Civil Compromise Agreements: How They Can Help You Resolve Your Petit Theft Charges

When facing petit theft charges in Palm Beach County, the consequences can feel overwhelming. But there may be options to resolve your case without a conviction. One potential path is a civil compromise agreement, where paying restitution to the alleged victim could lead to reduced charges or even a dismissal. 

At the Law Offices of Robert David Malove, our experienced petit theft attorneys serve clients throughout Palm Beach County, including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Palm Beach Gardens, Delray Beach, and Jupiter. We’re here to evaluate your case, explain your options, and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome—whether that involves negotiating a civil compromise agreement, fighting the charges in court, or pursuing other available defense strategies.

What Is a Civil Compromise Agreement in a Palm Beach County Petit Theft Case?

A civil compromise agreement is a legally binding contract between the accused and the alleged victim in a criminal case. In petit theft cases, this typically involves the defendant agreeing to pay restitution for any alleged losses. In exchange, the victim agrees not to press charges or to request that the charges be dropped.

How Civil Compromise Works in Petit Theft Cases

You face harsh punishments if you’re convicted of petit theft under Florida Statute § 812.014 in West Palm Beach or other cities in Palm Beach County. You may be able to avoid these penalties by entering into a civil compromise agreement with the victim. Whether this is an option will depend on your prior criminal history, whether you have been convicted of petit theft in the past, and other factors.

Here is how these agreements work in a petit theft case:

• The alleged victim must be willing to accept restitution and agree to the compromise.
• The prosecution must also agree to the arrangement and either drop or reduce the charges.
• You must admit guilt and follow through on paying the agreed-upon restitution.
• The court must approve the civil compromise as a way to resolve your criminal case.

If all parties agree and the terms are met, the criminal case can be resolved without a petit theft conviction on your record. However, it's critical to review any agreement carefully with our skilled petit theft attorneys before proceeding.

What Are the Benefits of Pursuing a Civil Compromise?

There are several potential advantages to resolving a petit theft case through a civil compromise agreement:

• Faster resolution. By negotiating directly with the alleged victim, you may be able to settle the matter much more quickly than in drawn-out criminal court proceedings.
• No criminal conviction. If the charges are dropped, you can avoid the lasting consequences of a petit theft conviction on your record.
• Reduced penalties. Even if the charges are reduced rather than dismissed, you may face significantly lower fines and less potential jail time.

Of course, every case is unique. Our petit theft lawyers can evaluate whether a civil compromise agreement is a viable option in your situation.

How an Aggressive Petit Theft Defense Strategy Can Help When You’re Seeking a Civil Compromise

While a civil compromise agreement can offer a path to resolution, it's crucial to consider all available defense options when facing petit theft charges. This could help you achieve a better outcome or convince the victim and prosecutor that it’s in their best interests to agree to a civil compromise to resolve your case.

Our petit theft lawyers will evaluate the unique circumstances of your case to determine the most effective approach. Some common defenses we may use include:

Challenging the Evidence or Intent

In some petit theft cases, the prosecution may lack sufficient evidence to prove every element of this crime beyond a reasonable doubt. For example, they must prove that you had the intent to deprive the owner of the property permanently. Our lawyers will scrutinize the evidence and may be able to argue that the prosecutor failed to meet their burden of proof. 

Asserting Mistaken Identity or False Allegations

If you've been wrongly accused of petit theft, our legal team may focus on establishing that you were misidentified or falsely implicated. This could involve challenging eyewitness accounts, presenting alibi evidence, or exposing inconsistencies in the accusations against you.

Raising Constitutional Violations 

Your petit theft charges could arise from improper police conduct, such as illegal searches, failure to inform you of your Miranda rights, and failure to honor your right to a lawyer. We can assess whether your constitutional rights were violated and, if so, argue for the exclusion of any improperly obtained evidence. If key evidence against you is suppressed, the prosecutor’s case could unravel.

Negotiating Diversion Programs or Plea Agreements

Depending on the facts of your case and your criminal history, our lawyers may explore the possibility of a Palm Beach County misdemeanor diversion program or a plea agreement with the prosecution. These options could allow you to avoid a conviction by completing specific requirements or agreeing to reduced charges.

Discuss Your Options in Your Petit Theft Case With a Palm Beach Attorney

If you're facing petit theft allegations anywhere in Palm Beach County, consulting with our knowledgeable petit theft attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert David Malove is essential. From West Palm Beach and Boca Raton to Palm Beach Gardens, Delray Beach, and Jupiter, our local lawyer can assess your options and work to protect your rights.

Remember, a petit theft charge is not a conviction—and with skilled representation, you may have paths to resolving your case favorably. While a civil compromise agreement involving restitution is one possibility, our attorneys can explore all available strategies to pursue the best possible outcome in your unique situation.