Theft Charges in West Palm Beach, FL

Have you been accused of stealing someone else’s property without their consent? If so, you’ll be interested in learning about Florida’s theft laws and how violators are punished. In Florida, “theft” is covered under Section 812.014 of the Florida Statutes.

Like many states, the penalties for theft in Florida all depend on the value of the property stolen. The sunshine state divides theft into two categories: grand theft and petit theft. Depending on the value of the property stolen, grand theft is prosecuted as either a felony of the first, second, or third degree.

In many situations, if the property stolen is valued between $750 and less than $20,000, it is charged as grand theft of the third degree, which is a felony of the third degree. If the property stolen is valued at $20,000, but less than $100,000, the offense is grand theft of the second degree, which is a second degree felony.

If someone steals something that is valued at $100,000 or more, they commit grand theft in the first degree, a felony of the first degree in Florida.

• A felony of the second degree is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, and by a maximum fine of $10,000.
• A felony of the third degree is punishable by up to 5 years in prison, and by a maximum fine of $10,000.

Petit (Petty) Theft in Florida

As you’ve probably figured out by now, petit theft applies to those situations where someone steals something that is worth less than $750. Here’s what you need to know:

• If the property stolen is worth $100 or more, but less than $750, it is petit theft in the first degree, which is a misdemeanor of the first degree under Florida law.
• Theft of any other property that is not specified (e.g. items of less value), is petit theft of the second degree, which is a misdemeanor of the second degree.

A misdemeanor of the first degree is punishable by a maximum fine of $1000, and by up to one year in jail. A misdemeanor of the second degree is punishable by a maximum fine of $500, and up to 60 days in jail.

Next: Penalties for Damaging Property in Florida

Facing theft charges in the West Palm Beach Area? Please contact my firm at once to set up a free consultation.