Theft and property crimes are usually committed when someone knowingly takes or uses the property of someone else, either permanently or temporarily, with the intent to keep the property for their use or someone else’s that is not the rightful owner. Some common theft and property crimes in Florida can include:
- Retail Theft / Shoplifting
- Dealing in Stolen Property
- Grand Theft
- Petit Theft
- Arson
- Burglary
- Breaking and Entering
- Larceny
- Grand Theft Auto
- Criminal Mischief
- Vandalism
Often alleged offenders who commit theft and property crimes think they are petty crimes, and will not really get in trouble. However, these types of offenses can lead to severe punishments and jail time and/or fines. They can even serve as a roadblock towards future and current employment opportunities.
Tallahassee Theft Defense Lawyer
If you have been charged with theft or a property crime in Leon County or surrounding counties, an experienced attorney can analyze the facts of your case and potentially find mitigating circumstances to reduce your charges or have them dropped altogether. If you have been charged with a Florida theft or property crime, contact Don Pumphrey, Jr. today for a consultation about your alleged offense in Tallahassee.
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Florida Theft and Property Crimes Information Center
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Florida Charges for Theft and Property Crimes
- Retail Theft / Shoplifting – Florida Statutes § 812.015 – Someone can be charged with this offense if they have taken merchandise or property out of a store, changed a label or price tag, or moved merchandise to a different container with the intent deprive the merchant of the item.
- Dealing in Stolen Property - § 812.019 – if someone knowingly participates in trafficking property they knew was stolen or organizes others who deal in stolen property, they can be convicted of this offense.
- Grand Theft – § 812.014 – Grand thefts can be in the first, second or third degree, and typically involve knowingly taking someone else’s property valued at $300 or more with the intent to deprive that person of the property.
- Petit Theft – § 812.014 – Petit theft can be in the first or second degree, and is any theft not classified as grand theft, or property valued at less than $300.
- Arson - § 806.01 – This offense can be in the first degree or second degree, and involves damaging a structure intentionally by fire or explosion
- Burglary - § 810.02 – This offense is defined as entering into a building that is not open to the public with the intent to commit a crime in that building.
- Criminal Mischief - § 806.13 – Someone can be charged with this offense intentionally damage property belonging to someone else.
- Vandalism – Someone can be found guilty of vandalism if they knowingly or intentionally destroy the property of someone else.
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Other Possible Repercussions for Theft Crimes
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If someone is convicted of any degree of Petit Theft under the Florida Fingerprint Requirement, they are required to have their fingerprints taken in court and their name will go into a national database for employers background checks.
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If an offender is found guilty of any theft misdemeanors, the court can order their driver’s license suspended for six months to one year, and if someone has previously been convicted of the offense, the court must suspend their license.
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For offenders found guilty of any theft, the court can also impose a supplemental fine, in addition to the criminal penalties for the offense, up to double the gross value of the property, plus the costs of investigation and prosecution.
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Offenders can also face civil remedies.
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Penalties for Theft and Property Crimes in Florida
Petit Theft in the second degree and Criminal Mischief that causes damage in the amount of less than $200 are misdemeanors of the second degree. These misdemeanors can incur up to 60 days imprisonment and/or fines up to $500
Petit Theft in the first degree and Criminal Mischief that causes damage in the amount of $201 to $1000 are misdemeanors of the first degree. These misdemeanors can include imprisonment up to one year and/or fines up to $1,000.
Someone who commits Retail Theft / Shoplifting if the property is valued at $300 or more, Grand Theft in Third Degree, or Criminal Mischief that causes damage in an amount greater than $1000 can be convicted of a felony of the third degree. These felonies can involve Florida prison time of five years or less and/or fines up to $5,000.
Someone can be convicted of a felony of the second degree if they commit Retail Theft / Shoplifting in an amount of $3,000 or more, knowingly participate in Dealing in Stolen Property, Grand Theft in the Second Degree, Burglary, and Arson in the second degree. These felonies can include up to 15 years in state prison and/or fines not exceeding $10,000.
Dealing in Stolen Property if someone organizes, plans or directs others in dealing with stolen property, Grand Theft in the First Degree, armed Burglary or aggravated Burglary, and Arson in the first degree are felonies of the first degree. A conviction for these felonies can lead to imprisonment up to 30 years and possibly life imprisonment, depending on the crime and/or fines up to $10,000.
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Theft and Property Crime Resources in Florida
National Association for Shoplifting Prevention – This non-profit organization seeks to prevent shoplifting nationwide.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement – A Florida governmental agency that promotes public safety by preventing, investigating and solving crimes. The Department is located at:
2331 Phillips Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
(850) 410-7640
Cleptomaniacs and Shoplifters Anonymous – This group is dedicated to helping those recover from shoplifting addiction and kleptomania.
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The Law Offices of Don Pumphrey, Jr. | Tallahassee Property Crime Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with a theft or property crime in Leon County, Tallahassee, contact Don Pumphrey, Jr., of the Law Offices of Don Pumphrey, Jr. to discuss the facts of your particular case. An experienced Leon County criminal defense attorney may be able to use a defense or exception to Florida laws to have your charge dismissed or reduced. Lawyer Don Pumphrey, Jr. is familiar with Florida theft and property crime laws, and will aggressively fight your criminal charge. Contact Don Pumphrey, Jr. at (850) 681-7777 for a consultation about your alleged theft or property crime.