Florida takes property crimes seriously, and dealing in stolen property is one of the most aggressively prosecuted offenses. Under state law, anyone who traffics in stolen goods or knowingly organizes the sale, distribution, or transport of such property can face felony-level consequences. Even if you did not personally steal the property, being accused of buying, selling, or transporting stolen items can still result in serious criminal charges.
These cases often involve misunderstandings, pawn shop transactions, or disputes over ownership. Unfortunately, prosecutors may view dealing in stolen property as evidence of organized criminal activity, exposing defendants to long prison sentences, heavy fines, and a permanent felony record.
Gainesville Dealing in Stolen Property Defense Lawyer
If you have been charged with dealing in stolen property in Florida, you need an experienced defense attorney on your side. Gainesville criminal defense lawyer Dean Galigani of the Galigani Law Firm has years of experience defending clients against theft-related charges throughout Florida. He understands how prosecutors build these cases and will work to challenge the evidence, prove lack of intent, or negotiate for reduced penalties when appropriate.
Call the Galigani Law Firm today at (352) 375-0812 for a free consultation regarding your dealing in stolen property charges in Gainesville, Lake City, Ocala, and throughout Alachua County and surrounding areas.
Information Center
- Definition of Dealing in Stolen Property in Florida
- Large Scale Operations for Dealing in Stolen Property
- How Dealing in Stolen Property Cases Overlap with Other Crimes
- How Prosecutors Build Dealing in Stolen Property Cases
- Penalties for Dealing in Stolen Property
- Defenses to Dealing in Stolen Property in Florida
- Key Elements a Jury Considers in Dealing in Stolen Property Cases
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Additional Resources
Definition of Dealing in Stolen Property in Florida
Florida Statute § 812.019 defines dealing in stolen property as:
- Trafficking in stolen property: Any person who knowingly sells, transfers, distributes, or otherwise disposes of stolen property.
- Organizing dealing in stolen property: Any person who initiates, plans, finances, directs, manages, or organizes the trafficking of stolen property.
The key element the State must prove is knowledge, that the defendant knew or should have known the property was stolen.
Large Scale Operations for Dealing in Stolen Property
Large-scale operations often resemble coordinated criminal enterprises. Instead of one person pawning a stolen item, these networks involve multiple participants, “boosters” who steal items, “fences” who resell them, and middlemen who distribute them through pawn shops, online marketplaces, or even across state lines. Prosecutors often treat these cases very aggressively, framing them as organized crime rather than isolated incidents.
Common Items Sold in Organized Operations
While any valuable good can be stolen and trafficked, organized dealing in stolen property often targets items that are easy to resell or disguise as legitimate secondhand goods. Common categories include:
- Electronics – Laptops, tablets, smartphones, gaming consoles, and televisions are frequent targets due to their high resale value.
- Jewelry and Precious Metals – Gold, silver, and diamonds can be melted down or sold quickly at pawn shops, making them prime commodities.
- Appliances and Tools – Power tools, construction equipment, and even large household appliances are common in theft rings because contractors and homeowners frequently buy them used.
- Designer Goods and Clothing – High-end fashion items, handbags, and shoes are trafficked through online reselling platforms.
- Firearms – Stolen guns are often trafficked in organized networks, especially because they hold value in both legal and illegal markets.
- Automobile Parts – Catalytic converters, tires, rims, and even whole vehicles are stolen and resold as part of organized theft schemes.
These cases tend to attract federal attention as well, particularly if items cross state lines, opening the door to federal charges such as wire fraud, conspiracy, or racketeering. Because of the severe penalties involved, organizing dealing in stolen property is one of the most aggressively prosecuted theft-related crimes in Florida.
How Dealing in Stolen Property Cases Overlap with Other Crimes
Dealing in stolen property rarely stands alone. In many cases, law enforcement and prosecutors treat it as part of a larger web of criminal conduct. Because trafficking stolen goods often involves multiple parties and steps—from the initial theft to resale—investigators may tack on additional charges to strengthen their case.
Some of the most common overlapping charges include:
- Burglary or Theft – If prosecutors can link the accused not only to selling but also to stealing the property, they may pursue burglary or theft charges in addition to dealing in stolen property. This can significantly increase potential penalties.
