Theft Charges in Florida

Florida theft accusations can be either a Felony or a Misdemeanor. The difference between the two is largely determined by the amount in question, or the value, of the items taken. 

The crime of theft is defined as the taking of another person’s property with the intent to deprive them of that property temporarily or permanently. In other words, you took someone’s property without permission, and you were not entitled to that property.  

Petit Theft 

• A Petit Theft charge can be a First-Degree Misdemeanor or a Second-Degree Misdemeanor

Grand Theft 

• A Grand Theft charge is a felony which can range from First-Degree to Third-Degree felony. 

Penalties for Theft

• The penalties for either a misdemeanor or a grand theft vary largely and are usually dependent on the value of the property taken or the type of property taken.  

Enhanceable Offense 

• The crime of theft is one of the few crimes that qualifies for “enhaceability.” This means that if you have previously been convicted of a theft crime and commit a similar offense in the future, your punishment could be higher than the first time, and/or the charge could be elevated from a misdemeanor to a felony. 

If you’ve been arrested or charged with the crime of theft in Southwest Florida, contact Criminal Defense Attorney Jose Nunez today.