Grand Theft Auto Crimes in Florida
The crime of “grand theft” charge under Section 812.014(1)(a) and (b), F.S., requires proof that a person knowingly obtains or uses, or endeavors to obtain or use, the property of another with the intent to either temporarily or permanently:
- Deprive the person of a right to the property or a benefit from the property; or
- Appropriate the property to the use of the person so appropriating or to the use of any person not entitled to the use of the property.
If the property stolen is a motor vehicle, then the crime is charged as “grand theft auto” under Section 812.014(2)(c)6., F.S., a a third degree felony, regardless of the value of the automobile stolen.
Suppose the value of the stolen motor vehicle exceeds $100,000 or holds cargo valued at $50,000 or more that entered the stream of interstate or intrastate commerce from the shipper’s loading platform to the consignee’s receiving dock. In that case, the crime is classified as grand theft of the first degree, a first degree felony under Section 812.014(2)(a)1. and 2., F.S.
If the value of the stolen motor vehicle is $20,000 or more, but less than $100,000, or if it holds cargo valued at less than $50,000 that entered the stream of interstate or intrastate commerce from the shipper’s loading platform to the consignee’s receiving dock, then the crime is charged as grand theft of the second degree, a second degree felony. s. 812.014(2)(b)1. and 2., F.S.
A conviction for grand theft motor vehicle also comes with a revocation of driving privileges for one year. In those cases, the clerk will prepare a notice to revoke driving privileges in a grand theft motor vehicle case according to Florida Statutes 322.274 and 812.014(2)(c)(6).
Attorney for Grand Theft Auto in Tampa, FL
If you were charged with grand theft in Florida, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Sammis Law Firm.
Our six attorneys represent clients charged with various theft crimes throughout the greater Tampa Bay area, including in Hernando County, Pasco County, Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, and Polk County, FL.
Visit our main office in downtown Tampa, FL, just a few blocks from the courthouse. We have offices in New Port Richey in Pasco County, directly across from the West Pasco Judicial Center, and Clearwater in Pinellas County, near the Criminal Justice Center (CJC) courthouse.
Call 813-250-0500.
Statistics on Motor Vehicle Theft in Hillsborough County, FL
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office 2018 Fact Book, 1,164 vehicle thefts were reported stolen in Hillsborough County in 2017.
The number of grand theft motor vehicle crimes in Hillsborough County in 2017 represented a decrease of 52.8% of such reports over the past decade.
Statute of Limitations for Grand Theft Auto
According to Florida Statute 812.035(10), grand theft, including grand theft auto, has a statute of limitations of five years which controls instead of the general statute of limitations otherwise applicable in all criminal cases under section 775.15.
This article was last updated on Friday, May 26, 2023.
