Andrew D. Stine, P.A. - Florida Criminal Defence Attorney

Grand theft is defined as the unlawful stealing of another’s property that is valued at more than $300. If the property is less than $300, it is considered petty theft. Petty theft is usually the term used for shoplifters and other smaller crimes. Grand theft, of any kind, is considered a felony. The degree of the felony charge is dependent on the value of the stolen property.

Experts are saying where the demand is, that's where the supply will be. Leading news reporters and experts on criminal trends are reporting that when large nationwide events occur, a spike in criminal activity is likely to happen. Law enforcement officers are turning their eyes away from Super Bowl XLVI this weekend in order to focus on potential criminal activity, likely to happen wherever large groups of people congregate for this special event.

Have you ever been in a car accident? If so, then you understand how complicated things can be afterwards. To make matters more complicated, a hit and run is a serious crime in the state of Florida. Generally the extent of the charges depend on the amount of damage inflicted on the victim during the accident. Regardless, if you are caught, you will be charged with anything from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree felony. If you have caused an accident and fled the scene, immediately contact a criminal defense lawyer to discuss what you can do about this situation.

Facebook has become a daily part of many people's lives. Law enforcement is now using the social media site more often to catch criminals. Over a year ago, Facebook was used to track down a mother and daughter who repeatedly committed animal cruelty crimes against a pig, and posted a video of the act. Now, an Orange County mother has been arrested on charges of child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of a minor due to another video on Facebook.

For the past several months, law enforcement has seen a rise in metal thefts all across the county. Because of the serious increase in this particular crime, officials are wanting to crack down on thieves who target homes, restaurants, and even abandoned buildings. Task forces have been created in order to battle the ever popular and lucrative crime of metal theft. There are several different kinds of crimes committed involving metal theft, not only could the thief be charged with theft, but the buyer could be charged with dealing in stolen property.

Undercover police officers put their lives on the line to catch crimes in the act. Law enforcement use police officers to pose as buyers for drugs, weapons, and several other illegal activities. While these methods are often successful, the possibility of entrapment can be an issue. In Pompano Beach, a gun deal involving an undercover deputy went wrong, resulting in the death of the gun dealer.

Many people have been following the case of the death of beloved grocery store owner Jimmy McMillan in Belle Glade. The 19-year-old accused of robbing, shooting, and killing McMillan confessed to his crimes Saturday. After appearing before the Judge briefly he is being held without bond and could possibly be facing the death penalty for aggravated assault with a firearm, armed robbery with a firearm, and first-degree murder with a firearm.

Counterfeit consumer goods, commonly called knock-offs, are counterfeit or imitation products offered for sale. The spread of counterfeit goods has become global in recent years and the range of goods subject to infringement has increased significantly. According to estimates by the Counterfeiting Intelligence Bureau (CIB) of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), counterfeit goods make up 5 to 7% of world trade

One of two Ponzi scheme suspects has been freed from jail on bond after he and his alleged accomplice were arrested on charges they defrauded more than a dozen investors out of more than $6 million, records show.
Victor Brown, 54, of Hollywood, posted $150,000 bond for his release from Broward's Main Jail on Thursday evening. On Friday morning, his business partner, Roger Green, 78, of Stuart, remained jailed on the same bond amount.
Both men were taken into custody Wednesday on charges of racketeering and conspiracy to commit first-degree racketeering, authorities said. The story is reported by Juan Ortega, Sun Sentinel.

The holidays are right around the corner and with them comes weeks of celebrating. The rate of DUI arrests rises sharply during the holidays as people spend more time at holiday parties. Drinking and driving is always a serious crime but law enforcement officers pay particularly close attention to the roadways during this time of year because of the expected rise in DUIs.