Tampa Theft Crime Lawyers
Charged With Grand Theft? Work with Knowledgeable Defense Lawyers!
As defined by § 812.014 of the Florida Statutes, grand theft is a
crime that involves the unlawful taking – both temporarily and permanently
– of another’s property. Grand theft can involve the taking
of money and property and is an offense that carries stiff penalties.
Florida law identifies the following grand theft charges and penalizes:
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Third-Degree Grand Theft – When stolen property is values between $300 and $20,000, individuals can
face charges for grand theft in the third degree. The taking of other
specific property may also constitute third-degree grand theft, including
theft of a firearm, motor vehicle, and any amount of controlled substance.
As a third-degree felony, this charge can carry up to 5 years imprisonment
and up to $5,000 in fines.
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Second-Degree Grand Theft - Grand theft in the second degree involves the theft of property valued
between $20,000 and $100,000. Considered a “specific intent”
crime, this charge and all other grand theft charges require prosecutors
to prove that the accused individual intentionally sought to steal another’s
property – a factor that can be disproved with the help of experienced
defense lawyers.
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First-Degree Grand Theft - Grand theft in the first degree is a first-degree felony that involves
the taking of property valued at more than $100,000. This offense can
also include stolen interstate cargo worth less than $50,000, stolen medical
equipment from an emergency vehicle worth $300 or more, or law enforcement
equipment worth $300 or more. Penalties for first-degree grand theft can
be harsh – a maximum of 30 years imprisonment and fines as much
as $10,000.
It is important to note that penalties can vary from case to case, and
is largely dependent on the specificities of the offense and a defendant’s
criminal history. Prior theft offenses, for example, can lead to enhanced
charges and penalties. With any grand theft charge, however, the consequences
can be harsh and a cause for long-term challenges with employment, housing,
or other areas of one’s life.
Act Fast: Make the Most Important Call You Can
After being charged with a crime as serious as grand theft, working with
a seasoned
criminal defense lawyer becomes crucially important.
Our team has
more than 75 years of collective legal experience, includes
former prosecutors who know how the government handles these cases, and is driven by the
belief that everyone deserves to protect their future and their right
to due process. Our experience and insight into the criminal justice system
has allowed us to secure many positive results on behalf of individuals
charged with theft-related crimes.
If you or someone you love has been charged with grand theft,
call Darrigo, Diaz & Jimenez at (813) 774-3341. It could be the most important call you make.