Theft Crimes

Theft can be defined as "the taking of another person's property without that person's permission or consent with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of it." This could include a wide range of unlawful acts, as the definition is broad enough to include several different types of theft under the law. Florida Code §812.014 further explains that theft can even include temporary seizure of another's property with the intent to benefit from it or deprive the other person of their rightful ownership of it.

Common Theft Offenses

Types of theft that can be prosecuted under the law include:

Petty theft
Grand theft
Identity theft
Embezzlement
Shoplifting
Bank fraud
Mortgage fraud
Credit card theft
Robbery
Insurance fraud
Computer fraud
Government fraud

All of these instances of theft can carry serious consequences if found guilty. Theft has even been broadened under the scope of Florida law to include things like fraud, as well, and a conviction of this type of charge will bring a whole slew of penalties against the offender.

Potential Penalties

Depending on the value of the stolen property, penalties will be waged accordingly. The biggest difference in punishment for theft crime, however, is in considering whether it was a petty theft or grand theft.

First Degree Petty Theft: (Property must be valued between $100 and $299) Penalties include a fine of $1,000 and a maximum jail sentence of 1 year
Second Degree Petty Theft: (Property must be valued at less than $100) Penalties include a fine of $500 and a maximum jail sentence of 60 days
First Degree Grand Theft: (Property must be valued at $100,000 or more) Penalties include a fine of $10,000 and a maximum prison sentence of 30 years
Second Degree Grand Theft: (Property must be valued between $20,000 and $99,000) Penalties include a fine of $10,000 and a maximum prison sentence of 15 years
Third Degree Grand Theft: (Property must be valued between $300 and $19,000) Penalties include a $5,000 fine and a maximum jail sentence of 5 years