When you think of “grand theft,” there is a good chance your mind goes to the popular video game Grand Theft Auto. These games may make grand theft look exhilarating, but here in the real world, these crimes are typically much less action-packed. Committing grand theft in the real world is also a lot more frightening than in the virtual world, as it could come with some very real-life consequences.
Whether you or someone you care about is facing a criminal charge for grand theft, you should consider seeking legal counsel from an experienced attorney to fight aggressively for your rights. In grand theft cases, having a skilled attorney is crucial to navigating the complexities of the law and mitigating potential penalties. Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel has committed his over 30-year career to safeguarding the rights of Palm Beach County accused of various crimes. He will handle your case using all the knowledge and skills developed over the span of his career.
Definition and Types of Grand Theft
Grand theft is a serious larceny offense that involves unlawfully taking another person’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of their benefits or rights. For a theft to be classified as grand theft, the stolen property must meet a specific monetary threshold. Florida law categorizes grand theft into three degrees, each with varying levels of severity and corresponding penalties.
What You Should Know About Florida’s State Laws Against Grand Theft
According to Section 812.01 of the Florida Statutes, grand theft is a felony crime that involves a person unlawfully taking another person’s property valued at $750 or more. The prosecutor will determine the value of the stolen items by taking into consideration the following:
- The original purchase price of the item(s)
- The amount or percentage of depreciation after the purchase of the property
- The quality of the goods at the time of receipt and their condition
If the prosecution cannot prove the property was valued at $750 or more, the evidence is insufficient to support a conviction for anything other than petty theft. Petit larceny is defined as taking property with a value of less than $750 for the purpose of larceny.
A grand theft charge involves not only proving that the property taken was worth at least $750 but also understanding the legal implications and potential penalties. Grand theft is a “specific intent” crime, meaning that in order to prove the crime of grand theft, the prosecution not only needs to be able to show that the property taken was worth at least $750 but that the accused person also had intent.
Proving that the defendant intended to commit grand theft means showing that they had an objective to:
- Deprive the person of a right or interest in the property or
- Seize the person’s property for personal use; or
- Put the property to use by a person who was not entitled to it.
Levels of Grand Theft Crimes in Florida
Under Florida law, there are three degrees of grand theft. As the value of the stolen property rises, so do the penalties you could face. Property stolen from an authorized emergency vehicle can escalate the severity of the theft charge, potentially classifying it as grand theft, which carries more serious penalties.
Third-Degree Grand Theft
Third-degree grand theft includes property totaling a value of $750 but less than $20,000 or:
- A commercially farmed animal
- A construction sign
- A controlled substance
- A fire extinguisher
- A firearm
- A motor vehicle
- A stop sign
- Anhydrous ammonia
- Any amount of citrus fruit consisting of 2,000 or more individual pieces of fruit
- An estate planning documentation such as a will, codicil, or other testamentary instruments
- Anything of value that is taken by a restaurant or hotel worker during the course of their employment
Petit theft, on the other hand, involves property valued at less than $750 and is considered a lesser offense compared to third-degree grand theft. Third-degree grand theft is a third-degree felony, punishable by:
- Up to five years in jail
- Five years of probation
- A fine of up to $5,000
Second-Degree Grand Theft
Second-degree grand theft is committed when the property stolen is worth between $20,000 and $100,000 or:
- Is cargo for shipping that has a value of less than $50,000
- Law enforcement equipment worth $300 or more
- Is emergency medical equipment worth $300 or more
Grand theft of the second degree is a second-degree felony, punishable by:
- Up to fifteen years in jail
- Fifteen years of probation
- A fine of up to $10,000
First-Degree Grand Theft
First-degree grand theft includes stolen property worth over $100,000 or shipping cargo worth over $50,000. First-degree grand theft is a first-degree felony, punishable by:
- A minimum of 21 months in jail
- Thirty years of probation
- A fine of up to $10,000
Facing a Charge for Grand Theft? Contact an Experienced Palm Beach County Criminal Defense Attorney
Grand theft charges can come with severe penalties. Contact a seasoned Palm Beach County grand theft defense attorney as soon as possible to preserve your legal rights today. With over 30 years of experience, Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel has in-depth knowledge of these charges to protect your rights. He will handle your case using all the knowledge and skills developed over the span of his career.
Start with a free consultation today by calling Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel of The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel at (561) 622-5575. You can also complete an online contact form to learn more.