Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

concerned
I broke up with my boyfriend and moved out of his house. A week later I went by to get some of my belongings that I had left there,he said he would set them aside for me. He wasn't home and his dog had no water and had not been out in a while, I took my stuff and the dog. I texted him and told him I had his dog and would bring him back in the morning. It was late at night and I didnt know when he was coming home to care for the dog, which had been my dog too for a year and a half. I used the garage code to get into his house. When he got home he called the police and filed a report against me for breaking and entering, and theft of his dog. I heard that there is a felony charge against me. A detective called me 2 days ago requesting to meet with me. He said he needs to hear my side of the story. Should I seek an attorney before I talk to him? I don't feel like I have committed any crime when just the day before my ex was begging me to come back, after being angry at me initially for breaking it off with him. I have a job that is in jeopardy if I get in trouble with the law. I think my ex is so mad at me and this is his way of making me pay for not wanting him anymore. I also think he messed up his house and blamed it on me.

Asked on 7/16/08, 7:52 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Aaron Slavin Slavin Law Firm, LLC

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Re: concerned

Yes. I would not speak with the detective until you speak with an experienced criminal attorney first. You are probably looking at a Residential Burglary charge... which is a second degree felony carrying a maximum of 15 years in prison and typically requires a mandatory prison sentence. There are many factors that an attorney can evaluate for you and an attorney should be the one to "give your side of the story" to the detective... NOT YOU. Where are you located and/or where did this occur? What agency is the police detective from? How old are you?

Obviously, a second degree felony on your record will hurt your job and any future job you look to obtain.

I'd be more than happy to assist you. Please check out my website at: www.slavinlawfirm.com and/or email me at the email address below, which is also on the website.

Good luck.

Answered on 7/16/08, 8:13 pm

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