What is the Difference Between Petit Theft and Grand Theft in Florida?
If you are accused of theft in Florida, you can face criminal charges under Section 812.014 of the Florida Statutes. Yet understanding the specific charges against you may be confusing, especially if the terms “petit theft” or “grand theft” are used, when these are not how the particular offense of theft is defined at the beginning of the statute. What is the relationship among theft in general and petit theft and grand theft? And what is the difference between petit theft and grand theft under Florida law? Consider the following information from our Tampa theft crimes defense lawyers, and do not hesitate to get in touch with us for assistance with your defense if you have been arrested and charged with theft in Florida.
Petit Theft and Grand Theft Are Both Forms of Theft
The term “theft” under the Florida statutes is an overarching or umbrella term that refers to the elements of the offense, while petit theft and grand theft are the two forms of theft charges that a person can face.
Under Section 812.014(1), theft is defined as follows:
“A person commits theft if he or she knowingly obtains or uses, or endeavors to obtain or to use, the property of another with intent to, either temporarily or permanently: a) Deprive the other person of a right to the property or a benefit from the property, or 2) Appropriate the property to his or her own use or to the use of any person not entitled to the use of the property.”
Difference Between Petit Theft and Grand Theft
When a person is accused of theft under one of the definitions cited above, they will face charges either for petit theft or grand theft — it will depend on a number of factors, including the value of the property alleged to have been stolen, the type of property (in some circumstances), and the person’s previous criminal record (where applicable).
Petit theft is the lesser charge in terms of seriousness, while grand theft is the more serious charge. Petit theft will generally be charged as a misdemeanor while grand theft will typically be charged as a felony. Within those categories, petit theft charges or grand theft charges can be more serious based on the factors cited above.
In general, petit theft is charged when property stolen is valued at under $750. As soon as the property is valued at $750 or more, a person will be facing grand theft charges. At the same time, it is important to know that certain types of property stolen, or the location of the property stolen, can result in grand theft charges even if the value of the property is minimal — such as property stolen from inside a dwelling, or a firearm stolen when the person has a previous criminal record for the offense.
Contact Our Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyers for Assistance with State Theft Charges in Florida
Even a conviction for petit theft can have serious consequences. No matter what type of theft charges you are facing, it is essential to seek help with your defense from one of the experienced Tampa theft crimes defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Daniel J. Fernandez, P.A. Contact our firm today.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0800-0899/0812/Sections/0812.014.html
