Grand Theft Lawyer in Orlando

Florida Grand Theft Charges Under Section 812.014

Florida Statutes section 812.014 defines theft as knowingly obtaining, using, or attempting to obtain or use another person’s property with intent to deprive that person of a right or benefit in the property or to appropriate it for an unauthorized use. The property’s value and type, along with the surrounding conduct, determine whether an alleged theft qualifies as grand theft and at what degree.

Florida law generally divides grand theft into three degrees:

• Third-degree grand theft: Property valued at $750 or more but less than $20,000 generally falls within this degree. Certain property, including a firearm or motor vehicle, can qualify regardless of the ordinary value thresholds.
• Second-degree grand theft: This degree generally covers property valued at $20,000 or more but less than $100,000. Section 812.014 also identifies specific categories involving cargo, emergency medical equipment, and law enforcement equipment.
• First-degree grand theft: Property valued at $100,000 or more generally falls within this degree. Certain conduct involving a motor vehicle or specified property damage can also affect the classification.

Felony Penalties & Why Valuation Matters

Florida law authorizes maximum prison terms of up to five years for a third-degree felony, 15 years for a second-degree felony, and 30 years for a first-degree felony. These are statutory maximums, not predictions of a sentence. Applicable sentencing law, the charging decision, court findings, prior history, and other case-specific factors can affect the actual exposure.

Valuation may rely on purchase records, invoices, the property’s condition, depreciation, market evidence, ownership documents, or testimony. A supported value below $750 may determine whether the alleged conduct meets the general threshold for grand theft. A dispute around $20,000 or $100,000 may change the felony degree. Because some types of property fall under separate statutory provisions, value isn’t always the deciding factor.

Evidence That Can Shape a Felony Theft Case

The prosecution generally must connect the accused to the alleged taking or attempted taking and establish the required intent. It must also prove any value, property type, or conduct used to support the charged degree.

Evidence and defense issues may include:

• Surveillance footage, location data, messages, emails, receipts, and witness statements
• Permission to possess, borrow, transfer, sell, or use the property
• Disputed ownership or incomplete business and financial records
• Market value, property condition, depreciation, and valuation methods
• Mistaken identity or unreliable witness identification
• Legality of searches, seizures, interrogations, and evidence collection

Grand Theft Compared With Related Offenses

Grand theft focuses on an alleged taking and the property’s value or statutory classification. Robbery requires force, violence, assault, or placing another person in fear during the taking. Burglary concerns entering or remaining in a structure, dwelling, or conveyance with criminal intent under circumstances defined by Florida law.

Shoplifting commonly describes alleged retail theft, while petit theft generally applies below the grand theft value threshold unless another statutory category controls. One incident can produce multiple allegations, but the state must prove the separate elements of each charge.

What to Expect in Orlando Criminal Court

The Ninth Judicial Circuit serves Orange and Osceola counties. Its Circuit Criminal Courts handle felony cases, while County Courts hear misdemeanor criminal cases. After first appearance and arraignment, a case may proceed through discovery and motion practice before negotiations or trial decisions.

The charge, custody status, court orders, prior record, available evidence, and procedural posture determine which issues require immediate attention.

Talk With Our Orlando Grand Theft Attorneys

General information about Florida theft law can’t determine what the evidence means in your case. Our attorneys can address questions about intent, ownership, valuation, investigative conduct, and the next procedural step.

If investigators want a statement, you’ve been arrested, or you’ve received a court notice, contact us before discussing the allegations with other involved parties. We can develop a response based on the specific circumstances rather than assumptions about a general theft charge.

Call (321) 425-8961 to request a consultation with Katz & Phillips.