GRAND THEFT AND FRAUD
Under Florida law, Grand Theft is any intentional
and unlawful
taking of property valued at $300.00 or more. Grand theft is a felony offense, with penalties that may include prison, probation, fines, restitution, and a permanent criminal record.
Penalties and Sentences for Theft and Grand Theft
First Degree Grand Theft:
- Stolen property value is $100,000 or more
- maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000
Second Degree Grand Theft:
- Stolen property value between $20,000 and $99,999
- Maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000
Third Degree Grand Theft- Stolen property valued between $300 and $19,999 or
- the property take is a firearm, a motor vehicle, a commercially farmed animal, a fire extinguisher, any amount of fruit consisting of 2,000 or more individual pieces, any stop sign, construction signs, or anhydrous ammonia
- Maximum of 5 years in jail and a $5,000 fine.
First Degree Petty Theft
- Stolen property valued between $100 and $299
- Maximum penalty of 1 year in jail and a $1000 fine
- If defendant convicted twice of any theft crime, will be charged with elevated third degree felony
Second Degree Petty Theft
- Stolen property valued below $100
- Maximum sentence of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine
The hiring of an attorney is a critical decision in a prosecution for Grand Theft. Given the numerous defenses to the charge and the technical requirements to sustain a conviction, an attorney can make a dramatic difference in the outcome of a case. Even where no viable defenses exist, being represented by counsel means that a defendant’s case can be presented in the best possible light, with negotiations aimed at avoiding prison and a permanent felony record.
CONTACT AN ATTORNEY
If you have been arrested for any of the charges mentioned above, you may have defenses available to contest the charge or to minimize potential penalties. Contact The Law Office of William B. Fletcher, P.A. today for a free consultation.