Property Theft

The definition of property theft covers a wide array of crimes. It includes crimes like grand theft and burglary, both of which could result in vastly different sentences. With many of the property crimes, a defendant could be charged with a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value of the property stolen.

Property theft is a specific intent crime, which means that the prosecutor must prove that the defendant intended to cause a particular result. In the case of property theft, that “particular result” is to obtain or use property knowing or intending to temporarily, or permanently, deprive the owner of its value or use.

Attorney for Property Theft in Pensacola, Florida

Considering that property theft may result in varying consequences, navigating through the potential punishments can be difficult. Talking to an experienced criminal defense attorney can be extremely helpful in understanding your charges.

Call criminal defense attorney John Terrezza at (850) 764-5291 or submit a free evaluation form for insight into your case.

If you or someone you know has been charged with property theft, act immediately to protect your rights. John Terrezza takes cases in Escambia County, in Santa Rosa County in Milton, and federal cases in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida.

Types of Property Theft under Florida Law in Chapter 812

There are several different types of property theft crimes, and their punishments sometimes depend on the value of property stolen or the method by which it was stolen.

Petit Theft:

If the property's value is less than $300, then the charge is petit theft. The punishment for petit theft is usually a misdemeanor unless the defendant is a habitual offender.

The misdemeanor penalty for petit theft could result to up to 364 days in jail and up to $1,000 fines

Grand Theft:

On the other hand, charges for grand theft may range from third-to-first-degree felony charges.

The most serious, first-degree felony grand theft is punishable by up to thirty (30) years in prison and up to $20,000 in fines.

Schemes and Crimes of Dishonesty:

Theft crimes are all called “crimes of dishonesty.” The idea being that a person’s conduct lacked transparency or their conduct was a violation of trust. A conviction for property theft has ramifications that may go beyond the criminal charges associated with it. Crimes of dishonesty affect your ability to get loans, a job, or to apply for certain licenses.

People who commit crimes of dishonesty are sometimes first time offenders who have never committed a crime before. They may also be repeat offender shoplifters or “bootleggers” selling stolen goods. Property crimes consist of a wide range of behaviors.

Other Types of Property Theft Charges

Scheme to Defraud – involves a series of conduct that ultimately results in the victim being deprived of property or the value of the property.
Dealing in Stolen Property – stealing property and reselling it to someone else or purchasing stolen property and reselling it.
Shoplifting – stealing from retailers or switching the price tags on retail items. The penalties for shoplifting depend on the value of the property stolen.
Robbery - taking property from another person using fear or force tactics. Robbery is defined under Florida Statute §812.13
Burglary – secretly entering or remaining in a structure with intent to commit an offense (other than trespass) within that structure.
Embezzlement – when a person uses his or her position in a company or job to steal from that company or job.

Additional Resources

Florida Chapter 812 Theft Crimes –Visit Online Sunshine, the official website of the Florida Legislature, for the list various statutes relating to property theft, grand theft petit theft, and other types of property theft crimes. The crimes listed in Chapter 812 will have the full statutory language for all theft crimes charged under Florida law.

Shoplifting Law –Visit Shoplifting Laws; Shoplifting Charges and Penalties Nationwide, for more information on being charged with petit theft, or grand theft for shoplifting.

Theft Crimes Analysis --Visit the Florida Legislature for a bill analysis on theft crimes, including a scheme to defraud, for more information on the charges.

Looking for a Property Theft Lawyer in Escambia, County, Florida

If you or someone you know has received a notice to appear for charges under the Florida property theft statutes §§ 812.015 or 812.014, act now and call an attorney who will explain the best course of action for your case.

Attorney John Terrezza fights for the rights of criminal defendants. He has experience in criminal litigation throughout the Florida Panhandle in Santa Rosa, County in Milton, and Escambia County, in Pensacola, Florida.

The firm is conveniently located on Garden St. in Downtown Pensacola.

Call Attorney John Terrezza at (850) 764-5291 or submit a free evaluation of your case.

This page was last updated on Friday, May 19, 2017.