What are the theft diversion programs in South Florida? Criminal Defense Attorney Explains
First time criminal offenders may be able to have all the theft charges against them DISMISSED in Florida by negotiating a Diversion Program.
What you’ll have to do to qualify for a theft diversion program is completely different dependent on the County where your theft case is. Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach might only be a few miles away, but they have 3 totally different diversion programs.
Typically, these theft diversion programs can range from 3 to 18 months and the prosecutor will want you to pay restitution (if there is any), complete an Anti-Shoplifting Course, do community service and stay out of trouble.
–> RELATED: Florida Theft Conviction Penalties
The length of the theft-diversion program largely depends on if the alleged crime is a misdemeanor or a felony theft charge, and it also depends on the amount of restitution (money you owe the alleged victim) involved. If there is a lot of money that needs to be repaid, then you’ll need more time to pay that unless you can come up with a full payment right away.
Informal & Formal Florida Theft Diversion Programs in South Florida
There are both informal theft diversion programs and formal theft diversion programs in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
If it’s an Informal Theft Diversion Program, you’re not actually monitored by anyone. That means you just complete the community service, Anti-Shoplifting class, and anything else that is recommended and the case will be dismissed when we go back to court (of course, staying out of trouble and not committing any other criminal offenses is important during this time).
For a Formal Diversion Program, you’re actually monitored by probation and have to check in with them every month in addition to the Anti-Shoplifting Class, community service and other stipulations. Probation conditions vary from case to case, but there can be numerous regulations including drug and alcohol testing, random visits by probation officer, a strict curfew and more. You can also be penalized or risk losing your opportunity of completing the diversion program if you violate any of the conditions of your probation.
Having a great criminal defense lawyer by your side can make all the difference in the judge allowing you into a theft diversion program in Florida or in them convicting you of the theft charge and sending you to jail or prison.
Free Theft Criminal Defense Strategy Session for a Florida Theft Crime
We’ve successfully handled a variety of theft charges and cases and are confident we can give you the personalized and aggressive defense you deserve to protect your rights.
In fact, we even offer a FREE Theft Crime Consultation so you know how we’ll plan to get the best possible result for you and your case.
Give us a call today:
- Fort Lauderdale: (754) 206-6200
- Sunrise: (754) 999-2499
- Boca Raton: (561) 880-8181
Learn more about Florida theft & Fraud crimes here.
If you’d like to schedule a FREE strategy session to learn how we can fight your theft charge, call us: 754-206-6200
For more free resources, see our downloadable booklets – like How to Survive a Florida Arrest – here.
