Fake Verification of Ownership of Property in Florida
When times get tough and you’re short on cash, you might need to sell a few of your personal belongings to make ends meet. The most convenient place to exchange items for cash quickly is a pawn shop. When a person turns items over to a pawn shop, they’re required to fill out extensive paperwork regarding who they are and the belongings they wish to sell. The reason there are so many forms to fill out is to help ensure that the items are not stolen from someone or somewhere else.
In the past, some pawnshops have been found guilty of selling fake or stolen items to well-meaning individuals. Although the state has enlisted strict measurements to prevent this crime from taking place, people still get away with selling stolen property to pawnshops.
If you or someone you know has been charged with Fake Verification of Ownership of Property, The Umansky Law Firm is here to help you set your record straight.
Understanding Pawn Shops and Fake Verification of Ownership of Property
The main way people succeed in selling stolen property to pawn shops is by using a fake form of identification. Fake IDs used to sell stolen property are often carefully crafted with a fake name and address to match the information the individual enters into the forms required by pawnshops.
To stop criminals from selling stolen items to pawnshops, shop owners are required to turn over the paperwork they receive from customers to the police department. The police department then scans the paperwork for evidence of stolen items. If it’s found that the person who sold the item to the pawnshop provided fake information, they can be pursued for Fake Verification of Ownership of Property.
To convict a person of Fake Verification of Ownership of Property, the prosecutor must be able to prove:
- The person sold or gave an item to a pawnshop
- The person falsely verified information on the form
- The person received money from the pawnshop in exchange for the item
Fake Verification of Ownership of Property is a defendable charge. The best way to develop a viable defense is to consult knowledgeable legal counsel.
Common Penalties for Fake Verification of Ownership of Property in Florida
In Florida, the charges and penalties a person faces for Fake Verification of Ownership of Property depend on the value of the property. Property worth $300 or less is punishable as a Third-Degree Felony. Property worth more than $300 is punishable as a Second-Degree Felony.
Penalties for a Third-Degree Felony in Florida include:
- Up to 5 years incarceration
- Up to $5,000 in fines
- Up to 5 years probation
Penalties for a Second-Degree Felony in Florida include:
- Up to 15 years incarceration
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Up to 15 years of probation
The best way to mitigate the charges you face is to obtain an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible.
Proven Defense Strategies for Fake Verification of Ownership of Property
Defense strategies are highly dependent on the circumstances surrounding a case. If you’ve been charged with Fake Verification of Ownership of Property in Florida, the best way to develop a defense that will win in court is to provide your attorney with all of the details surrounding your charges. The most common defense strategies for Fake Verification of Ownership of Property in Florida are:
- Unlawful search and seizure
- Lack of evidence
- Mistaken identity
- … and more
The lawyers at The Umansky Law Firm are experienced in developing viable defense strategies and will work hard to help you develop yours.
Trust Your Local Criminal Defense Attorneys In Orlando With Your Case
If you live in or around Orlando, Florida and need an attorney to defend your criminal charges, the most trusted source of legal counsel is The Umansky Law Firm. At The Umansky Law Firm, we have more than 100 years of combined experience defending criminal cases and are known for our success. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 407-228-3838 or contact us online today. Don’t wait. Your life doesn’t have to be defined by a single mistake.
