Theft Crimes in Orange County, FL
The penalties for theft depend on various factors, including the value of the property stolen, any prior history of theft convictions, the circumstances under which the theft occurs, and the type of property stolen.
Florida’s theft statute, Section 812.014, F.S., prohibits a person from knowingly obtaining or using, or endeavoring to obtain or to use, the property of another with intent to either temporarily or permanently:
- deprive the other person of a right to the property or a benefit from the property; or
- appropriate the property to their own use or to the use of any person not entitled to use the property.
As a general rule, the crime of theft is charged as:
- a third degree felony if the property stolen is valued at $750 or more, but less than $20,000;
- a a second degree felony if the property stolen is $20,000 or more, but less than $100,000;
- a first degree felony if the property stolen is valued at $100,000 or more.
Florida law has specific provisions that make it a third degree to steal a firearm, a motor vehicle, or a stop sign, regardless of the value of the property.
Attorney for Theft Crimes in Orange County, FL
Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Sammis Law Firm if you were charged with petit or grand theft. We represent clients throughout Orlando and surrounding Orange County, FL.
We can help you understand how the crime is charged, the potential penalties that can be imposed, and the best ways to avoid a conviction while fighting for an outright dismissal of the charges.
We represent clients charged with petit theft, grand theft, shoplifting, retail theft, and scheme to defraud. Contact us for a free consultation.
Call 813-600-0239.
Taking Property from a Dwelling or the Unenclosed Curtilage of a Dwelling
Section 812.014(2)(d), F.S., prohibits a person from stealing property valued at $100 or more, but less than $750, when the property is taken from a dwelling or the unenclosed curtilage of a dwelling. A violation of the prohibition is a third degree felony and ranked as a Level 2 offense on the offense severity ranking chart of the Criminal Punishment Code.
A dwelling is defined as a building or conveyance of any kind, including any attached porch, whether such building or conveyance is temporary or permanent, mobile or immobile, which has a roof over it and is designed to be occupied by people lodging therein at night, together with the curtilage thereof.
The “unenclosed curtilage of a dwelling” is defined as the unenclosed land or grounds and any outbuildings directly and intimately adjacent to and connected with the dwelling and necessary, convenient, and habitually used in connection with that dwelling.
Additional Resources
Report a Theft Crime in Orlando – Some theft and other property crimes are first reported to law enforcement through an online form to the Orlando Police Department. Not all theft crimes can be reported by filing an electronic police report. Only those theft offenses that occurred within the city limits of Orlando can use this form. Theft crimes outside Orlando city limits must be reported in that jurisdiction.
Report a Theft Crime in Orange County – The Orange County Sheriff’s Office allows the public to e-report certain types of theft crimes using an online form. The form should not be used to report the theft of a weapon, firearm, or motor vehicle.
This article was last updated on November 15, 2024.
