grand thefthttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/tag-189-grand-theft.aspxblog west palm beach criminal defense lawyersupport@vestadigital.com (Andrew D. Stine, P.A. - Florida Criminal Defence Attorney)support@viestly.com (Vesta Digital)Tue, 22 May 2012 22:48:36 GMTTue, 22 May 2012 22:48:36 GMTViestly60Car Theft in West Palm is a Troubling Trendhttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/501-car-theft-in-west-palm-is-a-troubling-trend.aspxExperts have been reporting a strong decline in the number of car thefts over the past decade. This decline may be a result of new and improved security technology, better response rates on the side of law enforcement, or a variety of other reasons. However, the Palm Beach Post has recently published an article attesting that fun fact, after a near decade of declining car thefts, grand theft auto seems to be a crime on the rise yet again. More often than not, cars are stolen and used to commit other crimes, or are stripped and sold for parts.

Grand Theft
Car theft is charged as grand theft as the value of the property stolen is greater than $300. However, this is usually not the only charge involved if you have been accused of stealing a vehicle. Depending on the situation, there could be residual charges such as assault, aggravated assault, robbery, and many others that are involved when grand theft of a motor vehicle is in question. If you have been accused of motor vehicle grand theft, be sure to contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Vehicle Thefts Rise
According to the Palm Beach Post, From Palm Beach Gardens to Wellington to Boca Raton, there was a slight increase in the number of vehicle thefts last year. While the rise was a mere 0.9 percent, it marks the first time in nearly a decade that more vehicles were reported stolen in the county than the year before, the state statistics show.

Area law enforcement officials caution that it's too soon to determine whether the one-year rise reflects an emerging trend. They acknowledge, however, that some specific incidents have been troubling.

Vehicles are being targeted for a variety of reasons, officials say. Sometimes the thefts are crimes of opportunity. In addition, stolen vehicles are useful in the commission of other crimes - the most popular of which lately are ATM thefts, according to the Post. 

Distributed by Viestly

]]>Andrew StineMon, 21 May 2012 11:43:05 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/501-car-theft-in-west-palm-is-a-troubling-trend.aspxHow Petty Theft can Turn into Grand Thefthttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/489-how-petty-theft-can-turn-into-grand-theft.aspxPetty theft and grand theft are considered to be different solely on the value of the property or money stolen. You will be charged with petty theft if you have stolen property or money valuing less than $300. Greater than $300 is grand theft and is a felony. A felony conviction can cost you your rights as an average citizen. A man in Naples is in need of an experienced criminal defense lawyer because he has so many petty theft convictions on his record that his most recent theft escapade of $1 actually cost him a felony.

Petty Theft vs. Grand Theft
According to a WPTV News, a Naples man faces a felony charge after he was accused of walking out after filling a courtesy cup with soda Thursday at the McDonald’s soda fountain and then leaving the restaurant, Mark Abaire, 52, was arrested by Collier deputies and now faces a felony theft charge, a sheriff’s report shows.

While his charge is petty theft, because of previous petty theft convictions, the charge for drinking the unpaid-for soda was increased from a misdemeanor to a felony, the arrest report shows. In Florida, a third-degree felony can result in a sentence of up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Abaire faces additional misdemeanor counts of trespassing and disorderly intoxication. On Saturday, he remained in the Collier County jail with bond set at $6,500.

Criminal Defense
If you have ever been charged with a crime involving theft, you are going to need a criminal defense lawyer because the defense strategy for theft crimes can be complicated. Grand theft is a felony charge that will follow for the rest of your life.

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]]>Andrew StineMon, 23 Apr 2012 16:31:55 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/489-how-petty-theft-can-turn-into-grand-theft.aspxSt. Lucie County Commissioner Arrested for Grand Thefthttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/484-st-lucie-county-commissioner-arrested-for-grand-theft.aspxSt. Lucie County Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky has been arrested on grand theft charges. He posted a $2,500 bond Monday and is potentially facing time in prison if convicted. Grand theft is actually quite a common crime. Whether the act of theft is determined to be grand theft or petty theft determines on the value of the property or money stolen. If the money or value of the property stolen is greater than $300, it is considered grand theft with a mandatory minimum prison sentence of three years or more.

