Vending Machine
Pursuant to Section 877.08(3), Fla.Stat., to rove the crime of Vending Machine Theft, the prosecution must prove the following three elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- the defendant molested, opened, broke, injured, damaged, or inserted any part of his or her body or any instrument into a coin-operated vending machine or parking meter;
- the defendant intended to commit larceny; and
- the coin-operated vending machine or parking meter was the property of another person.
A violation of Section 877.08(3) is charged as a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $500 fine. A second offense for theft of a vending machine is punishable as a felony of the third degree, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
The standard jury instruction for vending machine theft, adopted in 1981, is found in Chapter 29.11.
Attorney for Vending Machine Theft in Florida
If you were arrested for theft of a vending machine or parking meter, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Sammis Law Firm. We represent clients charged with theft crimes throughout the greater Tampa Bay area.
When it comes to any felony or misdemeanor theft crime in Florida, the consequences are harsh. After an accusation, contact an attorney for a free consultation to learn more about the elements of the offense, the potential penalties, and the best defenses.
Our main office is located in downtown Tampa in Hillsborough County, FL. We have a second office located in New Port Richey in Pasco County.
Call 813-250-0500.
Definition of Coin-operated Vending Machine
The team “coin-operated vending machine” or “parking meter” is defined as any machine, contrivance, or device that is adapted for use in such a way that, as a result of the insertion of any money, coin or other object, the machine, contrivance, parking meter, or device operates or may be operated and the user becomes entitled to receive any food, drink, telephone or telegraph service, insurance protection, parking privilege or any other personal property, service, protection, right, or privilege of any kind or nature whatsoever.”
This article was last updated on Friday, January 21, 2022.
