In Florida, the severity of a theft charge can change drastically from case to case, depending on numerous factors, including what you allegedly stole and what it was worth. This means that there is not a “one-size-fits-all” way of effectively contesting theft charges, nor is it easy to build and successfully execute a strategy tailored to your specific circumstances if you try to do it all on your own.
Fortunately, you have help available from the expert defense attorneys at Rossen Law Firm. We have years of experience dealing with charges like yours and achieving positive case results on behalf of people like you. If you are facing allegations of misdemeanor or felony theft, retaining and working with a skilled Kendall theft lawyer should be your top priority.
Kendall Theft Lawyer Guide
What Counts as Misdemeanor Theft?
Under Florida state law, the criminal act of “theft” entails someone knowingly obtaining, attempting to obtain, or using someone else’s property in order to deprive the property’s rightful owner of its use. This broad definition covers various types of actions that end up producing one of these outcomes, including the physical taking of real property, the fraudulent acquisition of money or property rights, and unauthorized use or control of real estate.
Theft of goods or services worth less than $750 in total is considered to be a misdemeanor—also known as “petit” theft in Florida. Theft of less than $100 is petit theft in the second degree and is punishable by 60 days in jail and a $500 fine as a second-degree misdemeanor. Theft of between $100 and $750 is first-degree petit theft and can carry one year in jail and a $1,000 fine at most. Support from a capable Kendall attorney can be key to contesting theft charges as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Possible Consequences of a Felony Theft Conviction
There are three degrees of felony—or “grand”—theft defined under Florida state law. These are third, second, and first-degree felonies. Theft of between $750 and $20,000 is third-degree grand theft, theft of between $20,000 and $100,000 is second-degree grand theft, and theft of over $100,000 is first-degree grand theft.
Theft of certain types of property is always categorized as a certain degree of grand theft regardless of its actual financial value. For example, theft of any firearm is always grand theft in the third degree. An act of grand theft which involves the perpetrator using a motor vehicle to facilitate the act through means other than as a getaway vehicle is always a first-degree felony offense.
Additionally, theft under certain circumstances can elevate the severity of ensuing criminal charges—for instance, theft of between $100 and $750 can be prosecuted as third-degree grand theft if the property in question is taken from within or around someone’s residence. The best theft defense lawyers in Kendall know exactly how the law governs different types of theft offenses and can provide custom-tailored assistance with fighting back against them in court.
Contact a Kendall Theft Attorney for Help With Your Defense
Being accused of theft can lead to serious consequences, even if you have never faced criminal charges of any kind before. Additionally, repeated convictions for either petty or grand theft can lead to even harsher penalties in the future.
Theft accusations are not something you should try fighting without expert legal help. Call today to learn how our Kendall theft lawyers at Rossen Law Firm can help you.