Stealing any item of any value is a theft under State law. As a result, you should always take allegations of theft seriously, whether the accusations against you involve a pack of gum or electronics worth thousands of dollars. A Loxahatchee theft Lawyer can be instrumental in defending yourself against the unwanted repercussions of a theft conviction.
Theft charges can range widely from low-level Misdemeanors to high-level Felony offenses. You could also face different types of theft charges, depending on the value of the items allegedly stolen and the circumstances surrounding the theft. One of our criminal Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert could explain the extent and possible consequences of a theft conviction to you.
Theft Offenses in Loxahatchee
Under Fla. Stat. § 812.014, theft occurs when individuals purposely take or use property belonging to others without their consent. To commit theft, the accused persons must intend to:
- Deprive the owners of the property of its use or possession ( permanently or temporarily )
- Utilize the property to benefit themselves, or
- Allow a third party to utilize the property who has no legal right to it
Charges for Theft Crimes
Theft charges vary according to the value of the goods stolen and the circumstances that led to the theft. As a result, theft charges can be Misdemeanor or Felony offenses. Generally, a theft charge is a Misdemeanor if it involves goods valued at less than $750, and a Felony if it involves goods valued at more than $750.
Misdemeanor or Petit Theft is subdivided further into first and second-degree Misdemeanors. Felony or Grand Theft also ranges from third to first-degree Felony charges. The classification of the theft charges depends primarily on the value of the items stolen, with some exceptions for things such as firearms, which automatically trigger Felony charges, and individuals with previous theft convictions.
More severe crimes under state law that involve theft include burglary and robbery. Theft of items directly from another person or by using force constitutes robbery, and burglary occurs when individuals enter a structure or dwelling to commit (uninvited) a crime, such as theft. Burglary and robbery offenses typically are Felony offenses, which vary in their degree according to the circumstances of the crimes and whether the individuals used violent force or deadly weapons to carry out the crimes.
Penalties for Theft Convictions
Under Fla. Stat. § 775.082 and Fla. Stat. § 775.083, Petit Theft penalties can include up to 60 days in jail and a $500 for a second-degree Misdemeanor conviction, which involves property worth less than $100. Likewise, a first-degree Misdemeanor conviction, which generally involves property worth more than $100 but less than $750, can result in incarceration of up to one year and a fine of up to $1,000. As the potential penalties for even Petit Theft can be harsh and involve incarceration, individuals may benefit from consulting a theft Lawyer in Loxahatchee for advice.
Felony Grand Theft charges can result in far more severe penalties. For instance, the theft of goods valued at more than $100,000 can result in first-degree Felony charges. A conviction for a first-degree Felony can result in a prison sentence of up to 30 years and a $10,000 fine.
Stealing property valued at between $20,000 and $100,000 generally is a second-degree Felony, and property valued at less than $20,000 is typically a third-degree Felony. However, various other items fall within these categories, as well, regardless of their value. Given the potential severity of Grand Theft charges of any degree, getting the advice of a theft Attorney in Loxahatchee may be highly advantageous.
Contact a Loxahatchee Theft Attorney Today
As the range of charges and penalties for theft offenses is broad, you should always consult a Loxahatchee theft Lawyer at Leifert & Leifert to explore your options for resolving the charges. Depending on your circumstances, you may have the opportunity to raise effective defenses, pursue a reduction in charges, or point out holes in the evidence against you.
With legal counsel on your side, you are more likely to be successful in fighting back against the charges that you are facing. Legal knowledge also may allow you to make more informed decisions about the most effective defense strategy to pursue in your case. To get started on your case, be sure to schedule a consultation today.
