Grand Theft Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale
In Florida, there is a distinction between theft and grand left, with the latter being a more significant charge. The distinction comes down to the monetary value of the stolen property. If the value is less than $750, the charge will be petit theft. However, it becomes grand theft when the amount is above $750.
Not every grand theft case is clear-cut, nor should you automatically plead guilty if you are arrested. The Law Offices of R. David Williams, P.A., will thoroughly look at the facts of your case to determine whether the charges have merit.
The Definition of Grand Theft
The burden is on the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you did the following:
- Knowingly and unlawfully obtained or used or endeavored to use or obtain someone else’s property
- Knowingly and unlawfully obtained or used the property to temporarily or permanently deprive the victim of his right to the property
- Appropriated the property of the victim to his or her own use or to the use of any person not entitled to it
Call The Law Offices of R. David Williams today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Fort Lauderdale grand theft lawyer.
Penalties For Third- And Second-Degree Grand Theft In Florida
There are three types of grand theft charges in Florida: third degree, second degree, and first degree. The charge will depend on the value of the items the person takes as well as the type of property.
Third-degree grand theft is a third-degree felony. It carries a punishment of up to five years in prison or five years of probation. If the person is found guilty, he or she will have to pay a fine of up to $5,000. Third-degree grand theft occurs when the value the person takes is more than $750 but less than $20,000. It will also be a third-degree charge if the property the person takes is a firearm, motor vehicle, controlled substance, or will.
A second-degree grand theft charge can lead to a 15-year prison sentence or 15 years of probation. There will also be a $10,000 fine. This charge applies when the property value is more than $20,000 but less than $100,000. It will also be a second-degree charge if the person takes emergency medical equipment or law enforcement equipment valued at $300 or more.
First-Degree Felony Grand Theft
The most serious charge is a first-degree felony. This will be the charge when the defendant has allegedly taken at least $100,000 worth of property. A first-degree charge can also come if the person stole cargo valued at $50,000 that has entered “the stream of interstate or intrastate commerce from the shoppers loading platform to the consignee’s receiving dock.”
A first-degree felony can also occur when a person has stolen a semi-trailer that was deployed by a law enforcement officer. This charge carries penalties of up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Your Defense Possibilities
A charge of grand theft can be frightening and negatively impact the rest of your life. Fortunately, there are common ways for your lawyer to build a defense strategy in such cases. Lack of intent is perhaps the most common defense option. If you had a good faith belief that you owned the property or had joint ownership, you might be able to win your case. Your lawyer might also claim that you obtained the property for a lawful purpose or that you acted out of necessity or duress. You also may have believed that you had the consent of the owner to take the property.
Why Choose An Attorney?
With the right legal representative on your side, you can have peace of mind in knowing that you can build an effective case. The Law Offices of R. David Williams will protect your rights and look out for your interests. We have the necessary experience in grand theft law and possess intimate knowledge about proper procedures in such cases. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with our Fort Lauderdale grand theft lawyer, so that we may discuss the details of your case and explore possible defense options.