PROPERTY CRIME DEFENSE
Aggressively Fighting for the Best Possible Outcome
TAMPA, FLORIDA PROPERTY CRIME LAWYER
Experienced Property Crime Defense Attorney in Tampa, FL
Theft, vandalism, burglary, and other offenses involving another person’s property fall under Florida’s broad category of property crimes. These charges are serious and often misunderstood, especially by those without prior legal experience.
Attorney Andrew Buda is a trusted Tampa, Florida property crime lawyer known for his strategic, no-nonsense approach to defending clients facing accusations like these. If you’ve been accused of a property crime in Tampa or the surrounding areas, don’t wait. Call Buda Law today or reach out online to schedule a free consultation and begin building your defense with a team that knows how to fight—and win.
Your future deserves a defense built on experience, strategy, and results. Call Buda Law at (813) 322-2832 or contact us online to request a free consultation today.
What are Property Crimes in Florida?
In Florida, property crimes refer to criminal acts where someone takes or damages another person’s property without permission. These crimes are taken very seriously and are classified as either felonies or misdemeanors based on the facts of the case, such as whether any use of force or threat of harm occurred. The penalties for these offenses can vary significantly, potentially including fines, probation, or even jail time.
There are various offenses in Florida that involve the unauthorized use or damage of another person’s property. For example:
- Theft involves taking property without permission.
- Burglary is defined as unlawfully entering a building or structure intending to commit a crime.
- Vandalism covers acts that deface or damage property, such as graffiti or other destructive actions.
- Arson is the deliberate setting of fire to property.
- Criminal trespassing refers to entering or remaining on property without the owner’s consent.
Florida Property Crime Statistics
The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program shows crime statistics provided by law enforcement agencies across the U.S., allowing for consistent tracking of offenses like burglary, theft, and other property crimes nationwide. In 2023 alone, the Florida Uniform Crime Report showed approximately 1,516 property crime incidents per 100,000 people. 80.6% of those property crimes were larceny-theft crimes, 10.8% burglaries, and 8.7% motor vehicle thefts.
You can find more data on Florida property crime stats HERE.
Types of Property Offenses Our Tampa Criminal Attorneys Defend Against
At Buda Law, we defend against a range of property crime charges in the Tampa Bay Area. Here are some of the more common property crimes we work with:
THEFT/LARCENY CHARGES IN FLORIDA
Theft crimes are among the most common types of property offenses in Florida, ranging from misdemeanor retail theft to more serious crimes like armed robbery. Under Florida Statute 812.014, these crimes are generally defined as occurring when a person takes property belonging to someone else with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. At Buda Law, our Tampa theft defense lawyers help individuals facing these charges understand the potential consequences and build a strong defense based on the facts of the case.
Petit vs. Grand Theft
Under Florida law, the classification of a theft offense depends on the value of the stolen property. Petit theft typically involves property valued under $300 and may be charged as a first-degree misdemeanor (for theft valued below $100) or a second-degree misdemeanor (for theft valued between $100-$300). Meanwhile, grand theft applies to stolen property worth $300 or more and is charged as a felony. If the property is worth $100,000 or more, it’s a first-degree felony. Values between $20,000 and $99,999 lead to a second-degree felony, while amounts from $300 to $19,999 are charged as a third-degree felony.
A proper valuation of the items involved is critical, as it can affect the level of theft charges and potential penalties. A Tampa grand theft defense attorney or petit theft defense lawyer on our team can review the case details, challenge the evidence, and represent clients in seeking the most favorable outcome possible.
BURGLARY CHARGES IN FLORIDA
Burglary is another common property crime in Florida. This criminal offense involves unlawfully entering a dwelling, structure, or conveyance with the intent to commit a crime inside. Whether or not anything is actually taken, the act of entering with criminal intent is enough to face serious charges. That’s why working with an experienced criminal defense attorney is essential when facing burglary charges, as penalties can include prison time, especially if the incident involved an occupied home or the use of force. A Tampa, FL burglary lawyer like Andrew Buda can evaluate the details of the case and identify possible defenses, such as lack of intent or mistaken identity.
