Grand Theft

Tampa Grand Theft Defense Attorney

Unlawfully taking property from another individual can have serious consequences that can follow you around for years to come. There are a variety of ways in which you may be charged with grand theft in Florida. The threshold for being charged with grand theft is relatively low in Florida, and this is something that many people are not aware of. What you may believe is a minor act of stealing a particular piece of property has the potential for exposing you to serious jail time and the requirement to pay hefty fines.

Further, individuals accused of committing grand theft in Florida are not aware of how much particular property is worth at the time it is taken. This can be dangerous because an individual may believe he or she is stealing property with little worth, when in fact the property is worth enough to be considered grand theft, with $300 being the minimum value necessary to be considered grand theft.

In addition to the value of the property, the type of property that was taken may result in a Florida grand theft charge even if the value of such property is worth less than $300. As such, you should be fully aware of how your particular grand theft charge will be treated in court. The only way to have a complete understanding of the charges against you is to consult with a Tampa Theft Defense Attorney.

Marc A. Joseph, P.A. has been providing excellent legal representation to clients for more than 16 years, and has the resources and skill necessary to fight any grand theft charge. Because there is so much at stake, you need representation that stands out from the rest, and Marc A. Joseph, P.A. a Grand Theft Defense Attorney in Tampa, has superior experience and trial skills to provide his clients the best defense possible.

Grand Theft in Florida

Under Florida law, grand theft is considered a felony, and the more serious the conduct is, the more serious the consequences will be if you are convicted of grand theft. Florida classifies grand theft into the following categories:

  • Third Degree Grand Theft – An individual may be charged with and convicted of third degree grand theft if he or she knowingly obtains, uses, or tries to use the property of another with the intent to temporarily or permanently deprive that person of the property. The property at issue must be valued at a minimum of $300, but less than $20,000 to be considered grand theft in the third degree. However, if the property at issue is a will or other testamentary instrument, a firearm, a motor vehicle (with exceptions), any commercially farmed animal, a fire extinguisher, or a stop sign, just to name a few, the property does not need to be worth at least $300 to result in a grand theft conviction.
  • Second Degree Grand Theft – An individual may be charged with and convicted of second degree grand theft if he or she knowingly obtains, uses, or tries to use the property of another with the intent to temporarily or permanently deprive that person of the property. The property at issue must be valued at a minimum of $20,000, but less than $100,000 to be considered grand theft in the second degree.
  • First Degree Grand Theft – An individual may be charged with and convicted of first degree grand theft if he or she knowingly obtains, uses, or tries to use the property of another with the intent to temporarily or permanently deprive that person of the property. The property at issue must be valued at $100,000 or greater to be considered grand theft in the first degree.

    • While the guidelines above generally define how grand theft charges are treated in Florida, it is important to speak with a Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney highly familiar with Florida grand theft law, as there are usually exceptions to many rules that may apply to your given situation, depending on the unique facts of your case. Marc A. Joseph, P.A. utilizes his prior experience and available resources to minimize the negative impact a Florida grand theft charge may have on you.

Consequences of Grand Theft in Florida

If convicted of grand theft, you will be sentenced according to the severity of your particular grand theft charge. Such consequences under Florida law are as follows:

  • Third Degree Felony – If convicted of third degree grand theft, you face a third degree felony which carries with it the potential for jail time of not more than five years, and the imposition of fines not to exceed $5,000.
  • Second Degree Felony – If convicted of second degree grand theft, you face a second degree felony which carries with it the potential for jail time of not more than fifteen years, and the imposition of fines not to exceed $10,000.
  • First Degree Felony – If convicted of first degree grand theft, you face a first degree felony which carries with it the potential for jail time of not more than thirty years, and the imposition of fines not to exceed $10,000.

    • It is important to keep in mind that if there are any extenuating circumstances that make your grand theft charge unique or more serious, then there may be other, additional penalties imposed if you are ultimately convicted. For example, if an individual is seriously injured or killed while you have allegedly committed grand theft, then the potential jail time and the imposition of fines may exceed the range of punishment described above.

    Because grand theft is a felony in Florida, and the threshold is rather low (i.e., stealing a stop sign is considered grand theft), it is crucial that you consult with a Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney who handles grand theft charges on a regular basis. Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Marc A. Joseph, P.A. has the tools you need in order to receive legal representation that will provide you with the best defense possible to your Florida grand theft charge. Marc A. Joseph, P.A. knows what to expect from the prosecution and what options you have for moving forward. You have too much to risk by moving forward without the help of an outstanding Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney.

    Contact Tampa Grand Theft Defense Attorney Marc A. Joseph, P.A. Today for a Free Consultation

    Grand theft is a much more serious crime than many Tampa residents realize. Even though a person may not be harmed or killed at the time someone allegedly commits grand theft, a convicted individual still faces jail time and the imposition of fines. Having a strong Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney standing by your side is essential to successfully defending your Florida grand theft charge. With more than 16 years of experience defending his clients’ rights to the fullest extent possible, Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Marc A. Joseph, P.A. has the skill and dedication needed to provide his clients with the superior legal representation that they deserve. If you or a loved one has been charged with grand theft in Florida, it is important that you consider speaking with Marc A. Joseph, P.A. right away following arrest. To schedule your free consultation with Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Marc A. Joseph, P.A., contact our office today by calling (813) 234-6374. Marc A. Joseph, P.A. also provides Petit Theft Legal Defense in Tampa, and is available 24/7 to answer your questions and address your concerns.

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