Pawn shops across the country have become much more popular in the past few years. Once being one of the main forms of business in our nation’s early days, pawn shops have had a renaissance of sorts and are again a major source of business and trade. With this rediscovered popularity, they have also become one of the most regulated businesses because of the potential for stolen goods to be sold at these establishments.
Due in part to this increased interest, law enforcement has focused more intently on pawn shops. Considering the severe penalties for anyone charged with presenting false verification of ownership or false identification to a pawnbroker, it is important that if you have been accused of this offense, to immediately contact a criminal defense attorney who can effectively represent you in court.
Melbourne False Information to Pawnbroker Attorney
If you have been charged with the very serious criminal offense of presenting false information to a pawnbroker then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Germain Legal.
Mark Germain is experienced in representing men and women charged with a variety of crimes involving allegations of theft or dishonesty, and can be counted on to provide excellent client service while making certain your rights are protected throughout the entire process.
Our office is located in Melbourne, Florida and we proudly serve the surrounding communities of Palm Bay, Titusville, Rockledge, Merritt Island, Cocoa, and Satellite Beach in Brevard County, Vero Beach and Sebastian in Indian River County, Deltona and Dayton Beach in Volusia County, and Kissimmee and Poinciana in Osceola County.
Contact Germain Legal by calling (321) 775-3559 or submit an online form today to start building your defense.
Elements and Penalties of False Information to a Pawnbroker
Florida Statute Section 539.001(8)(b) provides the law regarding giving false information to a pawnbroker.
In order to prove the offense of presenting false verification of ownership or false identification to a pawnbroker the prosecutor at the State Attorney’s Office must prove the following elements beyond all reasonable doubt:
- The defendant pledged or sold goods or the property alleged to a pawnbroker;
- At the time, the defendant knowingly gave false verification of ownership of the goods or property alleged, or gave false or altered identification to the pawnbroker.
- The defendant received money from the pawnbroker for the goods sold or pledged.
The penalties involved, if convicted of the crime, depend on the amount in question. If the amount was under $300, the offense is considered a felony of the third degree, which comes with a presumptive sentence of up to 5 years in prison and / or fines of up to $5,000.
If the amount was $300 or more, it is considered a felony of the second degree, which comes with a presumptive sentence of up to 15 years in prison and / or fines of up to $10,000.
Definitions under Florida’s Statute for Giving False Info to a Pawnbroker
Florida Statute Section 539.001(2)(i) defines the term “pawnbroker” may include any person engage in the business of purchasing goods which includes consignment and trade and who:
- publicly displays a sign or symbol historically identified with pawns;
- is engaged in the business of making pawns; or
- makes a public display containing the term “pawn,” “pawnbroker,” or “pawnshop” or any derivative thereof.
Lawyer for Providing False Info to Pawnbrokers in Brevard County, FL
If you or a loved one has been arrested for giving false information to a pawnbroker in Florida, take the necessary steps to protect your freedom by working with the knowledgable and experienced criminal defense attorney from Germain Legal
With years of prior casework in false information to a pawnbroker allegations, the legal team can be counted on to provide professional legal counsel through this difficult time.
Our office is located in Melbourne, Florida and we proudly serve the surrounding communities of Palm Bay, Titusville, Rockledge, Merritt Island, Cocoa, and Satellite Beach in Brevard County, Vero Beach and Sebastian in Indian River County, Deltona and Dayton Beach in Volusia County, and Kissimmee and Poinciana in Osceola County.
Contact Germain Legal by calling (321) 775-3559 or submit an online form today to start building your defense.