St. Lucie County Theft
According to an article in WPTV News, St. Lucie County Commissioner Christ Dzadovsky was arrested on grand theft charges that do not relate to his position as commissioner. He posted a $2,500 bond Monday after allegedly turning himself in to authorities. He has been accused of stealing a swimming pool heater. 

According to the arrest affidavit, Dzadovsky admitted to taking the heater back in February from his ex-fiancee's Fort Pierce home on South 10th Street. But the District 1 commissioner and board chairman said the incident is really just a big misunderstanding, according to WPTV News. Police say Dzadovsky lived in the home with his ex-fiancee, until the relationship ended in 2006. She died last year. Now, the home is up for sale.

According to the affidavit, Dzadovsky told detectives the reason he removed the heater was to fix a leak. But detectives say a pool expert checked the recovered heater and found no leaks. Dzadovsky said he will continue to serve on the county commission, according to WPTV News.

Dzadovsky will only be removed if Gov. Rick Scott chooses to remove him, which is unlikely because the charges are unrelated to his position as commissioner.

Criminal Defense
Grand theft can cost you time in prison and heavy fines as well as paying restitution. Many theft charges can be resolved through a diversion program called pre-trial intervention. If you want to take responsibility for the theft charge, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can take the money you would otherwise pay us and use it instead to pay restitution, fine, and court costs. Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately.

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]]>Andrew StineWed, 11 Apr 2012 14:33:01 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/484-st-lucie-county-commissioner-arrested-for-grand-theft.aspxAnimal Cruelty in Fort Piercehttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/479-animal-cruelty-in-fort-pierce.aspxAnimal cruelty laws in Florida are getting stricter. More and more animal sanctuary owner-operators are being charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty throughout Florida as law enforcement attempts to crack down on the crime. Animal cruelty is the deliberate harm or death of an animal cause by the intentional abuse or neglect of its owner or caregiver. Depending on the severity of the crime, animal cruelty can be charged as a felony with penalties including several years in prison.

Animal Cruelty in Fort Pierce
A former owner-operator of the Sanctuary Animal Refuge west of Fort Pierce is feeling the full extent of the law after being arrested Thursday and charged with 157 counts of animal cruelty.  While this number is incredibly high, anyone can understand why her sentence is so severe after reading the report by WPTV News.

According to WPTV News, Palena Rae Dorsey was initially booked into the St. Lucie County Jail in February on first-degree grand theft charges. She is accused of using $262,000 from a trust intended for the care of the animals at the shelter to buy a home, two vehicles, electronics and several items from the Home Shopping Club and QVC, according to the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office.

An additional 103 third-degree felony and 54 misdemeanor animal cruelty charges were added Thursday morning. On April 18, 2011, deputies responded to the Sanctuary Animal Shelter after being notified of possible animal abuse by animal control.

"Animals were found to be malnourished, had little to no vet care and were infected with numerous diseases including heart worms, hair loss, open and unhealed sores, dehydration, mange, diarrhea, flea infestation, bad teeth, root exposure and extreme weight loss," Mascara said in a release. According to the sheriff's office, 16 dogs were unable to recover their condition and had to be euthanized.

Each of Dorsey's 103 felony charges is punishable by five years in state prison. If convicted on these charges alone, that would add up to a maximum of more than 500 years in prison.

Animal Cruelty Defense
No matter how severe your charges, if you have been accused of animal cruelty, you need to speak with a criminal defense lawyer immediately. It is critical to the outcome of your case that you have a criminal defense lawyer investigate the situation in order to best represent you in court. Have an experienced criminal defense lawyer help you deal with your animal cruelty charges as soon as possible.

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]]>Andrew StineFri, 30 Mar 2012 11:48:00 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/479-animal-cruelty-in-fort-pierce.aspxGrand Theft Laws in Floridahttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/454-grand-theft-laws-in-florida.aspxGrand 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.

In order to be convicted of grand theft, the state must prove that the defendant (1) deprived a person of the right to their property or the benefit thereof, or (2) appropriated the property for personal use or for the use of another person who is not entitled to the use of the property, according to the Florida Statutes. The varying degrees of grand theft are listed below.

