Can you be arrested for looting?

Hurricane Harvey caused massive devastation in Texas. Hurricane Irma is currently on a path to hit Florida. Natural disasters have a tendency to bring out the best and worst of people. Unfortunately, some people turn to looting after a hurricane. 33rd Street Bail Bonds wants you to know that looting is a crime. In Florida, looting is a form of criminal mischief. A person caught looting can be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the extent of damage committed.

Here is a breakdown of the charges and penalties:

•If the damage is less than $200.00 then the person can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor. This can result in up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.00.
•If the damage is between $200.00 and $1,000.00 then the person can be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. This can result in up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.00.
•If the damage exceeds $1,000.00 then the person can be charged with a third-degree felony. This can result in up to five years in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.00.
•If the person is charged with his or her second criminal mischief charge, then it can result in being a third-degree felony no matter the amount of damage committed.

While most Central Floridians will not have to evacuate and face looting, friends and family living in the southern part of Florida are forced to evacuate.

To help prevent looting, follow these tips:

•Secure your valuables by locking them up or taking them with you
•Lock your doors and windows
•Close your drapes to prevent looters from seeing your high-ticket items such as computers, televisions, and game consoles
•Photograph and/or video tape the contents of your home. This can be invaluable if you need to file an insurance claim

33rd Street Bail Bonds bails has helped clients across Central Florida that have faced many charges including criminal mischief, burglary, vandalism, DUI, and more. We can help you too! Please call us at 407-425-7200 or 407-425-3303 to start the bail bond process. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.

Our bail bondsmen are all experienced, knowledgeable, and highly qualified. They are here to guide you through the bail bond process. Our bail bond agents can assist you with paperwork, explain the bail bond process, and answer any questions that you may have regarding the criminal justice system.
33rd Street Bail Bonds is the oldest and most trusted bail bond agency in Central Florida. We are family owned and operated since 1971. We have helped clients across all of Central Florida including Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, and Volusia counties. We can help you too! Please call us at 407-425-7200 or 407-425-3303 to start the bail bond process.

33rd Street Bail Bonds is the name you can trust!