If you’ve been arrested or charged with a property crime in Pensacola, you need a property crime lawyer who understands Florida law and will defend your rights. Property crimes, including theft, burglary, and property damage, carry serious penalties that can affect your freedom, your job, and your future. The Morris Firm provides vigorous criminal defense for clients facing property crime charges throughout Pensacola, Escambia County, and Santa Rosa County. Our experienced defense team works immediately to investigate your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and pursue the best possible outcome for you.
Why Choose The Morris Firm for Your Property Crime Defense
When you’re facing property crime charges, you need a defense team with real experience and a proven track record. The Morris Firm has handled over 4,000 criminal cases. Lead attorney Brandon Morris brings more than a decade of courtroom experience to every case. Brandon is a native Pensacolian who understands the local court system, judges, and prosecutors. He’s committed to defending your rights and protecting your future.
Here’s what sets The Morris Firm apart:
Extensive Trial Experience: Brandon Morris has litigated numerous criminal cases and knows how to prepare for trial from day one. We don’t just negotiate, we’re ready to defend you in court.
4,000+ Cases Handled: Our experience across thousands of cases means we’ve seen property crime charges from every angle and know what works.
Available 24/7: When you’re arrested, you need help immediately. We’re available around the clock to answer your questions and start building your defense.
Affordable Representation: We offer reasonable retainer fees and flexible payment plans so you can get the legal help you need without financial stress.
Proven Results: Our clients have achieved dismissals, reduced charges, and favorable plea agreements. Read what they say about working with us on our case results and testimonials pages.
Brandon Morris has established relationships with law enforcement and the judicial system—relationships that work in your favor. When you hire The Morris Firm, you’re getting a criminal defense lawyer who knows the system and will defend you every step of the way.
Understanding Property Crimes in Florida
Property crimes are offenses involving the theft, damage, or unauthorized taking of someone else’s property. Florida law takes property crimes seriously, and the penalties depend on the type of crime and the value of the property involved. Understanding what you’re charged with is the first step toward building an effective defense.
Property crimes fall into several categories. Theft involves taking someone’s property with the intent to keep it permanently. Burglary is entering a building or dwelling with the intent to commit a crime inside, usually theft. Property damage, also called criminal mischief, involves intentionally damaging or destroying someone else’s property. Retail theft (shoplifting) is taking merchandise from a store without paying. Home invasion is a more serious form of burglary involving a dwelling at night.
The key difference between property crimes and violent crimes is that property crimes don’t involve force or threat of force against a person. However, this doesn’t mean property crime charges are minor. Depending on the value of the property and your criminal history, property crime charges can be felonies with serious prison time.
Why does the classification matter? Because it determines the penalties you face, the defenses available to you, and the long-term consequences of a conviction. A petit theft charge is handled differently from grand theft. A misdemeanor burglary carries different penalties than a felony burglary. The Morris Firm analyzes your specific charges and builds a defense strategy tailored to your situation.
Penalties for Property Crime Convictions in Pensacola
Florida divides crimes into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. The penalties for property crimes depend on which category your charge falls into and the value of the property involved.
Misdemeanor Property Crimes:
A second-degree misdemeanor carries up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. A first-degree misdemeanor carries up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Petit theft under $100 is a second-degree misdemeanor per Florida Statute § 812.014. Petit theft from $100 to $749 is a first-degree misdemeanor. Theft of $750 or more is classified as grand theft (felony).
Felony Property Crimes:
A third-degree felony carries up to five years in prison and a maximum $5,000 fine. A second-degree felony carries up to 15 years in state prison and $10,000 in fines. A first-degree felony carries up to 30 years in state prison and $10,000 in fines per Florida Statute § 775.082. Grand theft charges fall into these categories depending on the value of the property stolen. Burglary is typically charged as a felony, with enhanced penalties if the burglary involved a dwelling or occurred at night per Florida Statute § 810.02.
Beyond Prison and Fines:
A property crime conviction carries consequences that extend far beyond jail time and fines. You may struggle to find employment—many employers conduct background checks and won’t hire someone with a theft or burglary conviction. You could lose housing opportunities, as landlords often deny applications from people with property crime convictions. Educational opportunities may close off; some schools and professional licensing boards deny admission or certification to people with theft convictions. You could lose your right to vote, own a firearm, or serve on a jury. Your reputation in your community suffers, and the stigma of a conviction can affect your relationships and your sense of self.
This is why defending your charges matters. The Morris Firm works to get charges reduced or dismissed so you can avoid these long-term consequences.
How The Morris Firm Builds Your Property Crime Defense
Every property crime case is different, and every client deserves a defense strategy tailored to their specific situation. Here’s how we approach your case:
Immediate Investigation: We begin investigating your case right away. We review police reports, interview witnesses, examine evidence, and identify gaps in the prosecution’s case. We look for procedural errors, illegal searches, or violations of your rights that could result in evidence being excluded.
