If you or a loved one has been arrested in Melbourne, Brevard County, FL for Grand Theft, it is important to retain experienced legal counsel as early as possible. Grand Theft, as with all theft-related offenses, are some of the most stigmatizing felony charges that a person can have on their record. A theft charge can jeopardize current and future employment prospects and may also affect the ability to obtain housing, credit, and professional licensing. Clearly, a grand theft charge can have potentially lifelong consequences.
Grand Theft involves the unlawful taking of property worth more than $750. The law in Florida was recently amended to move the threshold dollar amount for grand theft from $300 to $750. To prove the crime of Grand Theft, the State must prove that the accused took or endeavored to take property from another person with the intent to either (1) deprive the person of a right to the property or benefit of the property; or (2) appropriate the property for personal use or for the use of another person not entitled to the use of the property.
There are three degrees of Grand Theft that can be committed in Florida. Below are the degrees of Grand theft followed by the definitions and maximum penalties for each.
The Property taken (1) is worth more than $100,000 or (2) is shipping cargo worth more than $50,000. Grand Theft of the First Degree is classified as a First Degree Felony. If convicted, you could face up to 30 years in prison, up to 30 years probation, and/ or a $10,000 fine.
The property taken: (1) is worth less than $100,000, but more than $20,000, (2) is shipping cargo worth less than $50,000 or (3) is emergency medical equipment worth more than $300.Grand Theft of the Second Degree is classified as a Second Degree Felony. If convicted, you could face up to 15 years in prison, up to 15 years of probation, and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
The property taken: (1) is worth less than $20,000, but more than $750, (2) is a will, codicil, or other testamentary instrument, (3) is a firearm, or (4) is a motor vehicle. Grand Theft of the Third Degree is classified as a Third Degree Felony. If convicted, you could be facing up to five (5) years in prison, 5 years of probation, and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
If you have been arrested or believe that you might be arrested for grand theft in Brevard County, FL, you should immediately contact an aggressive criminal defense attorney who is experienced in handling these matters. At The Canina Law Firm, our firm sets itself apart from others in the level of personal service that we provide. We are 100% committed to defending our clients vigorously and to keeping our clients fully informed every step of the way. With over 60 years of combined experience defending against grand theft charges in Florida, our attorneys will work hard to get you the best result possible. Contact our office today for a FREE case evaluation.
The Canina Law Firm proudly defends all residents of Brevard County and all cities and towns along Florida’s Space Coast including: Melbourne, Viera, Suntree, West Melbourne, Melbourne Village, Palm Shores, Palm Bay, Rockledge, Merritt Island, Titusville, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne Beach, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Satellite Beach, Grant, Valkaria, Micco, Barefoot Bay, Scottsmoor, Mims, and Sebastian, as well as neighboring Volusia County, Seminole County, Orange County, Osceola County, and Indian River County, FL.
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