Possible Charges for Stealing Copper From Construction Sites in Fort Myers
On August 3rd, 2026, Sun Englewood reported that two men were facing charges of burglary, grand theft, dealing in stolen property, and providing false statements to a secondhand dealer. These charges give you an idea of the consequences you might face for stealing copper in Fort Myers. Contact a Fort Myers theft defense lawyer if you’re serious about fighting these charges.
Did You Steal Copper From a Construction Site?
If you stole copper from a construction site, you will probably face burglary charges in Florida. These charges apply whenever you trespass with the intention of carrying out a crime while inside. Since construction sites are off-limits for ordinary people, you are breaking the law as soon as you step onto the premises.
That being said, prosecutors will need to prove that you intended to steal the copper (or commit any other offense) while inside. This can be tricky, as it is difficult to prove what is going on in someone’s mind. Keep in mind that a jury may not be convinced if you try to argue that you “got lost” or that someone “gave you the wrong directions.”
The penalties for burglary in Florida vary depending on the circumstances. If there was no one inside the construction site and you didn’t carry a weapon, you may face up to five years behind bars. If there was someone inside the construction site, you could face up to 15 years in prison. If you assault someone inside the construction site, carry a weapon, or cause more than $1,000 in property damage, you could face up to life in prison with mandatory minimums.
Did You Try to Sell the Copper After Stealing It?
Additional charges may apply if you attempt to sell the copper after stealing it. In Florida, you can face criminal charges for knowingly lying to a secondhand dealer while trading goods for money. This certainly applies to those who attempt to sell stolen copper at places like scrapyards or recycling centers.
If the value of the copper is under $300, you face a third-degree felony with up to five years in prison. If the copper is worth more than $300, you face a second-degree felony and up to 15 years in prison. All prosecutors need to prove is that you provided a false statement to the secondhand dealer and received money for the copper.
Can a Fort Myers Criminal Defense Lawyer Help Me?
The price of copper is on the rise, and so is copper theft. The metal is a crucial ingredient for industry and manufacturing across Florida, and people will continue to find opportunities to steal it. If you face charges of grand theft or burglary in Fort Myers, get in touch with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Contact The Foley & Wilson Law Firm at 239-690-6080 to get started with a defense strategy.
Sources:
yoursun.com/englewood/news/cameras-lprs-lead-to-copper-theft-arrest/article_41a46ecf-2545-4264-93a4-23a50d3f691d.html
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0800-0899/0810/Sections/0810.02.html