If you have been charged with grand theft in Florida, then you may have a defense. Equal ownership, lack of intent to steal and voluntary abandonment are just a few of the defenses that are oftentimes successful when fighting a grand theft case. Even if you don’t think you have a defense, you should always speak to an attorney to make sure you have a full understanding of how the law applies specifically to your case. If you want to know more about equal ownership, lack of intent or abandonment, or if you want to know how to beat your grand theft case in Florida, then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.
In Florida, grand theft is defined under Florida Statute 812.014(2)(c). A person commits grand theft when they unlawfully take another person’s property with the intent to deprive the person of the right to the property or the benefit of the property, or the intent to appropriate the property for personal use or for the use of another person not entitled to use the property, and the value of the property is greater than $750.
The penalty associated with grand theft is determined based on the value of the property taken:
Grand theft is a third-degree felony, meaning it is punishable by up to five years in prison, or up five years of probation and up to $5,000 in fines (you can also get a jail or prison sentence followed by probation, but the total length of the punishment cannot exceed five years), if the property taken is worth less than $20,000 but more than $750, a firearm, a motor vehicle, or anything of value stolen by a hotel or restaurant employee in the course of their employment.
Grand theft is a second-degree felony, meaning it is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, or up 15 years of probation and up to $10,000 in fines (you can also get a jail or prison sentence followed by probation, but the total length of the punishment cannot exceed 15 years), if the property taken is worth less than $100,000 but more than $20,000.
Grand theft is a first-degree felony, meaning it is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, or up 30 years of probation and up to $15,000 in fines (you can also get a jail or prison sentence followed by probation, but the total length of the punishment cannot exceed 30 years), if the property taken is worth more than $100,000. In addition to facing prison time, if you are adjudicated guilty of grand theft then you will lose constitutional rights and you’ll have to deal with many other collateral consequences.
Criminal convictions, especially convictions for theft-related charges, carry severe consequences and can never be removed from your criminal record. If you are convicted of a felony you will lose your right to vote, your right to own firearms, and your ability to maintain certain business licenses. You can also lose your ability to receive financial aid, your ability to live in certain places and your ability to obtain a passport.
If you need an attorney who will advise you, fight for your rights, and do everything possible to protect your future, or if someone you know has been charged with grand theft in Florida then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.