A simple trip to a local Home Depot recently landed a woman in jail on charges of grand theft and in need of a Fort Laduerdale grand theft attorney. It’s a news story that’s taken much of the public by surprise at the legalities since the action is commonly thought of as a moral, not legal, issue. But, any Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer can attest that assumption is how many of their clients are accused of committing a crime in the first place.

A Lost Wallet Turns Into Criminal Grand Theft Charges

A man mistakenly left his wallet sitting atop a self-checkout register at a Fort Lauderdale, Florida Home Depot. Sometime later, video surveillance footage shows a woman and child using the same register. As the woman is scanning her items, she apparently notices the man’s wallet.

Police say the 37-year-old picked it up and put it in her purse before leaving the store, which is considered grand theft in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Authorities picked the woman up on the theft charges a couple weeks after the incident, and she’s since bonded out of jail as she awaits criminal trial.

Much of the public assumes that taking a lost and found wallet would be a moral issue of right and wrong, with it being the kind, but not legally obligatory, thing to do to turn the wallet in at the store or contact its owner. And, this incorrect assumption is how many people find themselves in need of a Fort Laduerdale grand theft attorney.

A grand theft criminal defense lawyer will tell you that criminal theft is considered knowingly obtaining, using, or attempting either as it concerns someone else’s property. It’s criminal intent to temporarily and/or permanently deprive a true owner of their rightful property. It’s also criminal theft to take any property for use or gain of anyone not entitled and permitted to use that property.

Thus, taking someone else’s property, even if found abandoned, will likely result in you calling a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer on charges of grand theft. Authorities don’t take into account whether you knew keeping a lost item was a crime or not, and you’ll need swift representation by an experienced grand theft criminal defense attorney if you find yourself in such a legal situation.

Do You Need A Fort Laduerdale Grand Theft Attorney?

Kenneth P. Hassett of Hassett and Associates, P.A. is an experienced Fort Laduerdale criminal defense lawyer. He’s practiced in the Fort Lauderdale area for decades, and has handled countless cases along the lines of the above Home Depot wallet theft. Hassett offers free and immediate consultations and works endlessly to fight against the criminal charges his clients face.

If you or someone you know find yourself in a grand theft legal situation in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area, then contact Hassett & Associates, P.A. at 954-791-3939 today.