First of all: What is a Theft Crime in South Florida?
Theft is defined as intentionally stealing or attempting to steal an item that does not belong to you.
The legal definition of theft is when a person: Purposefully acquires or uses, or attempts to acquire or to use, the property of another with the intention of temporarily or permanently:
1. Preventing the other person from a right to the property or a utility from the property.
OR
2. Seize the item for their own use or to the use of anyone else who does not have the right to the use of the item, as stated by the Florida Statute 812.014.
An important thing to remember is that theft charges are based on how much the stolen items are worth. The charge is not based on what your actions were. This is where Florida Theft charges can have life altering consequences.
There are a wide variety of theft crimes and unique classifications.
Theft crimes are categorized by the value of the item that was attempted to be stolen or was stolen. There are different penalties and fines for each different theft crime depending on the severity of the theft.
Keep reading to learn more information about petit theft, grand theft, employee theft, dealing in stolen property, failing to return leased property, insurance fraud, giving false information to a pawnbroker, and being in possession of an anti-shoplifting device. Learn more about what these crimes are and what penalties you could face if you are convicted of any of these crimes in Florida.
Petit theft
Petit theft is when someone knowingly steals or attempts to steal, something that doesn’t belong to them that is valued up to $750.
Grand theft
Grand theft is when someone knowingly steals or attempts to steal, something that doesn’t belong to them that is valued more than $750.
Employee Theft
Employee Theft in Florida is very similar to petit theft and grand theft. They all are defined as unlawfully taking money or property from an employer with the intent to permanently deprive them of their money or property.
Dealing in Stolen Property
Dealing in stolen property in Florida is defined as someone who traffics in, or attempts to traffic in, property that they know or should know was stolen.
Failure to Return Leased Property
Failure to Return Leased or Rented Property in Florida occurs where a defendant knowingly refuses to return the personal property back to the owner/victim at the conclusion of a lease or rental period.
Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud in Florida occurs when a person makes false insurance claims in order to obtain compensation or benefits to which they do not qualify for.
Giving False Information to a Pawnbroker
Giving False Information or Verification to a Pawnbroker in Florida occurs where a defendant knowingly and falsely verifies that he or she is the rightful owner of the property in order to pawn the property and receive money in exchange.
Possession of an anti-shoplifting device
Possession of an anti-shoplifting device in Florida is a third-degree felony. An anti-shoplifting or inventory control device is a device intended for the purpose of removing something from an item in an establishment that sells goods with specially marked or tagged merchandise.
Petit theft
Grand theft
Employee Theft
Dealing in Stolen Property
Failure to Return Leased Property
Insurance Fraud
Giving False Information to a Pawnbroker
Possession of an anti-shoplifting device
To conclude, Florida theft crimes can have a wide range of penalties and fines. This is one of the many reasons why you need a great criminal defense attorney on your side to protect your rights and your future. .
If you find yourself in trouble, call us to schedule a free strategy session – we’ll take the time to listen to your story and come up with a defense strategy in the very first meeting.
One mistake should not define the rest of your life – we can help ensure that it doesn’t.
We take the time and effort to fight for your rights and to provide the best legal support.
Call any of our offices to schedule a free consultation :
Fort Lauderdale: 754-206-6200
Sunrise: 754-999-2499
Boca Raton: 561-880-8181
Related: Learn more about Theft conviction penalties in Florida as well as theft diversion programs and theft charge expungement options in Florida.
HOW ROSSEN LAW FIRM WINS THEFT CASES IN SOUTH FLORIDA
Rossen Law Firm