If you have been charged with defrauding a pawnbroker in Florida, then you may have a defense. Reasonable belief that the defendant owned the property, even if the property that was pawned turns out to be stolen, is a defense that is oftentimes successful when fighting defrauding pawnbroker cases. Even if you don’t think you have a defense, you should always speak to an attorney to make sure you have a full understanding of how the law applies specifically to your case. If you want to know more about satisfactory explanation or how to beat your defrauding a pawnbroker case in Florida, then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.
In Florida, defrauding a pawnbroker is defined under Florida Statute 539.001(8)(b)(8). A person commits defrauding a pawnbroker when they knowingly and falsely verify that they are the rightful owner of the property in order to pawn the property and receive money in exchange.
The penalty level associated with defrauding a pawnbroker is based on the amount of the pawn transaction:
Defrauding a pawnbroker is a third-degree felony, meaning it is punishable by up to five years in prison, or up to five years of probation, and/ or a fine of up to $5,000 (you can also get a jail or prison sentence followed by probation, but the total length of the punishment cannot exceed five years), where the amount received by the defendant is less than $300.
Defrauding a pawnbroker is a second-degree felony, meaning it is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, or up 15 years of probation and a $10,000 fine (you can also get a jail or prison sentence followed by probation, but the total length of the punishment cannot exceed fifteen years), where the amount is $300 or more. In addition to facing prison time, if you are adjudicated guilty of defrauding a pawnbroker, then you will lose a number of constitutional rights and you will never be able to remove the felony conviction from your permanent record. In addition to facing prison time, if you are adjudicated guilty of defrauding a pawnbroker, then you will lose constitutional rights and you’ll have to deal with many other collateral consequences.
Criminal convictions, especially convictions for theft-related charges, carry severe consequences and can never be removed from your criminal record. If you are convicted of a felony, you will lose your right to vote, your right to own firearms, and your ability to maintain certain business licenses. You can also lose your ability to receive financial aid, your ability to live in certain places and your ability to obtain a passport.
If you need an attorney who will advise you, fight for your rights, and do everything possible to protect your future, or if someone you know has been charged with defrauding a pawnbroker in Florida and they need effective representation, then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.