Jacksonville Theft, Robbery And Burglary Defense Lawyer

Last updated on August 18, 2026

Charges for theft, robbery and burglary can involve harsh potential punishments, especially if you have a record or the allegedly stolen items were highly valuable. Still, remember that the burden is on the prosecutor to prove that you were involved. The evidence against you might be weaker than the prosecutor claims.

Before you plead guilty, think about what spending years in prison could do to your life. Instead, contact Janet E. Johnson, P.A., at 904-820-3455 or through the online contact form to find out your options.

Understanding Theft, Robbery And Burglary

Some people think that theft, robbery and burglary are all the same thing, but they are three different crimes under Florida law:

• Theft involves taking someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. Depending on the value of the stolen items, offenses in this category can range from shoplifting to grand theft.
• Robbery is more severe and involves taking property from someone through force, violence or intimidation, such as using a weapon to mug someone on the street or hold up a convenience store.
• Burglary involves entering a building or dwelling with the intent to commit a crime inside, such as theft or vandalism. Regardless of whether you actually stole something, the intent alone can lead to burglary charges.

Offenses Involving Stolen Property

Dealing in stolen property, commonly known as “fencing,” involves selling, transferring or distributing stolen goods. This offense can intersect with larger theft or burglary cases, making it a focal point in criminal investigations. In Florida, the penalties for stolen property crimes vary based on their severity. Specific charges include:

• Dealing with stolen property: Trafficking stolen goods is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
• Organizing a trafficking operation: Managing or financing fencing operations is a felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
• Conspiracy to traffic stolen property: Involvement in coordinated efforts to traffic stolen goods may lead to further conspiracy charges.
• Receiving stolen property: Accepting stolen items knowingly often results in penalties tied to the value of the property.
• Possession of stolen property: Charges depend on the value:
  • First-degree misdemeanor for property valued under $750
  • Third-degree felony for items valued between $750 and $20,000
  • Second-degree felony for property worth $20,000 to $100,000
  • First-degree felony for items exceeding $100,000

Florida law also uses circumstantial evidence, such as tampering with identifying marks or purchasing items at suspiciously low prices, to establish knowledge of the stolen nature of goods. Charges related to fencing can amplify the severity of theft cases, especially when linked to other crimes or statutes, such as the Florida RICO Act.

Auto Theft And Grand Larceny Defense In Florida

Courts consider motor vehicle theft differently from most property crimes. Regardless of the vehicle’s value, taking someone’s car without permission automatically triggers a grand theft charge. This is a third-degree felony at minimum, carrying up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines.

For other theft offenses, the charge depends on the value of the property allegedly stolen. Florida divides these offenses into two broad categories:

• Petit theft (misdemeanor): Applies to properties valued under $750. Stolen items under $100 can lead to second-degree misdemeanor charges, while items valued between $100 and $749 make the charge a first-degree misdemeanor.
• Grand theft (felony): Applies to properties valued at $750 or more. If the stolen items are valued at anywhere between $750 and $19,999, the charge is a third-degree felony, while items valued between $20,000 and $99,999 are second-degree felonies. If the value of the items is $100,000 or more, the charge becomes a first-degree felony.

These distinctions matter. In some cases, prosecutors may inflate property valuations to push charges into a higher tier. Our attorney will examine the numbers carefully and challenge any valuation that does not hold up against the evidence.

Organized Systemic Theft Offenses

Organized or systemic theft involves coordinated efforts by groups or rings to steal valuable items or high-demand goods. They often involve multiple individuals working together, making them a focus of law enforcement investigations.

When implicated, expect aggressive police questioning about your role in the ring, your operational knowledge and connections to other participants. If law enforcement finds evidence of conspiracy, it can lead to severe charges such as conspiracy to commit burglary, theft or trafficking under Florida Statute 777.04.

Those accused have rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to legal representation, which are critical during conspiracy investigations. Consequences for involvement in systemic theft can be severe and typically include lengthy prison sentences.

Understanding the complexities of organized crime laws and the potential defenses available is essential for anyone facing these allegations.

Aggravating Theft Factors

Certain factors can make theft, robbery and burglary charges more serious. High-value stolen items, such as a car, can elevate the severity of the charges. If someone is injured during the theft, it can lead to more severe penalties. The presence of firearms during the commission of the crime can also significantly increase the seriousness of the charges.

Attorney Johnson will carefully investigate the prosecution’s case to ensure that you are not overcharged. She will scrutinize every detail and fight to protect your rights.

Challenging Criminal Intent And Constructive Possession

Burglary charges in Florida require the prosecution to prove criminal intent. Specifically, this means that they must prove that the defendant entered a structure intending to commit a crime inside. Simply being present is not enough. If the state cannot establish that intent existed at the moment of entry, the burglary charge may not hold.

The issue of constructive possession can come up often in these cases as well. This generally means that stolen property does not have to be found directly on you for the state to charge you with a crime. If prosecutors can show that you knew it was there and had the ability to control it, that may be enough for a charge. However, being near the stolen property is not the same as being in possession of it. This distinction can make a significant difference in your defense.

Our criminal defense lawyer will dig into how investigators collected the evidence, who had access to the location and whether the state can genuinely tie you to the alleged offense.

Meet Janet E. Johnson

Janet E. Johnson, P.A., is a criminal defense law firm based in Jacksonville. Attorney Janet E. Johnson is renowned for her fierce advocacy and extensive experience. She is regularly featured on national news shows for her knowledge of criminal law. She recently served on the faculty for the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL) Blood, Breath & Tears seminar on driving under the influence (DUI) cases. Recognized on the Global Directory of Who’s Who Top Lawyer list, she is also AV Preeminent peer-review rated,* the highest rating, through Martindale-Hubbell. In addition, attorney Johnson has been recognized by America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys, Lawyers of Distinction and by AIOCLA as one of the 10 Best Attorneys for Client Satisfaction three years in a row. Ms. Johnson has been featured in Fortune magazine as a nationally prominent attorney. She is experienced in a wide range of criminal defense cases, including assault and battery, drug charges and federal crimes.

No matter how serious the charges are against you, Ms. Johnson will be unafraid to stand up for you and protect your rights. She will fight passionately to ensure that you get a fair trial. If you’re facing theft, robbery or burglary charges in Jacksonville, she is here to help. Contact Janet E. Johnson, P.A., to discuss your case.

Protecting Your Future: Diversion And Charge Reduction Pathways

Florida has a Pretrial Intervention (PTI) program, which offers first-time offenders with a misdemeanor or a third-degree felony charge a way to seek full dismissal of their charges. Here is how the program generally works:

• Who must provide their approval: Admission requires the consent of the PTI program administrator, the state attorney, the judge who presided at the initial appearance and the alleged victim.
• What the program includes: The supervised program typically involves counseling, education and community service tailored to the defendant’s situation.
• What happens to the charges: The court places the charges on hold while the defendant participates in the program. The length of the program varies depending on the nature of the charges and the requirements of the judicial circuit. If the defendant completes the program successfully, the state attorney can move to dismiss the charges entirely.

PTI does not accept everyone, and no one can guarantee admission. Our attorney can assess your situation and walk you through your options.

Charged With A Theft Crime? Contact Janet E. Johnson, P.A.

If you’re facing charges of theft, robbery or burglary in Jacksonville, you need a strong defense. Ms. Johnson has the experience and recognition to fight for you. With numerous media appearances, she is a trusted voice in criminal defense. Contact us today to protect your future. Call 904-820-3455 for a free consultation.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.