Theft & Robbery Defense in Miami-Dade County

If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation for theft or robbery in Miami-Dade County, you need to understand what you’re facing and what your options are. Theft and robbery charges carry serious consequences—jail time, fines, a permanent criminal record, and collateral damage to your career, professional license, and immigration status if you’re not a U.S. citizen. Early legal representation can mean the difference between a conviction that derails your life and an outcome that lets you move forward.

Patrick Wilson Law handles theft and robbery defense for first-time offenders, licensed professionals, and non-citizens across Miami-Dade County. We investigate thoroughly, challenge constitutional violations, and negotiate aggressively to protect your rights and your future.

What Is a Theft or Robbery Charge Under Florida Law?

Theft and robbery are distinct crimes under Florida law, and the distinction matters.

Theft involves taking someone else’s property without permission, without using force or threat. Under Florida Statute § 812.013, theft is graded by the value of the property taken: petty theft (under $100), grand theft in the third degree ($100–$749), grand theft in the second degree ($750–$20,000), and grand theft in the first degree (over $20,000). Shoplifting, taking merchandise from a store, and taking someone’s personal items all fall into this category.

Robbery involves taking property by force, threat of force, or violence. It’s inherently more serious because it puts a person at risk of harm. Armed robbery—robbery with a weapon—carries the heaviest penalties.

The penalties depend on the degree of the charge:

• Petty theft: Up to 60 days in jail, up to $500 fine
• Grand theft, third degree: Up to 5 years in prison, up to $5,000 fine
• Grand theft, second degree: Up to 15 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine
• Grand theft, first degree: Up to 30 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine
• Robbery: Up to 15 years in prison
• Armed robbery: Up to life in prison

Beyond jail and fines, a conviction means restitution (paying the victim back), probation, and a permanent criminal record. That record affects your ability to find employment, secure housing, maintain professional licenses, and—if you’re not a citizen—can trigger deportation proceedings.

Who We Defend

We focus on people for whom a criminal record is especially damaging.

First-time offenders facing their first arrest or criminal charge. A first offense doesn’t have to define your future, and Florida law recognizes this—but only if you have skilled legal representation early.

Licensed professionals—healthcare workers, nurses, doctors, financial advisors, teachers, law enforcement officers, and others whose professional licenses depend on a clean record. A theft or robbery conviction can trigger an investigation by your licensing board and lead to suspension or revocation, even if you avoid prison. We assess this risk from day one and work to minimize it.

Non-citizens and immigrants concerned about deportation or visa consequences. A criminal conviction can make you deportable, even if you’ve lived in the United States for years. We evaluate immigration consequences before you plead guilty to anything.

Anyone arrested for theft, robbery, shoplifting, or related charges in Miami-Dade County who wants a thorough, personalized defense—not a high-volume mill treatment.

What Our Theft & Robbery Defense Covers

When you hire Patrick Wilson Law, here’s what we do:

Investigation and evidence review. We obtain and scrutinize police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and arrest records. We don’t accept the prosecution’s version without questioning it. We identify gaps, inconsistencies, and weaknesses in their case.

Constitutional challenges. Many arrests involve Fourth Amendment violations—illegal searches or seizures—or Fifth Amendment violations like Miranda rights violations or coercive interrogation. If police violated your rights, we file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence. Sometimes that means the case falls apart.

Evidence evaluation. We examine identification procedures (were you properly identified?), chain of custody (was evidence handled correctly?), and witness credibility. We question forensic evidence and expert testimony. We test the state’s narrative.

Negotiation with prosecutors. We communicate with the state attorney’s office about the strength of their case and explore alternatives: reduced charges, diversion programs, deferred prosecution, or plea agreements that minimize your exposure. Sometimes the best outcome is negotiated, not won at trial.

Trial preparation and representation. If the case proceeds to trial, we prepare a vigorous defense, cross-examine witnesses, challenge evidence, and advocate for you in front of a judge or jury.

Sentencing advocacy. If conviction occurs, we present evidence and argument to minimize your sentence—emphasizing your character, ties to the community, employment, and the impact on your family or career.

Guidance on collateral consequences. We advise you on how to handle professional licensing boards, employment questions, and immigration concerns. We explain your options for sealing or expunging your record after the case resolves.

How the Defense Process Works

Initial consultation (free and confidential). You meet with our attorney to discuss your charges, the circumstances of your arrest, and your options. We listen, ask questions, and explain what we can do.

Case assessment. We review all police reports, arrest affidavits, witness statements, and any other materials the prosecution has. We identify legal issues and factual weaknesses.

Investigation. We gather evidence, interview witnesses, request surveillance footage, and examine police procedures. We look for constitutional violations, identification problems, and credibility issues.

Negotiation phase. We communicate with prosecutors about the case. We present evidence of weakness, discuss your background and circumstances, and explore possible resolutions. Many cases resolve through negotiation.

Court appearances. We handle arraignment, pre-trial motions, discovery disputes, and plea negotiations. You’ll understand what’s happening at each step.

Trial or resolution. Either we reach a negotiated outcome (reduced charges, plea agreement, or dismissal) or we proceed to trial. If we go to trial, we present a full defense.

Post-conviction. After the case resolves, we advise you on record sealing or expungement if you’re eligible. We help you move forward.

Why Choose Patrick Wilson Law

Experience in Miami-Dade County courts. We know the judges, prosecutors, and procedures of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. We understand how cases move through the system and what works in this courthouse.

Bilingual representation. We communicate fluently in Spanish and English. You’ll understand everything happening in your case.

Focus on first-time offenders and licensed professionals. We understand what’s at stake when your career or your record is on the line. We’re not a high-volume mill; your case gets dedicated attention.

Thorough investigation. We don’t accept the prosecution’s story without scrutiny. We dig into the evidence, challenge procedures, and look for every advantage.

Proactive assessment of collateral consequences. We evaluate how a conviction will affect your professional license, employment, immigration status, and future from day one—not as an afterthought.

Transparent communication. We explain your options clearly, discuss realistic timelines, and never promise outcomes we can’t guarantee. You’ll know where you stand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Next Steps

You don’t have to face a theft or robbery charge alone. Contact Patrick Wilson Law today for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and discuss how we can help protect your rights and your future.

Call 786-761-1719 or visit us online to leave a message. People facing theft and robbery charges in Miami-Dade County can reach out to us—and early representation makes a real difference.