Types of Theft in Florida
Theft is a pretty broad crime in Florida and most other states. Whether you steal something as small as a candy bar or something much more major, like a car, you can be charged with theft. There is petit theft, which is relatively minor theft, like shoplifting. There is also grand theft, which involves stealing large amounts of money or items valued at high amounts, like vehicles.
Theft can encompass various acts. Some examples include:
- A person who walks by a restaurant table and grabs someone’s wallet
- A shoplifter who grabs a candy bar from a shelf in the store.
- A person who has control over their parent’s bank account and uses the money to buy a vehicle without permission.
Even if you steal something as seemingly minor as a pack of gum, you can be arrested and charged with theft. Theft can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value of the stolen item and if you have a history of theft convictions . Here’s a look at what the law says in more detail.
What the Law Says
Under Florida Statutes Section 812.014, a person commits theft if they knowingly obtains or uses the property of another with intent to deprive the other person of a right to the property and appropriate the property for their own use.
The lowest level of theft is a second-degree misdemeanor. This is when the stolen item is valued at under $100. The possible penalties include a $500 fine and 60 days in jail. However, most first-time offenders avoid harsh penalties. They may be ordered to do a diversion program instead or go on probation.
A first-degree misdemeanor is when the stolen property is valued between $100 and $750. The penalties include a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail.
A third-degree felony is the next step. It can result in a $5,000 fine and five years in prison. It occurs when a person steals:
- Property valued between $750 and $20,000.
- A motor vehicle
- A firearm, a fire extinguisher, a stop sign, or property from a construction site.
- Any amount of drugs.
- Any commercially farmed animal.
- More than 2,000 pieces of citrus fruit.
A second-degree felony is punishable by 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. It occurs when a person steals:
- Property valued between $20,000 and $100,000.
- Property valued between $5,000 and $20,000 stolen during a looting or riot.
- Emergency medical or law enforcement equipment valued at $300 or more.
A first-degree felony involves theft of property valued at $100,000 or more. It carries a sentence of up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Contact Us Today
There are many types of theft you can be accused of, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. Make sure you have a solid defense attorney on your side.
At Hollander & Hanuka, our Fort Myers criminal defense lawyers are proud to offer top-notch legal services for both Florida and out of state residents. We are former public defenders and prosecutors who know the law and know what it takes to defend your rights. We have more than 60 years of combined experience. Contact us today by calling 239-332-3300.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0800-0899/0812/Sections/0812.014.html
