If you have been charged with petit theft in Florida, then you may have a defense. Equal ownership, lack of intent and voluntary abandonment are just a few of the defenses that are oftentimes successful when fighting petit theft cases. 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 the equal ownership, lack of intent or abandonment defenses, or if you want to talk about how to beat your petit theft case in Florida, then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.
In Florida, petit theft is defined under Florida Statute 812.014(2)(e). A person commits the crime of petit theft when they take another person’s property with the intent to deprive the person of their right or benefit to the property, or when they take another person’s property for personal use or the use of another person not entitled to the use of the property.
The penalty associated with petit theft is determined based on the value of the property taken.
Petit theft is a second-degree misdemeanor, meaning it is punishable by up to 60 days in jail, or up to six months of probation and up to $500 in fines, if the value of the property taken was less than $100.
Petit theft is a first-degree misdemeanor, meaning it is punishable by up to one year in jail, or up to one year of probation and up to $1,000 in fines (you can also get a jail sentence followed by probation, but the total length of the punishment cannot exceed one year), if the value of the property taken was less than $750 but more than $100; or if you have a prior theft conviction.
Criminal convictions, especially convictions for theft-related charges, carry severe consequences and can never be removed from your criminal record. 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 petit theft in Florida, then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.