Recently, a Broward Sheriff’s Office deputy was arrested after pilfering Star Wars action figures and several DVDs from a Walmart store in Ft. Lauderdale. Because of his position as an officer of the law, the theft came as a shock to the store’s management team. The arrest was made after a lengthy internal affairs investigation, and cooperation with the Sheriff’s public corruption officers.
The deputy has been suspended with pay, but will likely become suspended without pay after formal charges are levied. He is being charged with felony counts for attempting to steal property valued under $20,000. This deputy is not the first uniformed officer to be investigated for theft in this area.
Whether a person is an officer of the law or not, theft charges can result in harsh penalties. If someone knowingly takes another person’s property, they can suffer huge consequences. Depending on the value of stolen items, theft can be classified in a wide range of criminal categories. Judges and juries must determine if someone had intent to take minimum amounts of property. This is the primary way larceny, theft, petty theft, and grand theft are defined. Fines, jail time, and probationary periods for each of these can be hefty, and can alter the course of someone’s life.
Every person who steals from another individual has a story to tell. While this does not excuse the crime, it should be part of the process if someone is arrested. The best way a person can explain the “why” behind their actions, is through the help of an experienced Fort Lauderdale criminal attorney.
An attorney can assist someone in accurately conveying motives and actions to a court. An attorney can also discover inconsistencies in an accusation. Even if someone was seen on camera stealing, the visual details can be difficult to interpret. If you have been arrested for theft, you need good counsel. This is also true for family and friends. Finding an experienced Fort Lauderdale petty theft attorney is as simple as contacting Hassett & Associates, P.A., at 954-791-3939. This firm’s petty theft criminal defense staff can assist with understanding any situation involving arrest.
