Criminal Defense · Orlando, FL
Theft & Property Crime Defense
Theft and property crime convictions carry prison time, restitution, and lasting damage to your reputation and career. Michael D. Morrison provides aggressive, experienced defense at every level — from petit theft to grand theft felony.
Understanding Theft & Property Crime Defense
Florida classifies theft offenses based on the value of property allegedly stolen. Petit theft (under $750) is a misdemeanor, but a third petit theft conviction becomes a felony. Grand theft (over $750) is a felony, with penalties escalating significantly as the value increases. Beyond fines and imprisonment, a theft conviction creates serious barriers to employment, housing, and professional licensing. Many theft charges arise from misunderstandings, mistakes, or circumstances that don't tell the full story — and an experienced attorney can make all the difference.
Common Charges Michael Defends
- →Petit Theft (Shoplifting)
- →Grand Theft (Felony)
- →Burglary of a Dwelling
- →Burglary of a Structure
- →Burglary of a Conveyance (Vehicle)
- →Armed Robbery
- →Robbery by Sudden Snatching
- →Retail Theft
- →Identity Theft / Fraud
- →Dealing in Stolen Property
- →Auto Theft / Grand Theft Motor Vehicle
- →Employee Theft / Embezzlement
Why Choose Michael Morrison?
Theft cases often hinge on intent — the state must prove you intended to permanently deprive someone of their property. Surveillance footage, witness testimony, and forensic evidence all require careful scrutiny. Michael's trial experience across Orange and Osceola County means he knows the local prosecutors, understands what evidence is contestable, and when a case should go to trial versus be resolved through negotiation.
- ✓Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law — fewer than 0.5% of FL Bar attorneys
- ✓90+ jury trials and 100+ non-jury trials as lead counsel
- ✓9 years as Public Defender — unmatched real trial experience
- ✓Available 24/7 · Jail visits available
Possible Defense Strategies
- Lack of intent — theft requires proof of intent to permanently deprive; returning property, confusion, or mistake negates this element.
- Consent — the alleged owner permitted you to take the property.
- Challenging value of property — the threshold between petit and grand theft determines the severity of charges; inflated valuations can be contested.
- Suppressing unlawfully obtained evidence — illegal stops, searches, or seizures can result in evidence exclusion.
- Mistaken identity — surveillance footage is often low quality; cross-examination and alibi evidence can challenge misidentifications.
- Civil compromise — in some cases, repayment to the victim can result in prosecutors declining to pursue charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Discuss Your Case?
Available 24/7 · Jail visits available · Accepts collect calls