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Originally Posted On: https://bippermedia.com/9-reasons-to-hire-an-attorney-for-theft-charges-in-tampa-fl/
In 2018, there were an estimated 7,196,045 million property crimes in the United States. While many of these accusations may be minor, property crimes involving theft can be very serious. If convicted, you could be facing steep fines and even prison time. Fortunately, just because you have been accused of theft does not mean that you are automatically guilty or that you have to go to prison. If you’re facing theft charges, the first thing you should do is hire an experienced attorney who can help you fight the charges.
But why exactly do you need an attorney for theft charges? Here are 9 reasons:
1. Review the Evidence Against You
Evidence review is critical in understanding the strengths and weaknesses of a case. It helps identify any potential holes in the prosecution’s argument.
In many cases, reviewing the evidence can lead to theft charges in Tampa being reduced or even dismissed outright. For instance, if there are inconsistencies in witness statements, your attorney can use this to create doubt in the mind of the jury.
In other cases, your lawyer might find that there is simply not enough evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In either case, taking the time to review the evidence is an essential part of fighting Florida theft charges.
2. Investigate the Allegations
After reviewing the evidence against you, your theft attorney will likely want to investigate the allegations further. This may involve talking to witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, or tracking down other evidence that can help prove your innocence.
In some cases, the investigation might even uncover new evidence that was not previously considered. This could be enough to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed entirely.
3. Work With Experts
In many theft cases, working with experts is essential to success.
For instance, if you are accused of stealing something of value, an expert can help to determine the fair market value of the item in question. This can be important in cases where the prosecution is trying to overstate the value of the item in question.
In other cases, experts can help to refute the prosecution’s evidence or offer an alternative explanation for what happened. For instance, if you are accused of burglary, an expert can testify that the point of entry could have been made by someone else.
4. Negotiate With the Prosecutor
In many cases, the best way to resolve theft charges in Florida is to negotiate with the prosecutor. This is usually done through plea bargaining.
Plea bargaining is important because the prosecutor has a great deal of power in deciding what charges to file against you and how vigorously to pursue those charges.
An experienced attorney will know how to find common ground with the prosecutor and work out an agreement that is in your best interests. This may involve entering a guilty plea to a lesser charge or agreeing to attend counseling or community service.
5. Challenge Illegal Searches and Seizures
Challenging illegal searches and seizures can help improve your chances of winning the suit.
A theft attorney can do this by filing a motion to suppress, which asks the court to exclude certain evidence from your trial. This evidence may have been obtained illegally, without a warrant, or through an improper search.
If the judge grants the motion to suppress, this evidence cannot be used against you at trial. This can be very beneficial to your case, as it may weaken the prosecution’s case or even result in all charges being dropped.
6. Prepare for Trial
A good theft attorney can help you prepare for trial in many ways.
First, they can help you understand the charges against you and what evidence the prosecutor is likely to use. This is important because it allows you to develop a strategy for combating the charges.
Second, a theft attorney can help you prepare your own evidence and witnesses. This step is important because it gives you the best chance of winning your case.
Third, they can help you practice what you will say in court. This is important because it allows you to stay calm and collected during the trial, which can be very beneficial to your case.
7. Present Your Defense
Once the prosecution has rested its case, it is your turn to present your defense. This is where an experienced theft attorney can be invaluable.
They will know how to present the evidence in the most favorable light and how to cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses. They will also know how to argue the law in your favor and how to object to improper questions and evidence.
All of these things can be very important in winning your case.
8. Appeal the Verdict
If you are convicted, you have the right to appeal the verdict. The appeals process can be difficult and complicated. This is where a good theft attorney can be very helpful.
They will know how to challenge the judge’s rulings and argue for a new trial. This step is important because it gives you another chance to win your case.
The appellate court will review the entire case and may find errors that resulted in an unjust conviction. If these errors are found, the conviction can be overturned.
9. Help You Get Your Life Back on Track
If you are convicted of theft, it can have a major impact on your life. You may lose your job, your home, and your freedom.
A good theft attorney can help you get your life back on track. They can help you clear your record. This is important because a conviction of Tampa theft charges can stay on your record for years, making it difficult to find employment or housing.
A theft attorney can also help you get the treatment you need. If you have a drug or alcohol addiction, they can help you get into a treatment program. This is important because it can help you avoid future theft charges.
Don’t Fight Theft Charges Without an Attorney
If you have been charged with theft, don’t try to go it alone. Hiring a theft attorney gives you the best chance of winning your case and avoiding a conviction. And even if you do get convicted, a theft attorney can help you try to get a lighter sentence.
Are you facing theft charges in Tampa, Florida? Get in touch with us today and learn how we can help you.
Hanlon Law
210 Pierce St
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 228-7095
https://www.criminalattorneytampa.net/
