Wearing Fake Uniforms to Carry Out a Robbery in Florida: What Are My Penalties?

Over the years, Florida has seen many robberies and burglaries carried out by individuals wearing fake uniforms. Some impersonate police officers with elaborate outfits that are impossible to distinguish from the real thing. Some simply throw on reflective vests, causing average people to assume they are carrying out some kind of “official business.” Whatever the case may be, this kind of crime can lead to sentencing enhancements for theft in Fort Myers.

What if I Impersonated a Police Officer During a Robbery?

Impersonating a police officer during a crime is one of the most serious offenses related to wearing fake uniforms. In Florida, wearing a police uniform during the commission of a felony is a second-degree felony. If you injure anyone during this felony, the charge rises to a first-degree felony. In other words, you could face decades in prison for impersonating a police officer during a robbery or burglary, especially if you use physical force in the process.

Note that this doesn’t just apply to police uniforms. Technically speaking, the exact same penalties apply to those who wear firefighter uniforms, a Fish and Wildlife Conservation officer, or even a school guardian. Do not assume that you will avoid these strict penalties by simply choosing to wear another “official” uniform other than a police uniform.

What if I Impersonated a Security Guard?

Many have impersonated security guards during past robberies in Florida. For example, you may have impersonated a security officer responsible for picking up cash drops at a bank. According to Florida law, the penalties are almost exactly the same as those for impersonating a police officer. As long as you wear a police uniform or a security officer uniform during a felony (such as a bank robbery), you still face a second-degree felony.

What if I Wore a Reflective Vest During a Robbery or Burglary in Florida?

Wearing a reflective vest is perhaps the least serious type of “disguise” in the eyes of the law. However, you still face sentencing enhancements. Prosecutors may argue that your reflective vest constitutes a “device” that concealed your identity. This means your offense could be “reclassified” or enhanced. In the case of a robbery (which is often a second-degree felony), your charge could be “upgraded” to a first-degree felony.

Your defense lawyer may be able to argue that your reflective vest was not a disguise. Many people today wear reflective clothing as a fashion statement, not as a disguise. Your defense lawyer may also attempt to argue that your decision to wear a reflective vest was for safety purposes only. For example, you might have been concerned about heavy machinery and other hazards while attempting to steal items from a construction site.

Can a Fort Myers Criminal Defense Lawyer Help Me?

A Fort Myers criminal defense lawyer may be able to help if you face enhanced sentencing for wearing fake uniforms during a theft or burglary in Fort Myers. While some fake uniforms may be worse than others, virtually any type of “disguise” can increase your penalties. Contact The Foley & Wilson Law Firm to discuss a potential defense strategy.

Sources: 

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0775/Sections/0775.0845.html

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0800-0899/0843/Sections/0843.08.html