Orlando Employee Theft Lawyer

If your employer is accusing you of theft, you are likely worried about your job and your future. You are facing jail time and other penalties if convicted. There is hope as a theft defense lawyer at our firm can fight for your rights, your job, and your future.

Any convictions on an employment-related theft charge will drastically impact your future. Not only are you facing jail time and fines, but also restitution of the taken money and a criminal record. Future employers will have access to this information and will be unlikely to hire you, due to your past. By fighting the charges, having them minimized or dismissed whenever possible, an Orlando employee theft lawyer can protect your future.

Theft from the Workplace

When you have been accused of illegally taking things from your place of employment, you may be facing misdemeanor or felony charges. The type of charge depends on the monetary value of the items stolen. The larger the value, the more serious the consequences and charges.

Food Service Theft

Florida Statute § 509.162(1) strictly prohibits theft from a food service establishment and provides food service  establishment owners and managers to do the following:

“Any law enforcement officer or operator of a public lodging establishment or public food service establishment who has probable cause to believe that theft of personal property belonging to such establishment has been committed by a person and that the officer or operator can recover such property or the reasonable value thereof by taking the person into custody may, for the purpose of attempting to effect such recovery or for prosecution, take such person into custody on the premises and detain such person in a reasonable manner and for a reasonable period of time.”

While the law provides them with such liberties, they are still required to call law enforcement immediately after the detainment occurs. Failing to do so or detaining you in an unreasonable manner or for an unreasonable amount of time can result in them facing criminal charges.

If you have a prior theft charge, then it may be even more important to hire an attorney. If you were convicted previously, the state could upgrade the theft to a more serious crime and the prosecutor may try to have you convicted. If you are convicted in Florida of a theft charge, you can not only face incarceration and hefty fines, but you may also lose your driver’s license for up to six months.

Embezzlement

Often considered a type of white collar crime, embezzlement is the act of an employee taking money from his or her employer. This can be through the inaccurate reporting of funds, taking money from a cash register, or other acts involving transactions at the business. If you are accused of embezzling money from your employer, it is essential that you get legal representation as soon as possible.

Penalties for Employee Theft

The penalties for employee theft in Florida directly correlate with the amount stolen. The following details the associated penalties with stealing a specific dollar amount:

  • $750 – $20,000:  Third-degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison or 5 years probation and $5,000 in fines
  • $20,000 – $100,000: Second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison or 15 years probation and  $10,000 in fines
  • $100,000 or More: First-degree felony  punishable by up to 30 years in prison or 30 years probation and  $10,000 in fines

Defenses for Employee Theft

All hope isn’t lost if you’re simply charged with employee theft. A knowledgeable Orlando employee theft defense lawyer at The Umansky Law Firm can present defenses most applicable to your case specifically. Some of the most effective defenses in an employee theft case include:

  • Lack of intent
  • Consent from the employer
  • Inaccurate value of the property
  • Lawful purpose for the taking
  • Acting out of duress

Our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys is standing by waiting to provide you with the legal counsel needed to combat these severe charges.

Discuss Your Case with an Orlando Employee Theft Attorney

At The Umansky Law Firm, we understand the emotions that accompany accusations of theft. If you live or work in the central Florida area, our Orlando employee theft lawyers can work to protect your constitutional rights. If you are accused of theft by your employer, get help immediately.

To schedule a free case review with a lawyer at The Umansky Law Firm, contact our office online or call us.

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