Grand Theft in Florida
Theft is taken seriously in Florida. Theft occurs when a person takes an item belonging to another person without their permission and with no intention of returning it.
Laws pertaining to theft are outlined in Florida Statutes Section 812.014. This section addresses grand theft, which refers to the unlawful taking of property valued at $750 or more. Unlike petit theft, which involves the unlawful taking of property valued under $750, grand theft is classified as a felony. This is serious and the penalties can affect you for the rest of your life.
There are several degrees of grand theft, depending on the amount of the stolen property. Here’s what you need to know if you are facing accusations of this crime.
Degrees of Grand Theft
The three degrees of grand theft are:
- Third-degree grand theft. This is when the value of the stolen property is between $750 and $20,000. It includes items such as firearms, vehicles, and certain farm animals. This is a third-degree felony, and the penalties include up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and a $5,000 fine.
- Second-degree grand theft. This is when the value of the stolen property is between $20,000 and $100,000. It includes cargo worth less than $50,000. This is a second-degree felony, and the penalties include up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and a $10,000 fine.
- First-degree grand theft. This is when the value of the stolen property is $100,000 or more. It includes cargo worth $50,000 or more and theft causing significant property damage. This is a first-degree felony, which is the most serious degree of grand theft. The penalties include up to 30 years in prison, 30 years of probation, and a $10,000 fine.
There are several aggravating factors that can increase the severity of the crime:
- Use of a vehicle to commit the theft
- Causing damage to property during the act
- Theft of emergency medical or law enforcement equipment
Proving Grand Theft
A conviction of grand theft requires the prosecution to prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- Ownership of the property. The property belonged to someone other than the accused.
- Value of the property. The value of the property must exceed $750 based on Florida’s grand theft statute.
- Intent to steal. The person intentionally took the property with the intent to deprive the owner of its use or benefit.
Contact Us Today
Grand theft cases are taken very seriously. You will likely face felony charges and be ordered to spend decades in prison without the right legal help.
A Fort Myers grand theft attorney from Hollander & Hanuka can defend you from the charges you face. Our firm is dedicated to protecting your rights and crafting a defense tailored to the specific circumstances of your case. Contact our office today for representation. Schedule a consultation today by calling (239) 332-3300.
Source:
flsenate.gov/laws/statutes/2021/812.014
