At Bottari & Doyle, we understand that sometimes people make poor decisions during challenging times. We also understand that sometimes making the right choice for you and your family may have included breaking the law. That is why we work to understand your situation when you come to speak to our criminal lawyers about your legal situation.
We're committed to fighting for your rights and working to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. We have handled various shoplifting, larceny, and grand theft cases, and we are prepared to put our experience to work for you.
Types of Theft in Florida
Grand Theft may be either a first degree, second degree or third degree felony depending on the value and/or nature of the stolen property. Penalties for grand theft can include prison time, probation, restitution to the victim, and expensive fines.
Grand Theft – First Degree: Occurs when the stolen property was:
- Valued at $100,000 or more
Grand Theft – Second Degree: Occurs when the stolen property was:
- Valued at $20,000 or more, but less than $100,000
Grand Theft – Third Degree: Occurs when the stolen property was:
- Valued at $750.00 but less than $20,000.00
- The property was a will, codicil or other testamentary instrument.
- A firearm.
- A motor vehicle.
- Any commercially farmed animal.
- A fire extinguisher.
- Any amount of citrus fruit consisting of 2,000 or more individual pieces of fruit.
- Taken from a designated construction site identified by the posting of a sign.
- Any stop sign.
- Anhydrous ammonia.
- Any amount of a controlled substance.
- Valued at $100 or more, but less than $750.00 and is taken from a dwelling or the curtilage of a dwelling.
Penalties for Grand Theft in Boca Raton
A defendant who is convicted of third-degree Grand Theft can be sentenced to a maximum prison sentence of 5 years in prison and a $5,000.00 fine. The Florida Criminal Punishment assigns 10 points to a person convicted of Grand Theft. A judge cannot sentence a defendant with less than 22 points to prison unless the judge finds the defendant is a danger to the community. However, a defendant with a grand theft conviction can easily score over 22 points if he or she has a prior record. This is because every prior conviction is assigned a certain number of points.
- A defendant who is convicted of second-degree Grand Theft can be sentenced to a maximum prison sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.00
- A defendant who is convicted of first-degree Grand Theft can be sentenced to a maximum prison sentence of 30 years in prison and a $10,000.00 fine.
Grand Theft Auto in Boca Raton
A person who steals someone else's vehicle commits a felony of the third degree. Grand Theft Auto is punishable by up to five years in state prison and a $5,000.00 fine.
Petit Theft in Boca Raton
A person who steals property valued at $100.00 but less than $750.00 commits a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in the county jail and a $1,000.00 fine.
A person who steals property valued at less than $100.00 commits a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in the county jail and a $500.00 fine.
A person who is convicted of two petit theft offenses, regardless of the value the item stolen commits a first-degree misdemeanor.
How can I get theft charges dropped in Boca Raton?
A person who has no criminal record is in a better position to have his or her charges dropped or reduced. The defense attorneys at Bottari & Doyle have had their client's theft charges dropped after speaking to the state prosecutor. You may be eligible to participate in a theft diversion program. If this is your second or third offense, your charges can still be dropped or reduced depending on the facts of your case.
Do I need a Criminal Defense Lawyer for Grand Theft?
Yes. If you've been charged with Grand Theft for any amount, you should speak to a criminal attorney immediately to learn more about your possible defenses. The most common defenses applied to theft charges include but are not limited to:
- Consent: The Defendant believed that he or she had the owner's consent to take the owner's property.
- No intent to steal the property of another: The Defendant had a good faith belief that he or she owned the property, had a possessory interest in the property or had joint ownership in the property.
Why Bottari & Doyle?
When our criminal defense team represents you, you'll benefit from advice and assistance in the following steps of your legal case:
- We'll investigate and determine if your legal rights were violated at any point in your arrest.
- We'll gather critical evidence and facts, such as 911 reports, witness statements, video evidence, social media research, and more.
- After assessing all possible scenarios and outcomes, we'll walk you through the options and give our honest recommendations so that you can make the best decision for you and your family.
- If your case goes to trial, we will stand up for you and fight for your rights at every turn throughout the court and legal process.
Contact Us
Contact a Boca Raton theft attorney from Bottari & Doyle at (561) 588-2781 for a confidential and complimentary case evaluation.
