Criminal Defense
Since 1993
Since 1993
Fighting a Grand Theft Shoplifting Charge in Orlando by Attacking the Value
I want to say a quick word about the shoplifting variety of grand theft. In Florida, a simple shoplifting case becomes a serious felony charge the moment the value of the merchandise crosses a specific dollar amount. Under current law, that amount is $750.
If you are accused of stealing an $800 purse, you are facing a Grand Theft charge. And if you’ve ever shopped at Orlando’s outlet malls or the Mellenia Mall, you can find single items for shoplifting that constitute a grand theft (for example, the Hermes store, Coach, Gucci, etc.). Practically anything in that store is a third-degree felony, which means you’re in Circuit Court facing up to five years in prison. It’s a scary and life-altering situation. Our number one goal in these cases is to get that felony charge knocked down to a misdemeanor petit theft, moving your case out of felony court and away from the threat of prison.
Charged with Felony Shoplifting in Orlando? The price on the tag isn’t always the legal value. Call my office to discuss how we can challenge the amount and fight to have your charge reduced. Call John Guidry: (407) 423-1117
The Strategy: Challenging the “Retail Value”
The key to reducing a grand theft charge is to challenge the State’s claim that the items were worth over $750. You can’t trust the value listed in the police report. Often, a creative and thorough analysis of the actual value of the merchandise can save your case.
Here is a perfect real-world example of how we do this: Let’s say you’re accused of stealing $800 worth of merchandise from a major retailer like Macy’s. That store is famous for sending out “20% off your entire purchase” coupons almost every day of the week. The arresting officers will often fail to compute a current selling price which would include discounts, but instead attempt charges just on the sticker price of $800 rather than the retail value after discounts, which would be $640—well below the $750 felony threshold.
This argument alone can be enough to get a felony charge dropped to a misdemeanor.
A Fixable Situation with the Right Strategy
There are many ways to challenge the valuation of merchandise and fight a grand theft shoplifting charge. Don’t let a prosecutor or a police officer intimidate you with an inflated value. This is a totally fixable situation, but it requires an attorney who knows how to think creatively and strategically.
If you are facing a grand theft charge in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Brevard, or Volusia County, give my office a call. Let’s talk about the facts of your case and how we can work to keep this felony off your record and get you out of that Circuit courtroom.
About the Author, John Guidry II
John Guidry II is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founder of the Law Firm of John P. Guidry II, P.A., located in downtown Orlando next to the Orange County Courthouse, where he has practiced for over 30 years. With more than three decades of experience defending clients throughout Central Florida since 1993, Guidry has successfully defended thousands of cases in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, and Volusia counties. He has built a reputation for his strategic approach to criminal defense, focusing on pretrial motions and case dismissals rather than jury trials.
Guidry earned both his Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University in 1993. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of Florida state criminal charges, with a particular emphasis on achieving favorable outcomes through thorough pretrial preparation and motion practice.
Beyond the courtroom, Guidry is a prolific legal educator who has authored over 400 articles on criminal defense topics. He shares his legal expertise through his popular YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, where he has built a substantial following of people eager to learn about the law. His educational content breaks down complex legal concepts into accessible information for the general public.
When not practicing law, Guidry enjoys tennis and pickleball, and loves to travel. Drawing from his background as a former recording studio owner and music video producer in the Orlando area, he brings a creative perspective to his legal practice and continues to apply his passion for video production to his educational content.