Theft Attorneys in Jacksonville, FL
Unwavering Defense for Theft Offenses in FL
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Definition of Theft in Florida
Under Florida law 812.014, theft is defined as knowingly and unlawfully taking another’s property, using it, or attempting to obtain it with the intent to permanently or temporarily:
- deprive the person of their rights to the property
- appropriate the property to their own use
At First Coast Criminal Defense our Jacksonville theft lawyers can investigate the incident and use the facts to build your case. We can tenaciously defend your rights in court.
Call our Jacksonville theft attorneys today at (904) 474-3115 for a FREE consultation.
Common Types of Theft Crimes in Florida
Theft may include a variety of property crimes such as:
- Conversion: This occurs when someone wrongfully takes or retains possession of another person's property and converts it to their own use. It involves using the property in a manner inconsistent with the owner's rights.
- Misappropriation: Similar to conversion, misappropriation involves the unauthorized or illegal use of someone else's property for one's own benefit. It often occurs in financial contexts, such as embezzlement or fraudulent use of funds.
- Stealing: This is a general term often used interchangeably with theft. It refers to the act of taking someone else's property without their permission.
- Shoplifting: Shoplifting involves stealing goods from a retail store. It can range from concealing items on one's person to altering price tags in order to pay a lower amount.
- Petit Theft: In Florida, petit theft refers to the theft of property valued at less than a certain amount, typically $750 or less. It is classified as a misdemeanor offense.
- Grand Theft: Grand theft involves stealing property valued above a certain threshold, which in Florida is typically $750 or more. It is considered a felony offense and can be further classified into degrees based on the value and nature of the stolen property.
- Larceny: Larceny is a legal term that refers to the unlawful taking and carrying away of someone else's personal property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of that property.
- Burglary: Burglary involves unlawfully entering a structure, such as a home or business, with the intent to commit theft or another felony inside. It doesn't necessarily require stealing anything; the act of entering with unlawful intent is sufficient for a burglary charge.
- Armed Robbery: Armed robbery occurs when someone uses a weapon or threatens the use of force to take property from another person or a business. It combines theft with the element of force or intimidation, making it a more serious offense than simple theft.
What Is Larceny in Florida?
Larceny is the unlawful taking of another person's property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. Larceny differs from robbery in that it does not take force or threat, it's taking any item of value.
Penalties for Theft in FL
Penalties for theft convictions in Florida include:
- Prison time
- Hefty fines
Florida Theft Classifications and Punishments
Florida classifies theft according to the value of the items involved and the charges range from petty theft to grand theft.
First-Degree Petty Theft
First-degree petit theft involves property with a value between $100 and $299 and carries the following penalties:
- one year in jail
- a $1,000 fine
- If convicted twice of any theft crime, the charge is elevated to a third-degree felony
Second-Degree Petty Theft
The lowest level theft offense is referred to as “petit theft." Second-degree petit theft involves property valued at less than $100 and carries the following penalties:
- 60 days in jail
- a $500 fine
- This is a second-degree misdemeanor
First-Degree Grand Theft
First-degree grand theft, the most severe classification, involves property valued at $100,000 or more and carries the following penalties:
- 30 years in prison
- up to a $10,000 fine
Second-Degree Grand Theft
Second-degree grand theft involves property that is valued between $20,000 and $99,999 and carries penalties of:
- 15 years in prison
- up to a $10,000 fine
Third-Degree Grand Theft
Third-degree grand theft involves property that includes motor vehicles, firearms, fire extinguishers, commercially farmed animals, construction or stop signs, or anhydrous ammonia, and/or property that is valued between $300 and $19,999. A conviction under this classification results in:
- 5 years in jail
- a $5,000 fine
The Jacksonville theft attorneys at First Coast Criminal Defense can work hard to build a solid defense for your case and represent you in court against a variety of Florida theft charges.
