Clearwater Grand Theft Attorney

Strategic Defense for Serious Theft Charges in Pinellas County

Being arrested or investigated for grand theft in Clearwater means you are facing a felony charge under Florida law—one that can threaten your freedom, finances, and future opportunities. A conviction can lead to prison time, steep fines, restitution, and the lifelong consequences of a felony record. If you are in this position, it is normal to feel anxious and uncertain about what comes next.

At Tinny, Meyer & Piccarreto, P.A., we defend individuals accused of grand theft and other serious property crimes throughout Clearwater and Pinellas County. Our legal team understands the stress that comes with these accusations, especially when the situation involves a misunderstanding, a business dispute, or a first-time arrest. We take the time to listen, explain your legal options in plain language, and develop a defense strategy designed to protect your rights and your future.

With more than 35 years of combined criminal defense experience and attorneys who have previously served as prosecutors, we know how Florida grand theft cases are charged, negotiated, and tried in local courtrooms—and we use that insight to your advantage.

To discuss your case with our criminal defense team, call (727) 245-9009 today.

What Is Grand Theft Under Florida Law?

Florida law defines theft as knowingly and unlawfully taking or using another person’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. Theft becomes grand theft when the value of the property meets certain thresholds or when specific types of property are involved.

Florida Grand Theft Value Thresholds

• Third-Degree Grand Theft
  • Property valued $750 to less than $20,000
• Second-Degree Grand Theft
  • Property valued $20,000 to less than $100,000
• First-Degree Grand Theft
  • Property valued $100,000 or more

Grand Theft Charges That Apply Regardless of Value

Certain items can trigger felony grand theft charges even if their monetary value is lower, including:

• Motor vehicles
• Emergency medical or law enforcement equipment
• Items taken from posted construction sites
• Certain controlled substances

Because charges depend on both value and property type, even seemingly minor allegations can escalate quickly into serious felony cases.

Common Situations That Lead to Grand Theft Charges

Grand theft accusations often arise from situations such as:

• Allegations of stealing money or property from an employer
• Retail theft where the total value exceeds the felony threshold
• Disputes involving borrowed, shared, or jointly owned property
• Vehicle-related allegations, including temporary use disputes
• Business or contractor disagreements that turn criminal

Even if you believe the issue is simply a misunderstanding or a civil dispute, law enforcement in this area can treat it as a criminal investigation once a complaint is made. Understanding how your specific situation fits into Florida’s grand theft framework is one of the first topics we typically cover during a consultation.

Penalties and Long-Term Consequences of a Grand Theft Conviction

One of the first questions people ask after an arrest for grand theft is what will happen if they are convicted. The answer depends on several factors, including the degree of grand theft that is charged, whether you have prior criminal history, and how the alleged victim and the State Attorney view the case.

A grand theft conviction can result in:

• Third-Degree Grand Theft
  • Punishable by up to 5 years in prison or probation and a $5,000 fine
• Second-Degree Grand Theft
  • Punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine
• First-Degree Grand Theft
  • Punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine

Beyond the sentence the judge might impose in a Pinellas County courtroom, the long term consequences of a theft conviction can be severe. A felony on your record can make it more difficult to find or keep employment, especially in positions that involve handling money or property. It can affect professional licenses, educational opportunities, and housing applications. For non citizens, any theft offense can carry potential immigration consequences, and those issues require careful attention.

Because of these risks, the way your case is handled from the beginning can have a significant impact on your future. The specific court that hears your case, the assigned prosecutor, and the judge’s approach to property crimes in Clearwater all influence what options may be available. Part of our role is to help you understand the range of possible outcomes in your situation and to work to pursue the most favorable result that the facts and the law allow.

What To Do After a Grand Theft Arrest in Clearwater

The hours and days after a grand theft arrest or police contact can feel confusing and frightening. You might be tempted to explain yourself to officers, to the alleged victim, or to your employer in the hope of clearing things up. Those conversations can have serious consequences, because statements you make may later be used in court. Taking a few careful steps early can help protect your rights.

