One of the most commonly charged felony theft offenses prosecuted under Florida law is Grand Theft. The charge of grand theft is serious because it is both a felony charge and a crime of dishonesty which will show up in even the most basic background check. The goal in many of these cases is to get the charged dropped or to avoid a conviction so the crime can be sealed or expunged.
In many cases, law enforcement may also seek to charge related crimes like conspiracy and defrauding. The penalties and punishments for grand theft depend on the value of the property taken.
Melbourne Grand Theft Attorney
If you have been arrested for any grand theft charge then contact the criminal defense attorneys at Germain Legal. We can discuss the facts and circumstances of your case to help you determine the best course of action for any case in Melbourne or Brevard County, FL.
As experienced and knowledgeable attorneys, Mark Germain will make certain you are well taken care of while being represented in the most professional and productive manner possible.
Our office is located in Melbourne, Florida and we proudly serve the surrounding communities of Palm Bay, Titusville, Rockledge, Merritt Island, Cocoa, and Satellite Beach in Brevard County, Vero Beach and Sebastian in Indian River County, Deltona and Dayton Beach in Volusia County, and Kissimmee and Poinciana in Osceola County.
Contact Germain Legal by calling (321) 775-3559 or submit an online form today to start building your defense.
Grand Theft under Florida Law
According to Fla. Stat. §812.005, theft occurs when the following two elements are involved:
- The person accused of theft unlawfully and knowingly used or obtained or endeavored to use or obtain the property that was allegedly taken from the victim;
- The person accused of theft did so with the intent to permanently or temporarily deprive the victim of his or her right to the property or any benefit from the property
Degrees of Grand Theft under Florida Law
There are three categories that a grand theft allegation can be placed under. It can either be a first, second or third-degree charge, depending on the value of the stolen property. The current charge degrees are as follows:
Grand Theft – Third Degree
If the value of the property was more than $300 then the crime is typically charged as “grand theft.” Grand theft is also divided into various degrees based on the value of the stolen property.
If the value of the property taken is $300 or more but less than $5,000 then the crime is typically charged as grand theft in the third degree which is punishable by up to five years in Florida State Prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
If the value of the property taken is $5,000 or more but less than $10,000 then the crime is typically charged as grand theft in the third degree which is punishable by up to five years in Florida State Prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
If the value of the property taken is $10,000 or more but less than $20,000 then the crime is typically charged as grand theft in the third degree which is punishable by up to five years in Florida State Prison and/or a $5,000 fine (812.014(2)(c)).
Grand Theft – Second Degree
If the value of the property taken is $20,000 or more but less than $100,000 then the crime is typically charged as grand theft in the first degree which is punishable by up to thirty years in Florida State Prison and/or a $10,000 fine (812.014(2)(b)).
Grand Theft – First Degree
If the value of the property taken was $100,000 or more then the crime is typically charged as grand theft in the first degree which is punishable by up to thirty years in Florida State Prison and/or a $10,000 fine (812.014(2)).
Related Grand Theft Criminal Charges
There are many different scenarios in which a grand theft charge may be the result. Some of the most common transgressions include:
Worthless checks – Depending on the value of the check the offense of presenting a worthless check can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. Find out what defense apply to this crime of dishonesty and possible ways to avoid a conviction.
False information to pawnbroker – The State of Florida heavily regulates pawnshops. When a person presents false information to a pawnbroker it is usually for the purpose of selling recently stolen property. Law enforcement officers aggressively investigate these charges.
Dealing in stolen property – When an individual is found in possession of recently stolen property, the law enforcement officer often has a difficult time showing exactly how the taking occurred. In many of these cases the police will charge the crime as “dealing or trafficking in stolen property.”
Criminal mischief – The crime of criminal mischief can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the amount of damage and whether any prior convictions exist.
Additional Resources
Stolen Vehicles Search – If your car was recently stolen, follow the attached link to access the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s stolen vehicle search. You’ll then need to get in contact with local law enforcement and file a report.
Felony Theft Criminal Defense Attorney in Brevard County
If you have been charged with grand theft in Melbourne or Brevard County, FL, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Germain Legal.
We can help you fight the theft charges and assert criminal defense strategies that may help you protect yourself against the criminal accusation.
Our office is located in Melbourne, Florida and we proudly serve the surrounding communities of Palm Bay, Titusville, Rockledge, Merritt Island, Cocoa, and Satellite Beach in Brevard County, Vero Beach and Sebastian in Indian River County, Deltona and Dayton Beach in Volusia County, and Kissimmee and Poinciana in Osceola County.
Contact Germain Legal by calling (321) 775-3559 or submit an online form today to start building your defense.