- Fraud – Using false documents, fake identities, or forged receipts to pawn or sell stolen items can result in fraud charges. This is especially common when stolen items are sold through online marketplaces or pawn shops.
- Conspiracy or Racketeering – In larger-scale cases, especially those involving organized networks of stolen goods, the State may attempt to charge defendants under conspiracy or racketeering statutes. This portrays the accused as part of an ongoing criminal enterprise, carrying much harsher sentencing exposure.
- Possession of Burglary Tools or Contraband – If law enforcement finds items such as lock-picking tools, weapons, or other evidence suggesting involvement in theft, additional charges may be filed.
Because these charges often build on one another, a single dealing in stolen property case can quickly escalate into a complex prosecution involving multiple felonies. Having a skilled defense attorney who understands how these overlapping charges work is essential to prevent excessive punishment.
How Prosecutors Build Dealing in Stolen Property Cases
Prosecutors often use circumstantial evidence to prove that the defendant “knew” the property was stolen. Common factors include:
- The defendant paid far below market value for the property.
- The defendant attempted to sell the property quickly or in suspicious circumstances.
- The defendant provided inconsistent explanations about how they obtained the item.
- The property had identifying features (e.g., serial numbers, engravings) linking it to the rightful owner.
Understanding these strategies is critical to building a strong defense.
Penalties for Dealing in Stolen Property
Dealing in stolen property is a felony offense in Florida, with penalties depending on the role of the accused:
- Second-Degree Felony (Trafficking): If a person simply traffics in stolen property, they may face up to 15 years in prison, 15 years probation, and a $10,000 fine.
- First-Degree Felony (Organizing): If a person organizes or directs the trafficking of stolen property, the penalties increase to up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Convictions also create long-term consequences such as difficulty finding employment, housing, or professional licensing, as well as potential restitution orders to compensate alleged victims.
Defenses to Dealing in Stolen Property in Florida
Several defenses may apply, depending on the facts of the case:
- Lack of Knowledge: If the defendant did not know, and could not reasonably have known, that the property was stolen (purchasing items in a legitimate setting like a flea market or pawn shop).
- Mistaken Identity: In cases involving pawn shops or online sales, law enforcement may misidentify the person who sold or purchased the stolen property.
- Ownership Dispute: Sometimes property is reported stolen during civil disputes (divorce, business partnerships), when ownership is contested.
- Insufficient Evidence: If the prosecution cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused knew the property was stolen, the case may not hold up in court.
Key Elements a Jury Considers in Dealing in Stolen Property Cases
When evaluating these cases, jurors often look at:
- Whether the defendant’s actions suggest intentional concealment or good faith purchase.
- The value of the property and whether it was acquired in a suspicious manner.
- Any prior history of theft-related crimes.
- Credibility of witnesses, including the alleged victim and law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be charged even if I didn’t steal the property?
Yes. Even if you did not commit the theft, selling or possessing stolen property can result in charges if prosecutors believe you knew it was stolen.
Is pawning stolen property always a felony?
Yes, pawning or attempting to pawn stolen items is considered trafficking and is usually charged as a second-degree felony.
What if I bought the item online and didn’t know it was stolen?
If you purchased the item in good faith and at a reasonable price, lack of knowledge can be a strong defense.
Can these charges be reduced?
Yes. With the help of a skilled defense attorney, charges may be reduced to a lesser theft offense or even dismissed if evidence is insufficient.
Additional Resources
Florida Statutes – Dealing in Stolen Property (§ 812.019) – Official state law defining dealing in stolen property, trafficking, and organizing.
Florida Department of Corrections – Criminal Punishment Code – Information on felony sentencing guidelines in Florida.
Gainesville Dealing in Stolen Property Defense Attorney | Alachua County, FL
If you or a loved one have been accused of dealing in stolen property, you cannot afford to take the charges lightly. A conviction could mean years in prison and lifelong consequences. Criminal defense attorney Dean Galigani will aggressively defend your rights and fight to achieve the best outcome possible.
Call the Galigani Law Firm today at (352) 375-0812 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. We represent clients in Gainesville, Ocala, Lake City, and throughout Alachua County and surrounding communities.
