Orlando Employee Theft Lawyer

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Criminal Defense Lawyer in Orlando, FL | Hanlon Law

Employee Theft Attorney in Orlando, Florida

Allegations of employee theft can arise suddenly and often carry serious legal consequences. Unlike many other property crimes, theft by an employee is treated more harshly under Florida law because it involves a breach of trust between an employer and employee. Even relatively minor accusations can result in felony charges.

If you have been accused of stealing from your employer in Orlando, it is critical to act quickly and protect your rights. At Hanlon Law, Orlando criminal defense attorney Will Hanlon represents individuals facing theft-related charges and works to develop strategic defenses tailored to each case.

What Is Employee Theft Under Florida Law?

Employee theft is addressed under Florida Statute 509.162. This law applies when an employee is accused of taking money or property from their employer without authorization.

One key distinction between employee theft and other theft offenses is how the crime is classified. In many theft cases, the severity of the charge depends on the value of the property taken. However, under this statute:

The value of the property does not control the charge
Theft of any amount by an employee may be prosecuted as a third-degree felony

This means that even relatively small amounts of money or low-value items can result in serious criminal charges.

Why Employee Theft Is Treated More Seriously in Orlando, Florida

Employers often place significant trust in their employees, granting access to:

Inventory and merchandise
Cash registers and financial systems
Sensitive business operations

Because of this level of access, Florida law imposes stricter penalties on employees who are accused of abusing that trust. Prosecutors frequently pursue these cases aggressively, even when the alleged loss is minimal.

Potential Penalties for Employee Theft in Orlando, Florida

A conviction for employee theft in Florida is typically charged as a third-degree felony, which may carry:

Up to 5 years in prison
Probation and supervision
Fines and restitution
A permanent criminal record

A felony conviction can have lasting consequences beyond the courtroom, including difficulty securing employment, housing, and professional licensing.

Defending Against Employee Theft Charges in Orlando, Florida

Employee theft cases often involve complex factual disputes, including issues related to intent, access, and recordkeeping. An experienced criminal defense attorney may explore several potential defenses, such as:

Lack of intent to permanently deprive the employer of property
Mistakes in accounting, inventory, or bookkeeping
Unauthorized access by other employees or third parties
Insufficient evidence linking the accused to the alleged theft

In many cases, these allegations rely heavily on internal audits or employer investigations, which may be incomplete or flawed. A thorough legal review can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Speak With an Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing a felony charge for employee theft can be overwhelming, particularly for individuals with no prior criminal history. Early legal intervention is essential to protect your rights and explore all available defense strategies.

At Hanlon Law, we are committed to providing aggressive and strategic representation for clients accused of property crimes in Orlando and throughout Central Florida. Our firm focuses on pursuing dismissals, reductions, or favorable outcomes whenever possible.

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