Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

I was arrested in Pinellas County on 8-8-24 for theft. Initially, I was charged with a 3rd degree felony. On 8-12-24, I returned the items to the arresting officer who returned them to the store where taken - Dick's Sporting Goods, Clearwater, fl. Upon the info. going to the State Atty's Office in Pinellas County - the charged was changed to a 1st degree misdemeanor. Arraignment is scheduled for 8:30am on 9-30-24 in Pinellas County Justice Center. This is my 1st ever offense & I am 78 years old.


Asked on 8/30/24, 11:46 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Thomas Rosenblum Rosenblum Law Offices

Hello--My 1st advice is never put this much information out to the public. Your name may not be here, but there's an admission & the case info is described.

Regarding the case, it is common practice for a minor felony, esp. of this nature where maybe the value of the items is low, to be reduced to a misdemeanor.

You should hire an atty. The fact this is your 1st criminal case & your age, you should get a good disposition. If the facts are real good for you, maybe it will be dismissed.

At arraignments, you usually plead not guilty and the case is passed for a later date. During that time, the atty & St. atty negotiate for a disp.

If my office can help, please call or email.

Good luck.

Tom R.

[email protected]

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Answered on 8/30/24, 3:03 pm


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