First Degree Felony
First degree grand theft is charged as a first degree felony if the property stolen is:
  • Valued at greater than $100,000
  • Is shipping Cargo worth more than $50,000
If the defendant is convicted of first degree grand theft, the sentence is:
  • A minimum prison sentence of 21 months
  • A maximum prison sentence of 30 years
  • 30 years of probation, or
  • A maximum fine of $10,000
Second Degree Felony
Second degree grand theft is charged as a second degree felony if the property stolen is:
  • Valued at less than $100,000 but greater than $20,000
  • Is shipping Cargo worth less than $50,000, or
  • Is emergency medical equipment worth more than $300
If the defendant is convicted of second degree grand theft, the sentence is:
  • A maximum prison sentence of 15 years
  • 15 years of probation, or
  • A maximum fine of $10,000
Third Degree Felony
Third degree grand theft is charged as a third degree felony if the property stolen is:
  • Valued at less than $20,000 but greater than $300
  • Is a will, testamentary instrument, firearm, or motor vehicle
If the defendant is convicted of third degree grand theft, the sentence is:
  • A maximum prison sentence of 5 years
  • 5 years of probation, or
  • A maximum fine of $5,000
Grand Theft Defense
If you have been charged with grand theft, there is hope. A criminal defense lawyer can advise you to resolve the theft charges by way of a diversion program called pre-trial intervention. By paying restitution and the fine that would ensue, you may be able to have the charges dismissed and avoid a criminal record. Only an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you through this process.

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]]>Andrew StineMon, 06 Feb 2012 16:36:24 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/454-grand-theft-laws-in-florida.aspxMetal Theft in Palm Beach Countyhttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/445-metal-theft-in-palm-beach-county.aspxFor 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.

Targeting Abandoned Buildings
Thieves may think they are stealing property that is no longer wanted but the problem arises when the building owner wants to sell the building, which usually includes what's inside. Thieves will take air conditioning units for the copper, steel appliances, and basically anything metal that the thieves can find.

According to the Palm Beach Post, thieves also used the shield of darkness to steal from the abandoned Olive Garden restaurant near the Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard interchange off I-95. In mid-November, Palm Beach County sheriff's Detective Alfredo Forgione received a tip through Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County that the building was being burglarized.

On Nov. 30, Leon and Forgione arrested Osvaldo Arencibia, 43. While in custody, Arencibia told Leon he had stolen from the building "20 or 30 times." Arencibia said he went to the Olive Garden "every day for a month," Leon said in the affidavit.
"Thieves target these buildings because no one is watching," Forgione said. "At the end of the day the actual property that's in there still belongs to someone."
Palm Beach County Legal Action
Palm Beach County elected officials are working to pass laws that restrict the activity and requirements for scrap-metal yards. Prosecutors in Palm Beach County have had at least two cases against unlicensed dealers in the past year. According to the Palm Beach Post, it is a public safety concern when metal is stolen from places like highway lights. If they make buying stolen property riskier for dealers, the reasoning goes, they'll cut off the demand side of the illicit business.

Theft Criminal Defense
If you have been accused of stealing metal and dealing it to scrap-metal yards for a profit, you may be facing serious consequences. Depending on the value of the items stolen, if it is over $300 you could actually be facing grand theft charges. A criminal defense lawyer can help further explain the details of your situation. Make sure you contact a lawyer immediately after being arrested and accused of theft.

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]]>Andrew StineMon, 16 Jan 2012 16:52:39 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/445-metal-theft-in-palm-beach-county.aspxFlorida Hotel Robbery Video Is Releasedhttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/430-florida-hotel-robbery-video-is-released.aspxAccording to police, the two men, one of them armed with a handgun, walked into the Comfort Inn at 2520 Stirling Road shortly before 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 14. One man reached over the counter for the cash register but was unable to locate it. On the surveillance video he can then be seen approaching a man and snatching his wallet before running away.

The video shows the gunman jumping over the counter where police said he demanded cash from an employee. The clerk told him that money was not kept at the front counter, at which point the man rummaged through a cabinet, then jumped back over the counter and fled.

Robbery is the crime of taking or attempting to take something of value by force or threat of force and or by putting the victim in fear. At common law, robbery is defined as taking the property of another, with the intent to permanently deprive the person of that property, by means of force or fear.

Robbery differs from simple theft in its use of violence and intimidation.

Among the types of robbery are piracy, armed robbery involving use of a weapon, and aggravated robbery involving use of a deadly weapon or something that appears to be a deadly weapon.

