Tampa Grand Theft Defense Lawyer
Theft comes in many different forms, with grand theft being amongst the most serious type of theft crime. In Florida, grand theft charges may be filed in any case involving the theft of over $300; any case involving less than $300 would typically be prosecuted for petit theft.
Grand theft carries some serious penalties and as a felony charge, a conviction for grand theft may result in a prison sentence and hefty fines, in addition to orders to pay restitution.
Unfortunately, some individuals are improperly charged with grand theft, when, in fact, a misdemeanor petit theft charge is more suitable. Other individuals are totally innocent of wrongdoing, but they can still end up accused of a crime they didn’t commit.
Whatever the case, you need a qualified and experienced lawyer who will work hard to defend you, maximizing your chances of seeing a positive case resolution. Individuals facing grand theft charges in Tampa or the surrounding region could turn to us a former prosecutor-turned-defense lawyer who has been practicing decades.
For years, your Attorney worked for the Florida State Attorney’s Office, serving as a prosecutor, in both felony and misdemeanor divisions, with roles including narcotics and DUI prosecution. He also went on to serve as an instructor for Hillsborough County lawyers and Board Certified trial lawyers across the state while practicing as a defense lawyer.
Example of Great Result in a Recent Case Involving Theft Grand Theft Retail
Case Dismissed: Client was accused of leaving the store without paying for clothing totaling over three-hundred dollars. The defense attorney was able to convince the state that this was a mistake by proving that she was there shopping with her husband, they each had a cart. His cart contained items for men, The defense attorney was able to show that a shopping list for him was checked off and completed and he was due to be at work in a short time. He left the store after paying for all his items while his wife accompanied him to his vehicle. She was stopped and arrested shortly after leaving the store. It was further shown that her list was not yet completed, she was in possession of several coupons for items already in the cart, as well as items left off her list. There was a long history of her shopping at that store and was able to show she was only helping her husband get his things loaded and was planning to return to the store to finish her shopping.
Before entering the legal arena, your Attorney dominated the racing scene. While managing professional auto racing operations, we won Florida state Outlaw Sprint car championships and ascended to the highest levels of stock car racing. Experiences at the track instilled a deep appreciation of a solid game plan and strategy while cultivating a love of the win. Today, he’ll serve as your legal team’s MVP, working hard to bring about a positive case resolution.
Since the legal system never sleeps, your Attorney provides his personal cell phone number to clients so that he is always available to clients, no matter the hour.
If you or a loved one are accused of grand theft in Florida, defend your case aggressively by turning to a seasoned grand theft defense lawyer. Arrange a confidential case evaluation today by calling 813-933-6807.
Florida Grand Theft Cases: Common Questions and Concerns FAQ
An arrest for charges of grand theft can leave you feeling shocked, upset and concerned for the future. In fact, it’s easy to allow your imagination to run wild in terms of the potential penalties, as you imagine the worst.
A great Attorney has found that by addressing any concerns and questions, your worries can be largely eliminated, resulting in less stress. So here is a look at a few of the most common questions and answers concerning a Florida grand theft case.
What’s the Difference Between Theft and Grand Theft?
[Image: Tampa Grand Theft Defense Lawyer] Florida law defines theft as the act of unlawfully taking another person’s property without proper consent with the intention of depriving the victim of use or ownership of the said property on a temporary or permanent basis.
In a case where the value of the stolen money or item(s) is less than $300, petit theft charges are typically filed. Petit theft is a misdemeanor in Florida with a maximum penalty of one year in county jail. A habitual offender with three or more prior convictions for petit theft may face upgraded felony charges.
Grand theft, on the other hand, applies to cases whereby the money or object is valued at over $300. Grand theft is typically charged as a felony, but the degree varies depending upon the value.
What’s Considered a Third-Degree Felony Grand Theft?
A case involving third-degree felony grand theft carries a penalty of up to five years in prison or five years’ probation and a fine of up to $5,000.
Thefts that fall into this category include items with a value between $300 and $19,999.99.
Specific items that are linked to a third-degree grand theft regardless of actual value include fire extinguishers, motor vehicles, firearms, stop signs, 2,000+ pieces of fruit, anhydrous ammonia, controlled substances, commercial farm animals or a will, codicil or any other “testamentary instrument.”
What’s Considered a Second-Degree Felony Grand Theft?
A case involving second-degree felony grand theft carries a penalty of up to fifteen years in prison or fifteen years’ probation and a fine of up to $10,000.
Thefts that fall into this category include items with a value between $20,000 and $199,999.99.
Specific items that are linked to a second-degree grand theft include the following items.
Law enforcement equipment with a value of $300 or more, stolen from an emergency vehicle.
Emergency medical equipment with a value of $300 or more, stolen from a facility, vehicle or aircraft. Cargo with a value of up to $50,000, stolen after it has left the shipper’s loading area and entered into the “stream of interstate,” but before it arrives on the recipient’s receiving area.
What’s Considered a First-Degree Felony Grand Theft?
A case involving first-degree felony grand theft carries a penalty of up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Thefts that fall into this category include items with a value of $100,000 or more.
Specific items that are considered first-degree grand theft include:
Cargo with a value over $50,000, stolen after it has left the shipper’s loading area and entered into the “stream of interstate,” but before it arrives on the recipient’s receiving area; and
Semi trailers deployed by law enforcement. Additionally, if a person is accused of using a motor vehicle in the course of committing an act of grand theft and the vehicle causes property damage totaling more than $1,000, this case will also qualify as a first-degree felony.
Hire a Grand Theft Defense Lawyer to Oversee Your Criminal Case
[Image: Tampa Grand Theft Defense Lawyer] Every theft case is potentially very serious, as a conviction can result in loss of trust which can make it very challenging to get a job, rent a home or even attend a university. But grand theft cases can quite literally result in decades of imprisonment, so it’s critical that you find a qualified defense attorney to handle your case.
Your lawyer defends clients in Tampa, Brandon, Plant City, offering a strategic and aggressive defense that will maximize your chances of seeing a favorable case conclusion. So if you’re under investigation or have been arrested for grand theft in the Tampa Bay region, contact the office to schedule a free, confidential case consultation. Call 813-933-6807.