Orlando Dealing in Stolen Property Lawyer

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Criminal Defense Lawyer in Orlando, FL | Hanlon Law

Dealing in Stolen Property Attorney in Orlando, Florida

Criminal charges involving stolen property can arise in situations that many people never anticipated. Individuals who have never been in trouble with the law may suddenly find themselves facing serious felony allegations based on misunderstandings, poor judgment, or limited knowledge of how the law applies to certain transactions.

If you have been accused of selling, transferring, or possessing stolen property in Orlando, it is important to seek experienced legal representation immediately. At Hanlon Law, Orlando criminal defense attorney Will Hanlon represents individuals facing property crime charges and works to protect their rights at every stage of the legal process.

What Is Dealing in Stolen Property?

Under Florida Statute 812.019, dealing in stolen property generally involves trafficking in goods that a person knows or should know were stolen.

“Trafficking” can include actions such as:

Selling stolen items
Transferring or distributing stolen goods
Possessing property with the intent to sell it
Organizing or directing the sale or distribution of stolen property

A person may also be charged under this statute if they are alleged to have coordinated or facilitated the theft itself and then participated in selling or distributing the stolen items.

How These Charges Commonly Arise in Orlando, Florida

Many dealing in stolen property cases stem from attempts to sell items through seemingly legitimate channels. For example, individuals may try to offload property through pawn shops or online marketplaces without realizing the legal consequences.

Pawn shops in Florida are highly regulated and required to:

Record identifying information from sellers
Collect identification and, in some cases, fingerprints
Report transactions to law enforcement databases

If an item reported stolen matches property sold to a pawn shop, law enforcement may initiate an investigation that can quickly lead to criminal charges.

Penalties for Dealing in Stolen Property in Orlando, Florida

Dealing in stolen property is treated as a serious felony offense in Florida.

A conviction for dealing in stolen property is typically a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, along with fines and probation.

If the prosecution proves that the defendant was also involved in the underlying theft and trafficking operation, the charge may be elevated to a first-degree felony, which carries penalties of up to 30 years in prison.

In addition to incarceration, a felony conviction can result in a permanent criminal record and long-term consequences affecting employment, housing, and civil rights.

Defending Against Dealing in Stolen Property Charges in Orlando, Florida

These cases often hinge on what the defendant knew or reasonably should have known about the property in question. An experienced criminal defense attorney may explore several potential defenses, including:

Lack of knowledge that the property was stolen
Insufficient evidence of intent to traffic or sell the items
Mistaken identity or errors in transaction records
Violations of constitutional rights during the investigation

Because the statute involves subjective elements such as knowledge and intent, a thorough review of the facts and evidence can be critical to building a strong defense.

Speak With an Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney

A charge of dealing in stolen property is a serious matter that requires immediate attention. Early legal intervention can be key to protecting your rights and exploring all available defense strategies.

At Hanlon Law, we provide experienced representation for individuals facing property crime charges in Orlando and throughout Central Florida. Our firm is committed to carefully analyzing each case and working toward the best possible outcome for our clients.

If you have been charged with dealing in stolen property in Orlando, call Hanlon Law at (407) 987-3836 or contact us online today to schedule a confidential consultation and discuss your legal options.