What is Grand Theft in Palm Beach County?
There are many acts of stealing that fall under the Florida "theft" law. Property can be anything from shoplifting to stolen cargo. Grand theft is the most serious offense. Any property taken that has a value of more than $300 is considered to be grand theft. Grand theft penalties vary by degrees according to the value of the items taken.
In Florida, the seriousness of a theft charge depends upon the amount taken. Theft of $300 or less is misdemeanor petty theft, which is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Theft or embezzlement of more than $300 is grand theft, a felony that may be subject to a mandatory minimum prison sentence of three or more years.

If you have been charged with grand theft, an experienced Palm Beach County grand theft attorney will investigate all evidence and take all necessary steps to get the charge dismissed.

Law firm of Andrew D. Stine, P.A., in West Palm Beach, takes a proactive approach in defending clients who have been charged with theft. Even a conviction for petty theft can be very detrimental to your future. A misdemeanor shoplifting conviction will result in a permanent criminal record. In addition, one petty theft conviction will build on another, and your third offense will be charged as a felony.

The sooner you hire a qualified grand theft lawyer, the better your chances will be for getting that charge reduced or dismissed.

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]]>Andrew StineWed, 07 Dec 2011 16:05:23 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/430-florida-hotel-robbery-video-is-released.aspxHow a Fort Lauderdale Man was Arrested for $11 Million Fraudhttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/422-how-a-fort-lauderdale-man-was-arrested-for-11-million-fraud.aspxFort Lauderdale is a premium area for investors. Unfortunately, with the amount of money flowing through the city in investments and ventures, there is a significant amount of crime that follows suit. Organized scheme to defraud is a crime that seems to be a common white-collar crime that makes South Florida headlines. Thursday, a Fort Lauderdale man was arrested for running an $11 Million fraud.

Fraud and Grand Theft

According to Florida Law, theft of more than $100,000 by fraud is a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years and a $10,000 fine. The sentencing also varies depending on the type of fraud committed such as mortgage fraud, wire fraud, securities fraud, tax evasion, or organized schemes to defraud.

Fraud in Fort Lauderdale

A Fort Lauderdale business man was arrested Thursday after convincing several investors that he owned shares worth tens of millions of dollars of privately held companies like Facebook, Twitter, Groupon, and the game developer, Zynga.

John A. Mattera, 50, used a hedge fund he created called the Praetorian Global Fund to roll in the money he collected from optimistic investors. Mattera told the investors that he would keep the money secure in escrow accounts, according to Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara.

According to a WPTV News report, Mattera spent at least $3.8 million of the investors’ money on personal expenses such as luxury cars, jewelry, home furnishings and interior design. He even began his own charity foundation that sponsored Florida Atlantic University football head coach Howard Schnellenberger’s weekly fan breakfasts. Mattera also joined the board of the American Red Cross Broward County Chapter. He has since been removed from the board.

IRS agents collected Mattera at his Fort Lauderdale home Thursday. He is being held and is facing extradition to New York. His charges include conspiracy to commit fraud, securities fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.

Fraud Criminal Defense

Mattera is going to need an extremely experienced criminal defense lawyer to get him a minimal sentence from these charges. If you have ever been accused of fraud of any kind, you will need legal help from a criminal defense lawyer. If your lawyer has a cooperative relationship with prosecutors, you may be able to settle for just paying restitution. In Florida, restitution outweighs incarceration.

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]]>Andrew StineFri, 18 Nov 2011 16:13:57 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/422-how-a-fort-lauderdale-man-was-arrested-for-11-million-fraud.aspxUpdate: Fort Lauderdale Cops Surrender and Criminally Chargedhttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/416-update-fort-lauderdale-cops-surrender-and-criminally-charged.aspxIt seems that we are hearing about cops committing crimes more often these days. It has been rumored that when police officers are charged with crimes, they suffer sentences that are much less severe than those of average citizens. This is evidenced by the fact that even when law enforcement officers are on leave after the crime surfaced, they are still paid.

Fort Lauderdale Cops Criminally Charged

Last week, WPTV News reported that at least two Fort Lauderdale police officers accused of stealing cash and drugs from pain clinic clients, kidnapping a man and lying about cases were expected to be criminally charged this week. Detectives Billy Koepke and Brian Dodge turned themselves in at the Broward Main Jail Thursday night.

Koepke and Dodge, both members of the Street Crimes Unit, have been under investigation for months. The unit is better known by its old name: the Raiders, according to WPTV News. The two are charged with racketeering, kidnapping, grand theft, extortion and official misconduct, prosecutors said. Both officers face at least 15 criminal counts each.

