Grand Theft Degrees & Penalties Under Florida Law
Florida divides grand theft into three degrees based primarily on the value of the property alleged to have been taken. The degree of the charge determines the maximum sentence you face.
The three degrees carry the following penalties:
- Third degree grand theft: Property valued at $750 or more but less than $20,000. A third-degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
- Second degree grand theft: Property valued at $20,000 or more but less than $100,000. A second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
- First degree grand theft: Property valued at $100,000 or more. Punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Certain property is charged as grand theft regardless of its dollar value. Firearms, motor vehicles, and wills or other testamentary instruments fall into this category under Florida law.
Why Property Valuation Is Central to Your Defense
The degree of a grand theft charge rises and falls on the value assigned to the property at issue. Florida courts look at fair market value at the time and place of the offense. When that’s difficult to determine, replacement cost steps in. Courts also weigh original purchase price, depreciation, condition, and how the property was being used.
The prosecution must prove value beyond a reasonable doubt. A difference of a few hundred dollars can separate a misdemeanor from a felony, or a third-degree charge from a second-degree one. Attorney Bryan McCarthy’s accounting degree from Florida State University gives him a foundation for closely analyzing the financial and valuation arguments the state puts forward and identifying weaknesses the defense can use.
Collateral Consequences Beyond the Courtroom
Theft offenses are classified as crimes of dishonesty under Florida law. That classification follows a conviction onto background checks, and many employers ask about crimes of dishonesty directly on job applications. For licensed professionals, the impact goes further.
A grand theft charge can trigger a licensing board review for nurses, contractors, real estate agents, teachers, and others who hold state-issued professional licenses. We regularly work with clients across a range of professions, helping them understand how an arrest may affect their license and addressing those concerns alongside the criminal defense itself. Acting quickly after an arrest can give us more options to protect both your case and your career.
Defending Grand Theft Charges in Brevard County
Grand theft is a specific-intent crime. The state must prove that the accused intended to permanently or temporarily deprive the owner of their property, and when intent is genuinely in dispute, that burden becomes a meaningful target for the defense.
Common Defense Angles
Common approaches include challenging the state’s valuation of the property, disputing whether the accused had authorization to use it, and contesting whether the facts support the intent element at all. Depending on the circumstances, some cases may be eligible for resolution through a pretrial diversion program, which can lead to dismissal of charges upon successful completion.
Local Court Structure
Felony grand theft cases in Brevard County are handled within Florida’s 18th Judicial Circuit, with proceedings at the Moore Justice Center in Viera and the Melbourne Branch Courthouse. Bryan McCarthy spent years as a public defender in this same circuit, handling both misdemeanor and felony matters, so he knows the courts, the prosecutors, and how these cases tend to move.
Why Clients Choose The Law Offices of Bryan J. McCarthy
Bryan McCarthy earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Florida State University and a Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law. His time as a Brevard County public defender gave him hands-on experience across the full range of felony cases in this circuit. That combination of financial literacy and criminal defense experience shapes how we approach grand theft matters, particularly when a charge hinges on contested property values.
We file and litigate viable motions as a core part of our strategy, both to protect our clients’ rights and to create leverage in negotiations. Whether the goal is a reduced charge, a diversion program, or a dismissal, we approach each case with attention to its specific facts and a clear-eyed assessment of what the evidence actually supports. Clients receive direct, honest counsel about where their case stands and what their options are.
Get Your Grand Theft Case Reviewed at No Cost
The period immediately after an arrest is an important time to act. Evidence is fresh, witness memories are intact, and the decisions made early in a case shape everything that follows. We offer a free consultation to anyone facing grand theft charges in Brevard County, Florida.
There’s no obligation attached to that conversation. You’ll get an honest assessment of your situation and a clear explanation of what we can do for you. Call (321) 248-7742 today to speak with a grand theft defense attorney who knows this circuit.