Identifying Weaknesses: The prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. We scrutinize every piece of evidence they have. Did they properly identify you? Is the evidence chain of custody intact? Were your rights violated during arrest or interrogation? We find the weaknesses and exploit them.
Exploring Defenses: Property crime charges often have viable defenses. You might have been misidentified. You might have had permission to take the property. You might have had no intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. We explore every possible defense and determine which ones apply to your case.
Negotiation: If the evidence is strong, we negotiate with the prosecutor. We work toward reduced charges, dismissed counts, or favorable plea agreements that minimize your exposure. Our relationships with local prosecutors help us negotiate effectively.
Trial Preparation: If your case goes to trial, we prepare thoroughly. We develop a compelling narrative, prepare witnesses, cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses, and present evidence that supports your innocence or creates reasonable doubt. We’re ready to defend you in court.
Throughout this process, you’re never alone. We keep you informed, answer your questions, and provide the support you need during a difficult time.
The Criminal Defense Process in Florida
Understanding the criminal process helps you know what to expect. Here’s how a property crime case typically moves through the Florida court system:
Arrest or Notice to Appear: If law enforcement believes you committed a property crime, they’ll either arrest you or give you a notice to appear in court. An arrest typically happens if the officer has probable cause or there’s a warrant. If you’re arrested, you’ll likely have to appear in court within 48 hours. A notice to appear means you’re required to show up on a specific date and time.
First Appearance: Within 24 hours of arrest, you’ll appear before a judge. The judge will inform you of your charges and set bail. You have the right to remain silent during this appearance—don’t answer questions without your attorney present. This is where having a criminal defense lawyer makes a difference. We can argue for reasonable bail or release on your own recognizance.
Preliminary Hearing: At the preliminary hearing, the prosecution must show probable cause that you committed the crime. This is our opportunity to challenge the evidence against you. If we can show the evidence is weak or was obtained illegally, we might get charges reduced or dismissed.
Plea Bargain: If the evidence is strong, we may negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor. This typically means pleading guilty to reduced charges or a lesser offense in exchange for a lighter sentence. A plea bargain can minimize your exposure and resolve your case quickly.
Trial and Sentencing: If you plead not guilty and the case doesn’t settle, it goes to trial. You can choose a trial by a judge or a jury. Both sides present evidence and witnesses. If you’re found guilty, sentencing typically occurs within 30 to 60 days. The judge determines your penalty, which could range from a fine to prison time. If you’re found not guilty, the charges are dismissed.
The Morris Firm guides you through every step of this process and advocates for your rights at each stage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Property Crime Defense
What should I do if I'm arrested for a property crime?
Exercise your right to remain silent. Don’t answer questions without your attorney present—anything you say can be used against you. Ask for a lawyer immediately. Contact The Morris Firm as soon as possible. We’ll begin investigating your case right away and represent you at your first appearance. Learn more about getting out of jail after an arrest.
How much does a property crime defense cost?
Our retainer fees are reasonable, and we work with clients to create affordable payment plans. The cost depends on the complexity of your case and whether it goes to trial. During your free consultation, we’ll discuss fees and payment options.
Can property crime charges be dismissed?
Yes. We can work to get charges dismissed if the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence, if your rights were violated during arrest or investigation, or if we successfully negotiate with the prosecutor. We work to get charges dismissed whenever possible.
What's the difference between theft and burglary?
Theft is taking someone’s property with the intent to keep it. Burglary is entering a building or dwelling with intent to commit a crime inside, usually theft. Burglary is typically charged as a felony and carries harsher penalties than theft. For more details, see our guide on robbery vs. burglary.
Will a property crime conviction affect my job?
Yes. Many employers conduct background checks and won’t hire someone with a theft or burglary conviction. Some professional licenses are denied to people with property crime convictions. This is another reason defending your charges is so important.
Can I get my record expunged after a property crime conviction?
In some cases, yes. Florida law allows expungement of certain criminal records under specific circumstances. We can advise you on whether your record is eligible for expungement and help you pursue it.
How long does a property crime case take?
It depends. Some cases resolve quickly through plea negotiations. Others take months or longer if they go to trial. We work efficiently to resolve your case while protecting your rights.
Contact The Morris Firm for Your Free Case Evaluation
If you’re facing property crime charges in Pensacola, don’t wait. The sooner you get legal representation, the sooner we can start building your defense. The Morris Firm offers a free case evaluation where we’ll listen to your situation, explain your options, and tell you how we can help.
Call (850) 503-2626 today to speak with Brandon Morris. We’re available 24/7 and ready to defend you. We serve clients throughout Pensacola, Escambia County, and Santa Rosa County.
The Morris Firm
816 E La Rua Street, 2nd Floor
Pensacola, FL 32501
(850) 503-2626Hablamos Español
