Theft Defense Lawyer in West Palm Beach

Under Florida law, you can face theft charges if accused of knowingly taking someone else’s property without their permission. It is important to note that you can face theft charges even if you intended to return the property after using it.

Depending on the circumstance of the case, you can face charges for petit or grand theft. Additionally, both petit and grand theft include different categories.

Misdemeanor and felony theft charges carry serious consequences, so it is important to deal with your case head-on. Our West Palm Beach theft defense lawyer has more than 34 years of experience with these types of cases. Reach out to discuss the circumstances surrounding your arrest.

Possible Penalties for a Theft Conviction

Depending on the severity of the theft charge, the penalties vary. However, you can face:

  • Fines
  • Jail time
  • Probation
  • Restitution

You will also have a theft charge on your criminal record if convicted. Contact a theft lawyer in West Palm Beach to discuss ways to defend yourself from these charges.

Petit Theft

Even though petit theft is a misdemeanor, possible penalties include jail time, probation, and fines. Plus, a theft conviction will stay on your criminal record for life, causing potential employers and others to make snap judgments about your honesty and integrity.

You can protect your rights by working with a West Palm Beach theft defense attorney. After reviewing the facts of the case, your attorney can explore possible defenses for you.

Grand Theft

As the value of the property increases, so does the charge of grand theft itself. With penalties that include substantial prison sentences and hefty fines, you need the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer to help guide you through the criminal justice system. So contact a West Palm Beach theft lawyer today to review your legal options with you.

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WHY CHOOSE RONALD S. CHAPMAN, P.A.?

Investigate the prosecutor’s case against you.
Speak with your witnesses.
Present legal motions to the judge.
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Try to get the best possible result for you.
  • Over 34 Years of Experience – Ronald S. Chapman has represented clients facing both state and federal charges since 1990, and he has had more than 200 trials.
  • Numerous 5-star Reviews – Our West Palm Beach law firm has accumulated five-star reviews on Google, Yelp, Lawyers.com, Avvo, and other sites.
  • Sole Practitioner– As a sole practitioner, Ronald S. Chapman works directly with each client he serves instead of handing them off to staff members.
  • Represents Clients in State and Federal Court – While some West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyers handle only state charges or federal charges, Ronald S. Chapman handles both types of charges ranging from state-level assault charges to federal-level drug trafficking and white-collar crimes.
  • Bilingual Legal Services – Ronald S. Chapman provides legal services in English and Spanish, so you won’t have any trouble communicating with him.

Restitution in Theft Cases

If convicted, the judge can order you to pay restitution. The amount will be based on the property’s fair market value. This is not the same as the amount spent to replace the stolen item. Instead, the court considers the original cost, usage, condition, and percentage of deprecation. It is important to have representation when determining restitution, so contact a theft defense lawyer in West Palm Beach for assistance.

Statute of Limitations

Evidence tends to erode and disappear as time passes, making it harder to defend yourself from charges. Thus, Florida has a statute of limitations for the crime of theft, meaning the state must file charges within a certain period of time. If you think you are under investigation but have yet to be charged, consult with a criminal defense lawyer today to begin working on your case.

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Real Clients, Real Testimonials

Mr. Chapman, I want to thank you for all your time, effort, and good counsel given in the cases of Gonzalo C., both in the State court and in the Federal court. I was especially impressed with the attention to detail, the phone calls, the jail visits, and the interviews with Gonzalo’s wife and her nephew, all done to completely familiarize yourself with his cases. The charges and the facts were irrefutable, and a not-guilty plea was not an option. Nonetheless, though he was facing prison time as well as a large fine, through legal expertise and persuasive negotiating, you succeeded in securing his time served and one-year supervision. Thank you and well done.
William G. Taylor

Recent Blogs/News

Criminal Defense Attorney Ronald S. Chapman Reacts to “Super Speeder” Law

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — Criminal defense attorney Ronald S. Chapman draws attention to Florida’s new House Bill 351, effective July 1, 2025. This legislation creates a criminal offense, a second-degree misdemeanor, for driving either 50+ MPH over the speed limit or at 100+ MPH in a manner that endangers others, even absent a collision. Basic Provisions of HB 351 […]

West Palm Beach Criminal Defense Attorney Reacts to Trenton’s Law

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — In the wake of a devastating and preventable tragedy, Ronald S. Chapman, P.A. speaks out about the high stakes surrounding House Bill 687, also known as “Trenton’s Law,” which seeks to increase penalties for repeat offenders of vehicular homicide (VH) and DUI manslaughter (DUIM). This important legislation, which takes effect on October 1, 2025, […]

FL Makes Hoax 911 Calls That Cause Harm a Crime, Effective July 1, 2025

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — Criminal defense attorney Ronald S. Chapman emphasizes the gravity of Florida’s newly enacted House Bill 279, which took effect on July 1, 2025. The legislation imposes far-reaching consequences on those placing malicious or deceptive calls to 911, commonly known as “swatting,” when such actions result in serious injury or death. Under HB 279’s strict new measures: A […]

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Since 1990, Mr. Chapman has been representing people who have been accused of committing various types of crimes such as DUI, domestic violence, possession of a firearm, drug possession, expungement, traffic crimes, murder, manslaughter, crimes against children, sex crimes, crimes against the elderly, appeals, and violations of probation.
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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice.You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.