"Officers Dodge and Koepke were involved in an 'ongoing pattern of criminal conduct' that focused on stealing money and pills from patrons of pain clinics," said Ron Ishoy, a spokesman for Broward State Attorney Mike Satz.

The FBI and Fort Lauderdale Police Department conducted the investigation with state prosecutors, Ishoy said. Arrest documents and full details of the allegations were not immediately available.

Dodge's criminal defense attorney stated that there is no hard evidence, there was no warrant, and that the case is still up in the air because the investigation failed to provide any proof. However, the two detectives were caught on camera conducting an arrest that conflicted with their written reports of what actually happened.

Dodge has a previous record of being suspended for misconduct and abusing the privileges of his position as an officer of the law.

Criminal Defense

Dodge and Koepke both have a criminal defense lawyer that will conduct their own investigations in order to provide their clients with the strongest possible defense. A criminal defense lawyer can help you through any difficult legal process if you have been accused of a crime. Criminal charges can be extremely serious and there is no reason you should go at it alone, a criminal defense lawyer can be a part of your team to make sure you get the best possible outcome.

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]]>Andrew StineFri, 04 Nov 2011 13:01:24 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/416-update-fort-lauderdale-cops-surrender-and-criminally-charged.aspxFort Lauderdale Cops Accused of Serious Crimes but on Leave with Payhttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/412-fort-lauderdale-cops-accused-of-serious-crimes-but-on-leave-with-pay.aspxSerious crimes committed by police officers usually make headlines, but for some reason the immediate consequences do not seem to be as harsh as it could potentially be for citizens that commit the same crime. Two Fort Lauderdale officers have been accused of grand theft, kidnapping, and lying about the case. The grand theft committed could potentially be charged as a third-degree felony. The crime gets even more complicated as the money stolen should have been placed in evidence.

Fort Lauderdale Officers Accused of Crimes

According to WPTV News, at least two Fort Lauderdale police officers accused of stealing cash from pain clinic clients, kidnapping a man and lying about cases are expected to be criminally charged next week, sources say.

Detectives Billy Koepke and Brian Dodge, of the department's Street Crimes Unit, have been under investigation for several months. The probe began with a hotel security video that contradicted the officers' accounts of two arrests they made at a Red Roof Inn in Oakland Park, according to WPTV News.

The reports stated that investigators from a police corruption task force now believe that Koepke and Dodge went after drug buyers and sellers, claimed they found cocaine on one person who had none, and stole several thousand dollars in cash that should have been placed in evidence, according to WPTV News.

Koepke, 32, and Dodge, 30, have been "relieved from duty with pay" since April 18, police department officials said.

Crime Recap

Grand theft is the intentional and unlawful taking of property valued at more than $300 dollars. Depending on the amount taken, the crime can be charged as anything from a third to a first-degree felony. Third-degree felony grand theft is charged when the value of the property taken is between $300 and $20,000. Penalties include up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Criminal Defense

If you have been accused of grand theft, a criminal defense lawyer can usually negotiate with prosecutors and you may be able to walk away with just paying restitution. It is important to contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately because he will need to investigate your case and build a suitable defense on your behalf. Grand theft, or any felony for that matter, will be on your criminal record permanently and could affect the rest of your life. Do not let that happen and consult a criminal defense lawyer before anything else.

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]]>Andrew StineWed, 26 Oct 2011 14:19:00 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/412-fort-lauderdale-cops-accused-of-serious-crimes-but-on-leave-with-pay.aspxHow to Deal with a Grand Theft Felony Chargehttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/401-how-to-deal-with-a-grand-theft-felony-charge.aspxTheft in the state of Florida is charged at varying degrees depending on the amount stolen. Recently, there have been several people charged with theft around the South Florida are for stealing Air Conditioning units which usually results in a grand theft charge because of the cumulative dollar amount of items stolen.

Grand Theft in Fort Pierce

A 42-year-old Fort Pierce man is being charged with grand theft for stealing equipment from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue crews Thursday. Richard Halsey Gosman was held late Thursday at Palm Beach County Jail on $31,500 bail. His arrest was considered to be on suspicion of burglary and grand theft, according to WPTV News.

