Daytona Beach Grand Theft Attorney

Defending Clients Accused of Grand Theft in DeLand, Daytona Beach and Throughout Central Florida

Theft is a crime that is defined in Florida Statute 812.014. Theft covers an array of offenses, including petit theft and grand theft. In theft cases, one of the biggest factors used to determine the degree of the offense is the value of the property that was stolen. The value of the property will determine if the offense is classified as a misdemeanor or a felony.

Are you facing charges for grand theft? Call Thompson Law, P.A., today at (386) 280-4977 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our Daytona Beach grand theft lawyer.

Grand Theft vs. Petit Theft in Florida

The term “theft” can carry numerous images. Maybe you think of a teenager taking a video game from Walmart, or maybe you think of a masked criminal sneaking away from a vehicle, the car’s radio tucked under his or her arm. While both images portray theft, there is a key difference between them: one is likely a misdemeanor, and the other is likely a felony.

What determines this? In most cases, the value of the property stolen will determine if the offense is a misdemeanor or a felony. If we stick with our teenager analogy, we can guess that he or she will be charged with a misdemeanor since the value of the game will be less than $100. The teenager will face a maximum of 60 days in jail, probation, and a fine. But what about the person who stole the car radio? If the radio is valued at $300 or more, then this person will face a felony charge of Grand Theft.

Grand Theft Under Florida Statutes

Like all crimes, Grand Theft is defined by the Florida Statutes. Grand Theft is part of statute 812.014 for Theft. Generally, a person commits theft when he or she knowingly obtains to use, or endeavors to obtain or use, the property of another person with the intent to either temporarily or permanently deprive the other person of a right or benefit from the property; or, to use the property of another when they are not entitled to use of the property. 

When Does Theft Become Grand Theft?

To move from theft to Grand Theft, the value of the property must be more than $300 [Fl. Stat. 812.014(2)(c)]. What is most interesting is that the person who stole the item does not have to profit from the item. Take, for example, someone who steals a bike for their teenage child during Christmas. While the parent may never enjoy riding the bike, they can still be charged with theft. The State only has to prove that the person took the item.

Is Grand Theft a Felony?

If you are accused of Grand Theft, you are facing a felony charge. Grand theft is a third-degree felony, and is punishable by up to 5 years in jail, 5 years of probation, and a fine of $5,000. If the property taken is valued at $300, the maximum fine alone is 16 times higher than the value of the property. But the amount alone does not determine the degree of the offense: the type of property taken can result in a higher degree.

If the property taken is emergency medical equipment taken from an emergency medical facility or vehicle, or if the property taken is law enforcement equipment taken from an emergency vehicle, the charge moves from a third-degree felony to a first-degree felony. A first-degree felony is punishable by up to 30 years in jail, 30 years of probation, and a fine of $10,000.

Understanding Grand Theft in Daytona Beach and Volusia County

Living in Daytona Beach or anywhere in Volusia County, you know that the community is vibrant and diverse, but it also faces its unique challenges. One of the pressing issues is the rise in property crimes, including grand theft. If you find yourself accused of grand theft, it's crucial to understand the local legal landscape and the resources available to you.

Daytona Beach is not just a tourist destination; it's a community with its own set of rules and regulations. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office and the Daytona Beach Police Department are vigilant in their efforts to curb theft and other crimes. While these entities work hard to maintain safety, sometimes innocent people get caught in the crossfire. If you're facing grand theft charges, you need a defense strategy that takes into account the local law enforcement's approach and the specific statutes that apply in Florida.

One of the common pain points for residents in Daytona Beach and DeLand is the misunderstanding of what constitutes grand theft. According to Florida Statute 812.014, the value of the stolen property plays a significant role in determining the severity of the charge. For instance, stealing a bicycle valued at over $300 can escalate a simple theft to a grand theft charge, which is a third-degree felony. This can lead to severe penalties, including up to 5 years in jail, probation, and hefty fines.

At Thompson Law, P.A., we understand the local nuances and the stress that comes with facing such serious charges. We know that the local courts, including the Volusia County Courthouse in DeLand, have their own procedures and expectations. Our approach is tailored to navigate these local systems effectively, ensuring that your defense is robust and well-prepared.