Grand Theft
Don't take your charges lightly. Theft convictions can present a significant roadblock towards future opportunities.
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One of the most commonly charged felony theft offenses prosecuted under Florida law is Grand Theft. The charge of grand theft is serious because it is both a felony charge and a crime of dishonesty which will show up in even the most basic background check. The goal in many of these cases is getting the charged dropped or avoiding a conviction so that the person accused can seal or expunge the criminal record.
In many cases, related charges for scheme to defraud can be alleged. These charges can involve a taking from a family member, friend, stranger or employer. The penalties and punishments for grand theft depend on the value of the property taken.
Considering the severity of a grand theft charge, along with the difficulty of defending it, it is vital that you meet the theft allegation with a strong defense crafted by a capable criminal defense attorney.
If you have been arrested for any grand theft charge then contact the criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Germain & McCarthy, LLC. We can discuss the facts and circumstances of your case to help you determine the best course of action for any case in Melbourne or Brevard County, FL.
As experienced and knowledgeable attorneys, the legal team at Law Offices of Germain & McCarthy, LLC will make certain you are well taken care of while being represented in the most professional and productive manner possible.
To schedule a free and confidential consultation with the attorneys at the Law Offices of Germain & McCarthy, LLC, call (321) 253-3447 or send an online message today. The legal team proudly represent individuals dealing with criminal charges in the Florida counties of Brevard, Orange, Volusia, Seminole, Indian River and Osceola.
According to Fla. Stat. §812.005, theft occurs when the following two elements are involved:
There are three categories that a grand theft allegation can be placed under. It can either be a first, second or third-degree charge, depending on the value of the stolen property. The current charge degrees are as follows:
If the value of the property was more than $300 then the crime is typically charged as "grand theft." Grand theft is also divided into various degrees based on the value of the stolen property.
If the value of the property taken is $300 or more but less than $5,000 then the crime is typically charged as grand theft in the third degree which is punishable by up to five years in Florida State Prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
If the value of the property taken is $5,000 or more but less than $10,000 then the crime is typically charged as grand theft in the third degree which is punishable by up to five years in Florida State Prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
If the value of the property taken is $10,000 or more but less than $20,000 then the crime is typically charged as grand theft in the third degree which is punishable by up to five years in Florida State Prison and/or a $5,000 fine (812.014(2)(c)).
If the value of the property taken is $20,000 or more but less than $100,000 then the crime is typically charged as grand theft in the first degree which is punishable by up to thirty years in Florida State Prison and/or a $10,000 fine (812.014(2)(b)).
If the value of the property taken was $100,000 or more then the crime is typically charged as grand theft in the first degree which is punishable by up to thirty years in Florida State Prison and/or a $10,000 fine (812.014(2)).
There are many different scenarios in which a grand theft charge may be the result. Some of the most common transgressions include:
Worthless checks - Depending on the value of the check the offense of presenting a worthless check can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. Find out what defense apply to this crime of dishonesty and possible ways to avoid a conviction.
False information to pawnbroker - The State of Florida heavily regulates pawnshops. When a person presents false information to a pawnbroker it is usually for the purpose of selling recently stolen property. Law enforcement officers aggressively investigate these charges.
Dealing in stolen property - When an individual is found in possession of recently stolen property, the law enforcement officer often has a difficult time showing exactly how the taking occurred. In many of these cases, the police will charge the crime as "dealing or trafficking in stolen property."
Criminal mischief - The crime of criminal mischief can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the amount of damage and whether any prior convictions exist.
If you have been charged with grand theft in Melbourne or Brevard County, FL, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the Law Offices of Germain & McCarthy, LLC. We can help you fight the theft charges and assert criminal defense strategies that may help you protect yourself against the criminal accusation.
Call (321) 253-3447 or send an online message to schedule a free and confidential consultation today. The attorneys at the Law Law Offices of Germain & McCarthy, LLC represent clients charged with grand theft in and around the Florida cities of Melbourne, Viera, Titusville, Cape Canaveral, Bonaventure, Southmere, Lotus, Shiloh, Orlando, Winter Park, Belle Island, Edgewood, Daytona Beach, Edgewater, Port Orange, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Oviedo, Vero Beach, Sebastian, Kissimmee and Saint Cloud, among many others.
