Property Theft

Section 812.014, F.S., provides that a person commits theft if he or she knowingly obtains or uses, or endeavors to obtain or 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 his or her own use or to the use of any person not entitled to the use of the property.

The penalties for theft depend on a variety of factors including the value of the property taken and sometimes the type of property taken.

Attorneys for Property Theft Crimes in Tampa, FL

If you are charged with any type of property theft crime, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Sammis Law Firm. We fight a variety of theft charges including petit theft, grand theft, retail theft, and dealing in stolen property.

We also represent clients on property crimes including criminal mischief, trespass, and arson. Contact us to discuss your felony or misdemeanor case, the pending charges, and the best defenses that might apply to your theft case in Tampa, FL.

Call (813) 250-0500.

Petit Theft Crimes in Florida

Under Section 812.014(3)(a), F.S., petit theft is:

• a second-degree misdemeanor, if the property taken is valued at less than $100 (a second-degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500);
• a first-degree misdemeanor if the property is valued at $100 or more but less than $300 (a first-degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000);

The penalties for petit theft are greater if there is a prior theft conviction:

• a first-degree misdemeanor if there is one prior conviction; and
• a third-degree felony if there are two or more prior convictions.

Grand Theft Crimes in Florida

Grand theft can be charged as a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. A third-degree felony for  grand theft requires proof beyond all reasonable doubt of the following elements:

• the property is valued at $300 or more, but less than $20,000; 
• the property is specified as:
  • a will, codicil, or testamentary instrument;
  • a firearm;
  • any commercially farmed animal, bee colony, aquaculture species or citrus fruit of over 2,000 pieces;
  • any fire extinguisher;
  • any stop sign;
  • property taken from a designated, posted construction site; and
  • property from a dwelling or its unenclosed curtilage if the property is valued at $100 or more, but less than $300.

 This article was last updated on Friday, June 1, 2018.