Theft Crimes

Coral Gables Theft Crime Defense Attorney

Defending Against Shoplifting & Petty Theft in the Greater Miami Area

A lapse in judgment or a simple misunderstanding at a checkout counter can upend your life. Many defendants facing shoplifting or petty theft charges are terrified of facing a permanent criminal record, loss of employment, and the lasting stigma of a conviction. Even a minor allegation can carry hefty fines and jail time.

You need a defense strategy that cuts through the state’s narrative. As a former prosecutor, Attorney Jonathan Blecher understands how the state prepares and prosecutes theft cases. With over 40 years of experience and more than 5,000 cases handled, Jonathan Blecher, P.A. is well-equipped to defend your rights and reputation.

Facing a theft charge in Coral Gables? Our theft defense lawyer can provide the robust defense you deserve. Contact us online to discuss your case.

What Is the Difference Between Petit Theft & Grand Theft?

Theft charges are divided into two categories based on the value of the property (Fla. Stat. § 812.014). Petit (petty) theft applies to property valued under $750 and is charged as a second-degree misdemeanor (under $100) or a first-degree misdemeanor ($100 to $749.99). Grand theft is a felony involving stolen property valued at $750 or more.

At Jonathan Blecher, P.A., your fight is our fight. Our firm carefully scrutinizes the state’s evidence regarding the property’s worth to pursue dismissals, reductions, or favorable plea arrangements when possible.

Understanding Florida’s Retail Theft & Shoplifting Laws

Retail theft is defined under Fla. Stat. § 812.015. Beyond walking out with unpaid merchandise, the statute also covers altering or removing a price tag, transferring an item into different packaging to disguise its price, or removing a shopping cart from the premises.

Because modern retail environments heavily rely on self-checkout kiosks, false accusations of shoplifting are common. Store loss prevention officers frequently mistake scanning errors or bagging mistakes for intentional retail theft, leading to unwarranted arrests.

Our defense team protects clients from these overzealous tactics by subpoenaing unedited surveillance footage and cross-examining employees to demonstrate that a checkout error was a genuine mistake rather than a deliberate criminal act.

Proving “Intent to Deprive”: Why Honest Mistakes Are Not Crimes

To secure a theft conviction, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you had the “intent to deprive” the owner of their property. If you accidentally walked out of a store while distracted on a phone call, forgot an item at the bottom of your shopping cart, or reasonably believed that the property actually belonged to you, no crime has occurred.

Our lawyer deeply understands these legal nuances to highlight the true context of the incident, challenge false assumptions, and prevent a momentary lapse in focus from derailing your career.

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Trusted When It Matters Most.

See What Our Clients Say

“Excellent Experience”
“I had an excellent experience working with attorney Jonathan Blecher. He handled my case professionally and efficiently, and the outcome couldn’t have been better—my case was completely dropped, with no points, no fees, and I didn’t even ”

- Maya C.
“Professional & Knowledgeable”
“Jonathan was professional, knowledgeable, and took the time to really listen to my concerns. He made sure I understood every step of the process. His calm and thoughtful approach made a challenging situation much easier to handle.”

- Jennifer S.
“Very Satisfied”
“Mr. Blecher explained everything in detail, along with a timeline for when it would be completed. He did everything he promised and was able to complete everything within the timeframe promised. I was very satisfied with his work.”

- Barbara F.
“Exceeded My Expectations”
“Working with Jonathan was an excellent experience. He was attentive, clear in his communication, and made sure I understood every part of the process. I felt supported throughout, and the outcome exceeded my expectations.”

- Shaundel H.

Our Aggressive Approach to Fighting Theft Charges

Disputing the Prosecution’s Valuation of Stolen Property

The value assigned to stolen property determines the penalties you’re facing. We can review receipts, appraisals, and valuation methods to challenge inflated estimates that push a charge into a higher category.

Challenging Loss Prevention & Surveillance Evidence

Many shoplifting cases rely entirely on store security footage or a loss prevention officer’s account. We examine this evidence closely for gaps, inconsistencies, or an incomplete picture of what happened.

Negotiating Diversion Programs for First-Time Offenders

A first theft charge doesn't have to result in a permanent record. We can negotiate for pre-trial diversion or similar programs that can lead to a dismissal upon completion.

Identifying Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Case

Attorney Blecher's background as a prosecutor gives him valuable insight into how these cases are built and charged, allowing us to find gaps in the evidence before many cases reach trial.

Don’t let a misunderstanding at the checkout counter dictate your permanent record. Call (786) 977-9355 to schedule a free consultation with our nationally acclaimed defense lawyer.

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