a threshold fair market value amount of $300.00 to be charged and the penalty is up to 5 years in prison. And depending on the amount alleged to have been stolen, it can be charged as a 2nd degree or even a 1st degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

There are other categories of offenses that I would consider fall under the general heading of Theft. We have already discussed Petit Theft and Petit Larceny, Retail Theft, and Grand Theft. But many times, we also see what are called “companion charges” that accompany the primary theft charge and unfortunately they are all felony level offenses which can make your case much more serious: Forgery, Uttering a Forged Check, Pawnbroker Fraud, and Dealing in Stolen Property by Trafficking (which is also sometimes called Trafficking in Stolen Property).

Please do not hesitate to call Lupella & Rehr at at (850) 362-6655. We would be happy to meet with you and discuss how we can assist you get the best possible outcome in your case.

And if you decide to hire us, I will see to it that your case is handled properly and professionally. If you have been charged with Theft, Grand Theft, Petit Theft, Retail Theft, Shoplifting, Larceny, or any theft related crime, we can meet you at one of our office locations in Destin or Fort Walton Beach, or confidentially discuss your case over the phone.