Orlando Theft Crime Attorneys

How Does the Law Define Theft? 

In Florida, theft is defined as the willful taking, obtaining, or using of someone else’s property—or the attempt to take, obtain, or use someone else’s property—with the intention of temporarily or permanently depriving the property owner of the right to that property or to benefit from it and/or with the intention of appropriating the property for their own use or the use of another person who does not have a lawful claim to that property. This includes a wide range of actions, from taking someone else’s wallet to stealing something from a retail store to embezzlement. 

There are several different types of theft under Florida law, categorized according to the value of the stolen property: 

• Petit Theft: Petit theft, or “petty theft” as it is known in other states, is the lowest level of theft in Florida. There are different degrees of petit theft, including:
  • Second-Degree Petit Theft: The value of the stolen property is less than $100
  • First-Degree Petit Theft: The value of the stolen property is at least $100 but less than $750
• Grand Theft: Grand theft crimes are typically charged as felonies in Florida and, like petit theft, are classified according to varying degrees. These include:
  • Third-Degree Grand Theft: The value of the stolen property was at least $750 but less than $20,000; the value of the stolen property is between $100 and $750, but it was taken from someone’s home or private property; or the stolen property was a motor vehicle, a firearm, a fire extinguisher, commercial livestock, a stop sign or construction sign, anhydrous ammonia, or 2,000 or more pieces of individual fruit in any amount
• Second-Degree Grand Theft: The value of the stolen property is between $20,000 and $100,000; the value of the stolen property is between $5,000 and $20,000 and was taken in the act of looting or rioting; the stolen property is cargo carried in inter- or intrastate commerce and has a value of less than $50,000; or the stolen property is law enforcement or emergency medical equipment valued at over $299
• First-Degree Grand Theft: The value of the stolen property was $100,000 or more; the stolen property is cargo carried in inter- or intrastate cargo valued at more than $50,000; the stolen property was a semitrailer that was deployed by a police officer

Additionally, certain factors can enhance theft charges. For example, if an individual uses a motor vehicle other than a getaway car in the commission of any form of grand theft, or if an individual carries out a second-degree grand theft crime during a riot or official state of emergency, the offense will be charged as a first-degree grand theft. Similarly, if someone commits any type of grand theft that results in more than $1,000 in damage to personal property, including real estate property, the crime will be charged as a first-degree grand theft offense. 

At Ali & Blankner, our Orlando theft defense attorneys offer honest and personalized advice to every client. We evaluate the facts of your case to determine your best options; then, we present you with all your options so that you can make an informed decision about your case. 

We strongly urge you to contact us immediately if you have been accused or if your loved one has been arrested for theft. Our firm offers free initial consultations and payment plans to make the process easier for you. Our bilingual attorneys and staff can assist you in both English and Spanish, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have about your case, your rights, and your legal options.

Reach us online or by phone at (407) 753-1312. Hablamos español.