Consider the following steps after a grand theft arrest or investigation:

• Use your right to remain silent. You generally are not required to answer questions from law enforcement about the incident beyond providing basic identifying information. Politely asking for an attorney before answering further questions can help you avoid making statements that might later be misunderstood or taken out of context.
• Avoid talking about the case with others. Conversations with friends, co workers, or the alleged victim, as well as text messages and social media posts, can all come into play in a criminal case. It is usually safer to discuss the details only with your lawyer, who is bound by confidentiality rules.
• Pay attention to paperwork and court dates. After an arrest in this area, your case will often proceed through the Pinellas County criminal courts, which include the main courthouse in downtown Clearwater. The documents you receive when you are released generally list an upcoming court date, such as arraignment. Missing that date can lead to additional problems, so it is important to keep track of it.
• Gather helpful information. Receipts, messages, emails, and employment records may be important in a grand theft case. If you can safely preserve information that relates to the property involved or to your whereabouts, that may assist your attorney in reviewing the allegations.
• Contact a defense lawyer as soon as you can. Speaking with counsel early in the process allows you to get clear guidance tailored to your situation. We can advise you about interactions with law enforcement, explain what to expect in the next hearing, and start evaluating potential defense strategies.

Our criminal defense team regularly helps people in Clearwater and throughout Pinellas County navigate first appearances, arraignments, and pretrial hearings. When you reach out to us promptly, we can begin working with you to address immediate concerns such as bond conditions and employment issues, while also planning for the long term direction of your case.

How Our Clearwater Grand Theft Lawyers Defend These Cases

Every grand theft case begins with a careful review of what the State believes happened. We typically obtain and study the arrest report, witness statements, any available surveillance footage, and documents used to support the claimed value of the property. Our goal is to understand not only what is alleged, but also how the evidence was gathered and whether the State can meet its burden of proof in court.

Looking At The Case From Both Sides

Because several attorneys at our firm are former prosecutors, we are familiar with the way the State Attorney’s Office in this area evaluates and charges grand theft cases. We consider what evidence a prosecutor would view as strong, where there might be weaknesses, and how the case might be presented to a jury if it went to trial. Looking at the file from both sides allows us to identify issues such as questionable identification, disputed ownership, or potential problems with how property was valued.

Tailoring Defense Strategies To Your Situation

There is no single strategy that fits every grand theft case. In some matters, disputing the value of the property or the nature of the item can affect the degree of the charge. In others, the focus may be on challenging whether there was an intent to steal, especially in situations involving misunderstandings, permission disputes, or complex business relationships. In cases where the evidence is strong, we may talk with you about options such as exploring mitigation, restitution arrangements, or potential resolutions that limit long term impact, always guided by your priorities.

Throughout this process, we explain your options and the potential risks and benefits of each step in clear terms. Our goal is for you to feel informed and included in decisions about your defense, rather than feeling that things are happening around you without your input.

What to Expect When You Work With Us

Choosing a defense lawyer is not only about legal knowledge. It is also about who you trust to stand beside you through one of the most stressful experiences of your life. From your first conversation with our office, we work to create an environment where you can speak openly about what happened and what you are worried about, knowing that those discussions are confidential.

Your Initial Consultation

During an initial consultation, we typically ask about the circumstances of the arrest, your background, and any documents you have received from the court or law enforcement. We outline the general stages of a grand theft case in the Pinellas County courts, discuss immediate concerns like upcoming court dates and bond conditions, and answer your questions about what may come next. This meeting is also a chance for you to get a sense of our approach and decide whether we are the right fit for you.

Communication & Ongoing Support

If you choose to work with us, we keep you informed as your case progresses. We let you know about scheduled hearings, share important developments in discovery, and talk through decisions about motions, plea offers, or trial settings. We understand that clients can feel left in the dark when communication is poor, so we strive to respond to calls and emails and to explain things in terms that make sense. Our commitment to professionalism and discretion means we handle your matter with care, both inside and outside the courtroom.

Speak With a Clearwater Grand Theft Lawyer Today

If you are facing a grand theft charge, you do not have to face it alone. The decisions you make now can shape your future for years to come. Our team at Tinny, Meyer & Piccarreto, P.A. is prepared to stand between you and the full force of the criminal justice system.

To schedule a confidential consultation with a Clearwater grand theft attorney, call (727) 245-9009 today. Early action can make a meaningful difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What penalties could I face for grand theft in Florida?

The potential penalties for grand theft in Florida depend on the degree of the charge, the value and type of property involved, and your prior record. In general, grand theft is a felony, which means that possible consequences can include jail or prison time, probation, fines, and restitution to the alleged victim. Judges in the Pinellas County courts also consider factors such as whether anyone was harmed, whether the property was recovered, and your history in deciding on a sentence.

