What Dollar Amount of Theft Is Considered a Felony in Florida?

The dollar amount or value of stolen property is an important factor that distinguishes theft from a misdemeanor to a felony offense. Conviction for felony theft is likely to result in longer maximum prison sentences and other punishments. Our Attorneys can explain what dollar amount of theft is considered a felony in Florida and other ways that theft can become a felony in West Palm Beach. Our criminal defense Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert can fight for your rights in a felony theft case and work to get you the best possible results under the circumstances of your arrest.

Types of Theft That Are a Felony Offense Based on Dollar Amount Stolen

Felony theft generally applies to dollar amounts or property valued at $750 or more, as identified in Florida Statutes § 812.014. However, some exceptions do apply depending on the nature of the property or how it was taken. Dollar amounts below the $750 threshold are typically prosecuted as petit theft, which is a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida. Three classes of felony theft exist under Florida law that differentiate based on the dollar amount stolen. They include the following types of felony charges and punishments stated under Florida Statutes § 775.082:

• First-degree felony theft: Dollar amounts of $100,000 or more and carries a possible maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison.
• Second-degree felony theft: Dollar amounts ranging from $20,000 but less than $100,000, which has a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison.
• Third-degree felony theft: Dollar amounts ranging from $750 but less than $20,000. It has a potential sentence of up to five years in prison.

Aside from these general dollar amount thresholds, felony theft can also occur at different values because of other circumstances surrounding the commission of the crime. For example, theft from another person’s dwelling constitutes a third-degree felony theft if the property stolen has a $40 value or greater. Repeat offenders of theft crimes can also have their charges elevated to a felony theft charge.

Other Types of Felony Theft

Dollar amount is not the only issue that can determine the severity of a theft charge in Florida. Certain types of stolen property can result in the State filing charges for felony theft. Third-degree felony theft may apply to cases involving any of the following stolen items:

• Testamentary instruments such as a will or codicil
• Firearms
• Motor vehicles
• Commercially farmed animals

Additional circumstances that could result in a felony theft charge could include placing the stolen property into interstate or intrastate commerce or causing damage in excess of $1,000 in commission of the theft.

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation with Leifert & Leifert

Get help after an arrest for felony theft by working with the criminal defense Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert. Our prior years of experience as former prosecutors give us a unique perspective on managing theft cases. We fight for your rights at every stage of the case in an effort to get you the best results possible. Schedule a free initial consultation and case review with our office today.