Gosman was caught because a Fire Rescue Station in Lake Worth reported a burglary of a fireman’s SUV early Thursday. The firefighter said sometime during the day, someone had smashed the front passenger window of his vehicle and stole two GPS devices, a laptop and a camera, according to WPTV News.

Fire Rescue and Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputies responded to the call of a vehicle crash a few hours later and noticed items in the crashed vehicle that matched the description the firefighters gave.

Gosman was immediately arrested.

Grand Theft Charges in Florida

Theft is charged at varying degrees. The degree of the severity of the charge is solely based upon the dollar value of the item(s) stolen and if they amount to more than $300. Grand theft is a third degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and lofty fines.

Grand Theft Criminal Defense

Being convicted of a felony grand theft charge is extremely serious and will hold you back for the rest of your life. The first person you should call after being arrested and accused of grand theft is a criminal defense lawyer. Only a criminal defense lawyer will be able to negotiate with the prosecuting attorneys to have your sentence lowered to probation or work camps rather than prison.

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]]>Andrew StineFri, 30 Sep 2011 15:57:54 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/401-how-to-deal-with-a-grand-theft-felony-charge.aspxWhy are AC Unit Thefts So Common?http://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/388-why-are-ac-unit-thefts-so-common.aspxThe price of copper is at its peak right now, which is causing a large spike in air conditioning thefts and burglary. South Florida is experiencing an immense amount of burglaries where criminals are specifically targeting homes, business, churches, schools, any building with access to an AC unit.

Usually, the thieves that steal AC units for their copper are difficult to track down. The homeowner is usually victimized and forced to replace the expensive unit. An interesting case in Arkansas shows how a homeowner caught and tracked down an AC burglary in progress.

AC Unit Theft

Steven Lynn was sight seeing in the sky with his pilot friend. Suddenly, Lynn saw two men loading up air conditioners and other scrap metal items onto a trailer in front of his house. They had broken in. Lynn called his uncle first then he called 911. When sheriff’s arrived on the scene, the men had already taken off. Lynn and his pilot friend were able to tail them from the sky.

He gave sheriff’s deputies turn by turn directions, the plane tracked the suspects for two miles. Police finally cornered the burglars Joseph Peel and Roosevelt Smith. The two were arrested and charged with theft.

The sheriff’s office expressed their surprise at having an eye witness in this kind of case, and especially to have the whole crime caught on camera.

Theft or Grand Theft?

The difference between petty theft and grand theft is the value of the stolen item. You will be charged with petty theft if you have stolen an item valued at less than $300. If the item is valued higher than $300, you can be charged with grand theft. Grand theft can cost you anywhere from one to 30 years in prison. A criminal defense lawyer will work for you to decrease the penalties you might face if you have been charged with petty theft or grand theft.

If you have been accused of burglary, petty theft, or grand theft, your first call should be a criminal defense lawyer who will do nothing but make sure you are represented fairly and try to lessen your sentence.

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]]>Andrew StineWed, 31 Aug 2011 15:01:38 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/388-why-are-ac-unit-thefts-so-common.aspxWhat is the Seniors vs. Crimes Project?http://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/384-what-is-the-seniors-vs-crimes-project.aspxAll over South Florida, seniors are banding together to protect their own. Florida now has a growing army of “Senior Sleuths” dedicated to catching people who commit crimes against the elderly. These retirees and other silver-haired volunteers do everything from spend their time on the phone while in bed to conducting undercover investigations.

Seniors vs. Crime

The Seniors vs. Crimes project is expanding in South Florida with thousands of volunteers who investigate complaints from elderly consumers, according to the Palm Beach Post. These complaints can range from a roofer taking a deposit and disappearing, to fraud, to phone companies neglected to repay customers they over-billed.

One great example of the Senior Sleuths taking down crime is when an 83-year-old man participated in an undercover operation in Tampa that eventually led to the arrest of a water-purification system salesman. The salesman was charged with grand theft. Last year, the Senior Sleuths recovered over $200,000 for Palm Beach and Broward County victims.

Recently, the effort of the Seniors vs. Crime project led to the arrest of Robert Hoffman, the owner of a hurricane shutter company in Hallandale Beach. Hoffman’s company allegedly required customers to pay up to 80% of the cost upfront but never delivered in many cases. After the Senior Sleuths alerted the attorney general’s office, Broward Sheriff’s Office arrested Hoffman on charges of fraud and unlicensed contracting.

