Theft is a broad criminal charge in Florida that includes a range of offenses from Shoplifting and Larceny to bouncing checks to Dealing in Stolen Property. The punishments generally depend on the value of the stolen item, and can be as little as a fine or as serious as prison time depending on the facts of each case.
Theft is defined as knowingly obtaining or using the property of another with the intent to either temporarily or permanently the person of the property. If the theft of property is less than $300, it is charged as Petit Theft, a misdemeanor. If the amount of the Petit Theft is less than $100 it is classified as a second Degree Misdemeanor; if the property is $100 or greater the Petit Theft is charges as a first degree misdemeanor.
A theft is considered a Grand Theft if the theft is of property equal to or greater than $300, or if it is the theft of a vehicle or a firearm or controlled substance. It is classified as a third degree felony punishable by up to Five years in Florida State Prison. If the property stolen is worth between $20,000 and $100,000 or law enforcement or emergency medical equipment, it is charged as a second degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in Florida State Prison. A first degree Grand Theft is charged when the property stolen is worth more than $100,000, punishable by up to 30 years in Florida State Prison.
A person can be charged with Dealing in Stolen Property when they traffic or attempt to traffic in property that they know or should have known to be stolen. It is a second degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in Florida State Prison. If someone initiates, organizes, plans, finances, directs, manages, or supervises the theft and then traffics in the stolen property they can be charged with Dealing in Stolen Property as a first degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in Florida State Prison.
Whatever the particular circumstances of your charge may be, the penalties you face can be severe. In addition to imprisonment or probation, a theft conviction can have far reaching implications on your life. Many view a theft conviction in a negative light. A conviction for theft can make it difficult to find employment, a place to live, or even register for school. Don’t face these charges alone, contact Attorney Jason Seidman today to schedule your free consultation. As a former prosecutor he can lay out the strengths and weaknesses of the charges against you and together you can come up with a course of action that will end in the best result possible for you. Call Attorney Jason Seidman today to set up your free consultation so that he can talk to you about your charges, you concerns, and discuss your best defense options.