Jacksonville And Saint Augustine Criminal Defense Attorney Defending Those Accused Of Grand Theft
If you have been arrested or accused of Grand Theft in Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Orange Park, or Duval County, Florida, contact the Law Office of FLA Legal Professionals, LLC immediately. MaRia Rogers has over thirty years in practicing law and she has the experience that you need to fight even the most vigorous of prosecutors.
The Elements of Grand Theft in Florida
The crime of Grand Theft involves knowingly and unlawfully taking property/services worth more than $300.00.
In Florida, in order to be convicted of Grand Theft, the prosecutor must prove:
- The intent to permanently or temporarily deprive the person of his/her right to the property or any benefit from it; or
- The intent to permanently or temporarily take possession of the property for personal use of the use of another person not entitled to the use of the property.
In Florida, Grand Theft is a Felony, which means that a citizen convicted of Grand Theft can be sent to the Florida State Prison system.
Types of Grand Theft in the State of Florida
There are three degrees of Grand Theft:
- 3rd Degree Felony Grand Theft (Property/Services/Firearm/Motor Vehicle/Will valued at $300.00 or more but less than $20,000)
- 2nd Degree Felony Grand Theft (Property/Services valued at $20,000 or more but less than $100,000; Shipping Cargo worth less than $50,000; Medical Equipment more than $300.00)
- 1st Degree Felony Grand Theft (Property/Services valued at $100,000 or more; Shipping Cargo valued at greater than $50,000)
Penalties for Grand Theft:
- 1st Degree Grand Theft: Minimum 21 months in prison; Maximum 30 years in prison or probation, Fine up to $10,000, plus court costs and restitution.
- 2nd Degree Grand Theft: Maximum 30 years in prison or probation; Fine up to $10,000.00, plus court costs and restitution.
- 3rd Degree Grand Theft: Maximum 5 years in prison or probation; Fine up to $5,000.00, plus court costs and restitution.
Criminal Defenses Employed Against the Charge of Grand Theft
A good criminal defense attorney—like Jacksonville lawyer Maria Rogers—is familiar with the ins and outs of the Duval and Saint Johns Counties criminal court systems. Some of the defenses that she successfully employes on behalf of her clients are:
- Good Faith Possession – The defendant acknowledges possession of the property but believes that he or she had the right to have it.
- Equal Ownership – This is frequently used in domestic and business relationships. The defendant’s attorney claims that the defendant has as much right to the possession of the property as the alleged victim.
- Valueless Property – In order for the charge of theft to apply, the stolen item has to have value. Oftentimes, this defense will result in a devaluing of the property and a reduction of the charge to Petit Theft.
If you’ve been charged with Grand Theft in Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Saint Augustine, Duval County, Saint Johns County, or anywhere else in northeastern FL, you need to retain the services of a qualified criminal defense attorney. Call Jacksonville criminal defense attorney Maria Rogers today!