Criminal Defense

Have you ever been charged with a crime against an elderly person? If so, you are in for a long haul with the law unless you’ve consulted a criminal defense lawyer. Crimes against the elderly are taken very seriously by the law because the elderly seem to get taken advantage of especially when it comes to money. Organizing a scheme to defraud an elderly person can land you in jail for a long time. You would also have to pay restitution and additional fines and fees. A criminal defense lawyer will ensure that you have a fair trial and that your case is represented honestly and effectively.

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]]>Andrew StineMon, 22 Aug 2011 14:45:46 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/384-what-is-the-seniors-vs-crimes-project.aspxIs Carjacking a Felony?http://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/381-is-carjacking-a-felony.aspxCarjacking is a serious crime in the state of Florida. Recent carjacking numbers have increased along with the new "bump and rob" type of robbery. Carjacking is a first degree felony and is defined as the forcible or violent taking of a motor vehicle from the owner with the intent of either permanently or temporarily depriving the owner of the said motor vehicle. While it is serious, it is unfortunately very common in South Florida.

Carjacking in Riviera Beach

According to an article in WPTV News, a Riviera Beach city police officer said he was forced to shoot at an armed man. Robert Robinson, 19, is accused of fleeing on foot, evading police vehicles, and carjacking. The scene actually started out as a routine traffic stop but ended as an officer-involved shooting, which took the crime to a whole new level.

According to the article, Riviera Beach police say two officers pulled a vehicle over just before 3 p.m. They said a male passenger with a gun got out of that vehicle then fled on foot. Investigators said Robinson later carjacked another vehicle on Blue Heron Boulevard, driving through parts of West Palm Beach and back into Riviera Beach. Officers said they were following the vehicle the whole time. Investigators said the armed suspect bailed out of the vehicle near Silver Beach Road and ran again, refusing to stop or put down his weapon. A police department spokesperson said that is when a officer shot the man. The suspect was taken to the hospital and was undergoing surgery but his condition and his identity are still unknown. No others were hurt.

Carjacking Criminal Defense

Carjacking is a serious first-degree felony in the state of Florida. A felony conviction will stay with you for the rest of your life as a permanent stain on your record. If you invest in an experienced criminal defense lawyer, you may be able to create a defense strategy that lessens your prison sentence and keeps your record clean. A criminal defense lawyer can give you a second chance if you have been arrested and accused of carjacking.

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]]>Andrew StineMon, 15 Aug 2011 14:38:08 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/381-is-carjacking-a-felony.aspxHow Common are Burglaries and Robberies in South Florida?http://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/368-how-common-are-burglaries-and-robberies-in-south-florida.aspxIn 2009, there were 30,911 reported robberies. That number continues to increase. Out of every state in the country, Florida ranks the 5th highest for the robbery rate as of 2009, according to The Disaster Center. There is generally a new robbery every day locally in West Palm Beach covered in the news.

Robbery in St. Lucie County

One young man has been captured and charged with robbery of the Fort Pierce city manager’s home, according to Fort Pierce Police and WPTV News Channel 5. He is one of three former high school football players, some of which played at Fort Pierce Westwood High School and the others at Fort Pierce Central High School, according to the article.

The former athletes who were arrested Thursday are: Andre Townsend, 18; Cameron Toombs, 19, and Timothy Smith, 20, all of Fort Pierce. The three boys were arrested after a high-speed chase, ending when their getaway vehicle wet into a ditch. In the vehicle, Sheriff’s deputies found an X-box belonging to city manager David Recor, a rifle, jewelry and a computer.

Late Friday, Toombs, 19, of South Seventh Street, was charged with burglary and grand theft of Recor’s home.

The boys are also linked to a robbery in Lakewood Park from the following day.

After a high-speed chase, the men were captured after driving their vehicle into a canal. Inside the suspects’ car were a digital camera, gloves, a safe, a DVD player, jewelry, a computer laptop and a Social Security card belonging to one of the victims, reports say.

Smith said he was at the burglary but didn’t participate. Toombs refused to talk, according to reports. Townsend, Toombs and Smith also are linked to a burglary in Indian River County, said Rothman. A safe found in the getaway car is from a home in Indian River County that was ransacked.

