Criminal Defense Lawyers

Theft Charges in Florida: Petit Theft, Grand Theft, Shoplifting Penalties and Defense

Theft Charges in Florida: What You Need to Know

Getting busted for theft in Florida is no joke. The cops and courts take it real serious here. Stealing anything from a pack of gum to a car can land you in a mess of legal trouble. But don’t freak out! This article will break it all down so you understand what you’re facing. We’ll explain the different theft crimes, penalties, defenses, and finding a good lawyer.

Petit Theft vs Grand Theft

There’s two main levels of theft charges in Florida – petit theft and grand theft. The difference depends mostly on how much the stuff you took is worth.

Petit Theft

Petit theft means stealing something worth less than $750. It’s a misdemeanor charge. Examples are:

• Taking clothes or makeup from a store
• Stealing someone’s bicycle
• Grabbing money out of someone’s purse
• Not paying your restaurant bill

Petit theft is still serious though. It can get you up to 1 year in jail if the item is worth between $100-$750. Lower value thefts under $100 are less jail time.

Grand Theft

This is stealing something worth $750 or more. It’s a felony charge and way more serious than petit theft. Grand theft can be up to 5 years in state prison. Examples are:

• Shoplifting a laptop
• Stealing a motorcycle
• Burglarizing a house
• Embezzling large amounts of money

There’s also first-degree and second-degree grand theft for super expensive items worth over $100,000 and up. This can mean 30 years behind bars!

Shoplifting and Retail Theft

Shoplifting from a store falls under retail theft in Florida law. It’s charged based on the value of the merchandise stolen:

• Under $100 – petit theft
• $100-$750 – petit theft
• Over $750 – grand theft

Stores don’t play around catching shoplifters here. You’ll get slapped with the highest charges they can prove.

Penalties for Theft Crimes

If convicted of theft in Florida, the penalties you face depend on a few things:

• Value of the stolen property
• If you have past theft convictions
• If a weapon was involved
• The victim’s age

Here’s how it breaks down:

Petit Theft Penalties

Second-degree (under $100)

• Up to 60 days in jail
• Up to $500 fine

First-degree ($100-$750)

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Up to $1,000 fine

Grand Theft Penalties

Third-degree ($750-$20,000)

• Up to 5 years in prison
• Up to $5,000 fine

Second-degree ($20,000-$100,000)

• Up to 15 years in prison
• Up to $10,000 fine

First-degree (over $100,000)

• Up to 30 years in prison
• Up to $10,000 fine

Other Consequences

A theft conviction also brings other penalties like:

• Suspended driver’s license
• Probation
• Restitution to pay back victims
• Permanent criminal record

And if you’re not a U.S. citizen, it can get you deported!

Defenses Against Theft Charges

Don’t just plead guilty if you’re innocent. A skilled lawyer can help fight the charges with defenses like:

• Mistaken identity – Say it wasn’t you who did it
• False accusations – The alleged victim is lying
• Lack of evidence – The cops don’t have proof you did it
• Mental illness – You have a condition that impacted your actions

This is just a sample. An attorney will dig into the details of your case to build the strongest defense.

Finding a Theft Crimes Lawyer

If you’re facing any theft charges in Florida, having a tough defense lawyer is key. Here’s tips for hiring the best:

• Find an attorney with deep experience fighting theft cases and winning. Check their track record.
• Make sure they know Florida’s theft laws inside out. All the defenses and loopholes.
• Pick a lawyer who is aggressive yet cool under pressure. Theft cases can get intense.
• Find someone you’re comfortable with. You’ll be trusting them to save your skin.
• Discuss money issues upfront. Get fee details in writing to avoid surprises.
• Can’t afford private counsel? Ask about court-appointed lawyers or legal aid. Don’t go it solo!

Hiring the right lawyer makes all the difference in beating these charges and avoiding a lifelong criminal record. So don’t delay – take action today.

FAQs About Theft Charges in Florida

What’s the difference between larceny and theft?

There’s no legal difference in Florida. Larceny is an older term that means the same thing as theft – taking someone else’s property illegally.

What if I returned the item I stole?

Doesn’t matter. In Florida you can still be charged with completed theft even if you give it back.

Can I go to jail for stealing something cheap?

Yes, any theft under $100 is still a misdemeanor with up to 2 months in jail.

Do I have to steal from a store to be charged with shoplifting?

No. Shoplifting means stealing retail merchandise. If you swap tags or steal from a mall store, it’s retail theft.

Can they charge me years later for a theft?

Yes, in Florida you can be prosecuted for a theft up to 5 years after the fact.

If I’m convicted, will it be on my record forever?

Probably yes. Most theft convictions can only be removed from your criminal record under limited circumstances.

What if I was falsely accused of theft?

An attorney can investigate and argue mistaken identity, lack of proof, etc. to fight wrongful accusations.

Should I just plead guilty and take a plea deal?

Not necessarily! An experienced lawyer may get the charges dropped or reduced so you avoid a conviction.

Theft Charges Don’t Have to Ruin Your Life

No one wants a theft arrest hanging over their head. The thought of jail and a criminal record is scary. But with an aggressive defense lawyer challenging the charges, many people beat these raps. So don’t despair! The right attorney can make all the difference.I hope this breakdown of Florida’s theft laws helps you understand what you’re up against. Knowledge is power, so educate yourself on the system. And contact criminal defense lawyers to explore your options. You can get through this!