Beyond the sentence itself, a conviction creates a criminal record that can affect employment, professional licensing, and housing, especially for positions involving trust or financial responsibility. Because the range of outcomes is wide, one of our first tasks is to review your specific situation and explain what penalties are realistically in play in your case. We then work to pursue an outcome that takes into account both the legal exposure and the long term impact on your life.

I have no record. Can a grand theft charge be reduced or avoided?

Having no prior criminal record can be an important factor in how a grand theft case is handled, but it does not guarantee that charges will be reduced or dropped. Prosecutors may look at your background, the amount and type of property involved, whether the item was returned, and the wishes of the alleged victim when deciding how to proceed. In some situations, first time offenders may have options that are less likely to be available to someone with a lengthy history.

Our role is to evaluate the evidence, identify any legal issues, and present information about you that may support a more favorable resolution. That might involve challenging aspects of the case, negotiating for a reduced charge when appropriate, or exploring whether alternatives may exist in your circumstances. We talk openly with you about what is realistic and what steps we can take together, rather than offering blanket promises.

Should I talk to the police or the alleged victim about my case?

In most situations, it is safer to avoid discussing the facts of a grand theft allegation with anyone other than your attorney until you have received legal advice. Statements you make to law enforcement, the alleged victim, an employer, or even friends can later appear in police reports or testimony. Even comments made with the intent to apologize or explain can be misunderstood and used to support the State’s version of events.

If officers or investigators want to interview you, you generally have the right to ask for a lawyer before answering questions. When you contact our office, we can talk with you about any pending requests for statements and help you decide how to respond. Part of our job is to protect you from making decisions in the heat of the moment that might make your legal situation worse.

How will your former prosecutor experience help in my grand theft case?

Former prosecutors on our team bring insight into how the State Attorney’s Office typically reviews and builds grand theft cases. We are familiar with how law enforcement presents information to prosecutors, what evidence they tend to rely on, and how they may assess the strengths and weaknesses of a file. That background helps us anticipate arguments the State might make and identify areas that deserve closer scrutiny.

When we evaluate your case, we often consider both how a defense lawyer sees the file and how a prosecutor is likely to view it. This dual perspective can be valuable in decisions about filing motions, negotiating, or preparing for trial. While our past work does not guarantee a particular outcome, it gives us a practical foundation for developing strategies that respond directly to the way these cases are typically handled in Clearwater and the wider Pinellas County area.

What happens after I am arrested for grand theft in Clearwater?

After a grand theft arrest in this area, you will usually go through an initial appearance before a judge, often shortly after being taken into custody. At that hearing, the court generally addresses issues like bond and release conditions and informs you of the basic charges. Later, an arraignment date is set, where you are formally advised of the charges and can enter a plea, often with the assistance of counsel.

Behind the scenes, the State Attorney’s Office reviews the information provided by law enforcement and decides how to file the case. Discovery, which is the process of sharing police reports and other evidence, typically follows. Throughout these stages in the Pinellas County courts, there may be hearings, negotiations, and deadlines that are important to your defense. When you hire us, we guide you through each event, explain what to expect, and prepare you for your role at every step.

How involved will I be in decisions about my grand theft defense?

You play a central role in decisions about your grand theft case. Our responsibility is to investigate, assess the law and facts, and give you clear advice about your options and the potential consequences of each choice. Your responsibility is to tell us the truth about the circumstances, share your concerns and priorities, and make informed decisions about issues such as whether to accept a plea, file certain motions, or go to trial.

We know that clients often feel shut out of the process when communication is poor. That is why we work to explain developments in plain language, answer your questions, and take the time to understand what matters most to you. Our aim is to make sure that the strategy we recommend fits your goals, rather than expecting you to fit into a one size approach.

When should I contact a grand theft lawyer Clearwater?

Reaching out to a grand theft lawyer Clearwater as early as possible can help protect your rights and preserve potential defenses. Important decisions are often made soon after an arrest, including what charges to file, what evidence to collect, and what statements are recorded. Having counsel in place during these early stages allows you to receive guidance before you speak with law enforcement or attend key hearings.

You do not have to wait until a formal court date appears on your paperwork to call a lawyer. If you know you are being investigated, have been contacted by officers, or have just been released from custody, this is usually an appropriate time to seek legal advice. When you contact Tinny, Meyer & Piccarreto, P.A., we listen to what has happened so far, explain what is likely to come next in the Clearwater and Pinellas County court system, and discuss how our team can assist you.