Marc A. Joseph, P.A.

Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney
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Theft Crimes

The crime of theft is generally covered in Florida Statutes Chapter 812. Theft under the statute is defined as a person who knowingly obtains or uses the property of another with the intent to deprive the owner or possessor of the use of property either on a permanent or temporary basis. Whether a theft offender is charged with a misdemeanor or a felony will depend on the value of what has been stolen and whether the offender has any prior convictions. Thefts which are misdemeanors are known as “petit theft” or “petty theft”, and a felony theft is known as “grand theft”. A theft is considered a misdemeanor of the first degree if the property stolen has a $100-$300 value. An offender who is accused of committing a petty theft and has a prior theft conviction can be charged with a first degree misdemeanor. An offender who is accused of committing petty theft and already has two prior theft convictions can be charged with a third degree felony. Theft is a third degree felony punishable by up to five years imprisonment when the property is valued at $300 or more. Penalties are usually increased where the value of the property exceeds $5,000, and may constitute a second degree felony or first degree felony depending on the value of the property and other factors.
Theft crimes are known as crimes of dishonesty that have serious consequences such as:

• Loss of professional or occupational licenses
• Loss of college scholarships
• Mandatory fines and costs
• Probation and community service
• Suspension of your driver’s license
• Possible jail time
• Possible loss of job

If you have been arrested for a theft crime, contact Marc A. Joseph, P.A. We will work diligently to prepare a successful defense for you as well as find out if there is a way to reduce the charges against you.
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