{"id":953,"date":"2026-10-03T01:37:18","date_gmt":"2026-10-03T01:37:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/patrickwilsonlaw.com\/resources\/miami-theft-defense-attorney\/miami-petit-theft-defense-attorney\/"},"modified":"2026-10-27T14:56:36","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T14:56:36","slug":"miami-petit-theft-defense-attorney","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/patrickwilsonlaw.com\/resources\/miami-theft-defense-attorney\/miami-petit-theft-defense-attorney\/","title":{"rendered":"Petit Theft Defense Attorney in Miami | Patrick Wilson Law"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Criminal Defense | Miami & South Florida<\/p>

Petit Theft Defense Attorney in Miami<\/h1>

Protect your record and your future. Patrick Wilson Law defends first-time offenders and professionals facing theft charges across South Florida.<\/p>

Schedule Your Free Consultation<\/a><\/div>
Schedule Your Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

By Patrick David Wilson \u00b7 Published October 03, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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Petit Theft Defense Attorney in Miami<\/h2>\n

Petit theft in Florida is theft of property valued under $750, classified as a first-degree misdemeanor that can result in up to one year in jail, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record\u2014but charges can be dropped, reduced, or dismissed if evidence is insufficient, if your rights were violated, or if the state cannot prove intent. Patrick Wilson Law defends people across Miami-Dade, Broward, and South Florida against petit theft charges, with a focus on first-time offenders and licensed professionals whose careers depend on the outcome.<\/p>\n\n

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If you've been arrested for petit theft in Miami or South Florida and you're worried about your job, your license, or your record, you're not alone\u2014people in your situation can reach out to us. Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p>

Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div>
Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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What Is Petit Theft in Florida\u2014and Why It Matters<\/h2>\n

Petit theft is defined by Florida Statute \u00a7 812.014<\/a> as theft of property valued under $750 and is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor in most cases. The charge sticks even for a single mistake or moment of poor judgment. A conviction appears on background checks, affects employment, suspends professional licenses, and can trigger immigration consequences for non-citizens. For first-time offenders and professionals, the collateral damage often outweighs the formal sentence.<\/p>\n

Petit theft differs from grand theft (property $750 or more), which is a felony. The distinction matters because felony convictions carry longer sentences, heavier fines, and more severe collateral consequences. But petit theft is not a minor matter\u2014it’s a permanent criminal record that follows you through employment applications, professional licensing boards, and housing decisions.<\/p>\n

Who Petit Theft Charges Affect Most<\/h2>\n

Petit theft charges hit hardest for people with the most to lose:<\/p>\n