Top 10 Crimes in Florida - Murphy & Downs Law Offices (2024)

The most common crimes in the United States are larceny/theft, burglary, motor vehicle theft, aggravated assault and robbery. Larceny/theft is the wrongful taking of goods from another and constitutes nearly 60 percent of crimes reported in the United States, with more than 7 million occurrences every year.

According to the FBI, a property crime occurs every 3 seconds, whereas a violent crimes occurs every 22 seconds. After property crimes (larceny, theft, burglary, motor vehicle theft), the next most prevalent crimes in the United States are drug offenses (possession, use, manufacture, sale or trafficking of narcotics) and alcohol-related crimes (driving under the influence, disorderly intoxication/conduct).

1. Drug Crimes: According to the FBI, drug offenses accounted for almost 30% of all arrests (not counting traffic offenses) in Florida. Drug offenses can range from possession to trafficking. Almost all drug offenses are felonies in Florida. The amount (weight or number of pills) affects the charge and the sentence. You need a lawyer who knows the differences!

2. Theft: According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), a theft is committed every minute in Florida. Theft is the unauthorized taking or use of another’s property, including shoplifting, larceny, stealing, misappropriation, conversion, and other offenses. The value of the property or if you have a prior conviction determines if the theft is a misdemeanor or a felony.

3. Assault: Assault happens when there is a threat of imminent violence even if there is no contact. Even a threat of bodily harm made with an apparent ability to cause the harm is considered assault. The threat must cause a reasonable fear of injury, otherwise there is no assault.

4. DUI: Driving Under the Influence is proven by having a blood alcohol level (BAL) of .08 or higher or that your normal faculties are impaired. The severity of the penalties are determined by many factors, such as, whether it is a first, second, or third offense. Also whether the BAL is over .15 or a minor was in the car. Other factors include injuries/death or property damage caused by the driving.

5. Aggravated Assault: According to the FDLE, an aggravated assault happens every nine minutes in Florida. Last year, there were more than 57,000 aggravated assaults in Florida. Aggravated assault is assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill or intent to commit a felony, is classified as a third degree felony, and if convicted you could serve five years in prison and be charged with a $5,000 fine. Some aggravated assault charges (with a firearm, on a law enforcement officer, on a firefighter, etc.) are subject to enhanced penalties and may be charged as second degree felonies, which carry prison sentences up to 15 years and fines up to $10,000.00.

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6. Liquor Law Violations: The legal drinking age in the United States is 21. Some activities are against Florida liquor laws, including selling alcohol to a minors, supplying (no money) alcohol to a minor or selling alcohol without a permit.

7. Burglary: According to the FDLE, a burglary occurs every three minutes in Florida. A person can be charged with burglary if the person enters or remains in a building with the intent to commit a crime. Burglary is a felony of the first, second, or third degree depending on the circ*mstances.

8. Fraud: A person can be convicted of fraud under dozens of Florida laws, which carry a wide range of jail time and fines. A criminal defense attorney can explain what law you are charged with breaking and create a plan to defend you.

9. Robbery: According to the FDLE, a robbery happens every 22 minutes. A robbery is when a person takes money or property from another person with intent to permanently or temporarily deprive that person of the money or property by force, violence, assault, or fear.

10. Vandalism: According to the FBI, over 20% of all vandalism is committed by minors. If you are under 18 and been charged with a crime or you are the parent of a child charged with a crime, contact juvenile defense attorneys Murphy & Downs.

If you have been charged with any of the above crimes or another crime let the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Murphy & Downs Law Offices explain what the charges entail and create your defense strategy.

Contact us today to assure the best possible outcome!

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