Burglary and Robbery Criminal Defense

Burglary and robbery are very serious offenses that are often coupled with violent crimes. Robbery is theft by way of force or threat. Burglary is unlawfully entering another’s property with the intent to commit a crime (i.e. theft). If you have been charged with a burglary or robbery, you need a criminal defense lawyer. These crimes are so common here in South Florida that most prosecutors are used to getting convictions. Have an experienced criminal defense lawyer give you the help you need.

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]]>Andrew StineMon, 18 Jul 2011 14:00:03 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/368-how-common-are-burglaries-and-robberies-in-south-florida.aspxWhat to Do if You are Caught Carjackinghttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/362-what-to-do-if-you-are-caught-carjacking.aspxHappy 4th of July! Some people have not had such a good weekend so far. According to the Palm Beach Post, two men were carjacked and one was stuffed into the trunk late last night. Police are trying to figure out if this incident is part of the “bump and rob” trend that’s starting to become more commonplace in the West Palm Beach area lately.

Grand Theft Auto

According to the article, police are investigating an overnight carjacking that began in Palm Beach Gardens and ended in a crash near an ATM in West Palm Beach. Details are scant, but it appears that at 3:30 a.m. two men in a Hyundai Sonata in the area of Northlake Boulevard and Military Trail were approached by three men with guns, reports Palm Beach Gardens police spokeswoman Officer Ellen Lovejoy.

One of the victims was put in the car's trunk and the other along with the robbers headed for an ATM, Lovejoy said. From that ATM they headed for another, she said. For unknown reasons, the car later crashed near the Chase Bank ATM on the property of the former Palm Beach Mall at Congress Avenue and Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard in West Palm Beach, Lovejoy said.

The three robbers ran from the scene and the two victims were treated for minor injuries, Lovejoy said. Police are investigating the possibility that this carjacking could be related to previous "bump and robs" that have been committed in the area in recent months, Lovejoy said

Robbery Defense

If you have ever been charged with robbery, burglary, or theft (especially carjacking), you need a criminal defense lawyer who’s going to be aggressive when fighting for your legal rights. If you have been charged with robbery, burglary, or any kind of theft, you’re looking at a felony, severe fines, and possibly and extended prison sentence. Let an experienced criminal defense attorney fight to protect your legal rights.

Have a fun and safe holiday.

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]]>Andrew StineMon, 04 Jul 2011 14:04:37 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/362-what-to-do-if-you-are-caught-carjacking.aspxHow Serious is Grand Theft of an Elderly Person?http://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/360-how-serious-is-grand-theft-of-an-elderly-person.aspxHave you ever wondered what type of felony it is to steal from an elderly person? Because of their age, it is a very sensitive crime and depending on the amount, can be a first, second ,or third degree felony. According to an article in the Palm Beach Post, two women employed by the state have been caught taking advantage of an elderly woman and stealing from her while she was hospitalized for dementia.

Grand Theft of an Elderly Person

The women were adult protective investigators with the Florida Department of Children and Families. They were assigned to protect 85-year-old Jane Janssen and instead stole about $20,000 from her bank accounts.

Palm Beach Police conducted an investigation and arrested the women, Mindi Marie Berry, 33, and her DCF supervisor, Greta Laverne Lambert, 41. A third woman was arrested as well, a member of an escort service hired to cash stolen checks.

An agency spokesman said Berry and Lambert were fired in November after DCF learned of the police investigation.

The women face charges of organizing a scheme to defraud, grand theft from an elderly person, credit card fraud and identity theft.

Grand Theft of an Elderly Person and the Law

An elderly person is considered anyone over the age of 65. A person is charged with grand theft of an elderly person if he or she is accused of stealing more than $1,000 from a person over 65. Anyone convicted of such a crime must pay restitution and participate in up to 500 hours of community service in addition to any other sentencing as decided by the judge. Grand theft of an elderly person is a first degree felony if the defendant was aware that the victim was older than 65 and the stolen property amounted to more than $50,000. (Between $10,000 and $50,000 is a second degree felony).

Grand Theft Criminal Defense

Taking advantage of elderly or disabled people is not a crime that is taken lightly in the eyes of the law. Unfortunately it is not all that uncommon either. If you have been charged with grand theft of an elderly person, you need someone to defend you right a way. Contact a criminal defense lawyer so you can at least have a chance at a sentence of just paying restitution and completing community service. 

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]]>Andrew StineWed, 29 Jun 2011 15:07:22 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/360-how-serious-is-grand-theft-of-an-elderly-person.aspx