Theft is a serious offense in Greenacres, especially when the value of the property stolen is high enough to warrant charges of grand theft in the first degree. Seeking legal assistance from a Greenacres theft lawyer could be critical if you are facing theft charges.
A well-versed criminal defense attorney from Leifert & Leifert could discuss possible strategies for handling your case and help develop a plan to contest your specific charges. Throughout the entire legal process, our firm could work to safeguard your legal rights, as well as your constitutional right to due process.
How Does the Law Define Theft?
As per Florida Statutes §812.014, theft is defined as knowingly using, obtaining, or attempting to use or obtain another person’s property. Offenses such as shoplifting, pickpocketing, and robbery are examples of the different ways theft can be classified as a criminal offense.
Depending on the value of the property that was stolen, a theft offense can be categorized as either petty or grand theft. A Greenacres theft attorney could help clarify which specific category and type of theft you are accused of undertaking.
Degrees of Petty Theft
Offenses categorized as petty theft are formally referred to as petit theft in the Florida Statutes. Petty theft offenses are less serious than those categorized as grand theft because the value of the property allegedly stolen is of a lesser amount.
Petty theft offenses are separated into two different degrees based on the value of the property that was stolen. Second-degree petty theft—the less severe of the two degrees—involves the theft of property with a value of less than $100. It is a second-degree Misdemeanor offense punishable by a jail sentence of up to 60 days and a maximum fine of $500.
Petty theft in the first degree is a first-degree Misdemeanor offense and involves the theft of property valued between $100 and $300. The legal penalty for first-degree petty theft is a jail sentence of up to one year and a possible $1,000 fine.
What is Grand Theft?
Grand theft offenses are identified as Felonies and are separated into three different degrees. Grand theft in the third degree is the least severe and involves the theft of a firearm, a motor vehicle, or property of varying values. Potential penalties for this offense include a prison sentence of up to five years and a possible $5,000 fine.
The charge of grand theft in the second degree covers a variety of theft-related offenses, such as stealing emergency equipment with a value of at least $300, stealing cargo with a value of less than $50,000, and stealing property with a value between $20,000 and $100,000. It is punishable by a prison sentence of up to 15 years and a possible $10,000 fine.
Finally, first-degree grand theft is the most severe variant of this crime and refers to the theft of property valued at $100,000 or greater, the theft of cargo valued at $50,000 or more, and certain other offenses. A conviction for this offense could result in a prison sentence of up to 30 years and a possible $10,000 fine. A theft lawyer in Greenacres could answer specific questions about petty and grand theft offenses and how associated penalties may vary between various levels of charges.
Contact a Greenacres Theft Attorney for Assistance
Fighting theft charges require an understanding of both theft laws and the legal system. A Greenacres theft lawyer could help you fight for the best possible legal outcome while also working to protect your legal rights.
You do not have to fight theft charges on your own. Call Leifert & Leifert today for assistance with your case.