VANDALISM AND CRIMINAL MISCHIEF CHARGES IN FLORIDA
Criminal mischief in Florida involves willfully damaging or defacing real or personal property belonging to another person. This can include acts like spray painting walls, breaking windows, or damaging vehicles. Whether these property offenses are charged as a misdemeanor or felony depends on the amount of damage caused. Because penalties for criminal mischief can escalate quickly (especially when public or religious property is involved), anyone facing these charges should take them seriously.
ARSON CHARGES IN FLORIDA
Arson is considered one of the most serious violent crimes under Florida law. It involves the willful and unlawful burning of a structure, dwelling, or property and is treated as an intentional criminal act, not an accident or negligence. Depending on the circumstances, such as whether the building was occupied, arson may be charged as a first- or second-degree felony, carrying severe penalties including prison time and substantial fines. A Tampa arson defense attorney can investigate the case, challenge the prosecution’s claims, and work to protect the rights of individuals accused of this serious offense.
TRESPASSING CHARGES IN FLORIDA
Criminal trespassing is another one of the more common property crimes in Florida and involves entering or remaining on someone else’s property without permission, as outlined in Florida Statute 810.08. Under the prescribed trespassing laws in Florida, this offense can apply to homes, businesses, or fenced-in land and may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on factors like whether the person was armed or if a warning was clearly posted or communicated. Even if no property damage occurs, a trespassing charge can still result in serious legal consequences. Understanding your rights under Florida law is essential when responding to these types of allegations.
Consequences of Property Crime Convictions in Florida
One thing is for certain – property crimes in Florida can lead to serious and lasting consequences, especially for property crimes involving violence, threats, or actual force.
A criminal conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence, steep fines, community service, and/or mandatory restitution. Even non-violent property crimes can leave you with lingering repercussions, including a permanent criminal record, which can affect employment, housing, and future legal outcomes.
That’s why it’s critical to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands how to defend against these types of criminal offenses and protect your rights. At Buda Law, our Tampa property crime defense lawyers will work tirelessly to negotiate reduced charges or challenge the prosecution’s evidence to help avoid a conviction and the associated personal and criminal penalties that follow.
How Criminal Defense Attorney Andrew Buda Defends Against Tampa Property Crime Charges
All of the property crimes commonly prosecuted in Florida (i.e., theft, burglary, criminal mischief, arson) can carry serious consequences, whether they’re charged as a misdemeanor or a felony offense. If you’ve been arrested, the best thing you can do for yourself and your future is to remain silent and call an experienced criminal defense law firm as soon as possible. Avoid speaking with any investigating law enforcement officer until your lawyer is present and has advised you on what to do next.
Attorney Andrew Buda and his skilled team of Tampa criminal lawyers understand the stakes involved in these cases and take a strategic, client-focused approach to every case. We carefully examine the allegations, challenge the evidence, and work to raise reasonable doubt wherever possible. This includes evaluating each case for weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument and working to find mitigating factors that may reduce or dismiss the potential penalties.
Whether it’s questioning how the property was valued, showing lack of intent, or proving mistaken identity, Attorney Buda builds strong defenses rooted in Florida law and real courtroom experience. As a former prosecutor himself, he knows how prosecutors operate and uses that insight to advocate aggressively on behalf of his clients.
Contact Buda Law Today for a Free Consultation With a Tampa, FL Property Crimes Attorney
If you’re facing criminal charges related to a property crime in Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, or the surrounding Tampa Bay, Florida area, don’t wait to protect your rights. An experienced criminal defense attorney at Buda Law can evaluate the details of the alleged offense, explain your legal options, and fight to avoid a guilty verdict that could impact your entire future.
Our law firm is committed to building strong defenses and providing the support you need during a difficult time. Contact us today by calling (813) 322-2832 or send us a message online to schedule a free and completely confidential consultation and take the first step toward defending your name and your freedom.
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WHAT MAKES OUR DEFENSE SO EFFECTIVE?
- Former State Prosecutor
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- Result-Oriented Advocacy
- We Prepare Every Case as if it's Going to Trial
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