THEFT & PROPERTY CRIMES

Theft crimes range in severity from the pettiest of offenses, like stealing a candy bar from a gas station to some of the most egregious, like embezzling six figures worth of cash from an employer.  Petit Theft (sometimes called Petty Theft) involves the theft of property valued under $750.  Petit Theft is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine if the property stolen is valued under $100.  It is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and/or a $1000 fine, if the property stolen is of a value between $100 and $750.  Further, Petit Theft is what is referred to as an enhancement or enhanceable offense.  That means that while a first conviction for Petit Theft may be a second- or first-degree misdemeanor depending on the value of the property stolen, any third conviction for petit theft is a third-degree felony.  

Retail theft, whether a felony grand theft or a petit, also carries with it the potential for a civil penalty that is three times the amount of the damage sustained as the result of the theft.  Florida Statute 772.011 gives retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy the ability to collect that amount from individuals accused of theft from their stores, and criminal defendants who have been accused of theft oftentimes received threatening letters from attorneys representing those retailers demanding payment. 

Students out partying who overstay their welcome at a bar or club or who try to get back inside after being kicked out by a bouncer can find themselves arrested for and accused of trespassing.  Under Florida Statute §810.09, trespassing is usually a first degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and/or a $1000 fine, but can be a felony if the person accused of trespassing is armed, if the property trespassed upon is a construction site, or if the trespass occurs while hunting.

At the Michael Hines Law Firm, we represent clients in Theft and Property Crime cases that range from:

  • Shoplifting

  • Burglary

  • Car Jacking

  • Grand Theft Auto

  • Petit Theft

  • Petty Theft

  • Petty Larceny

  • Grand Theft

  • Identity Theft

  • Property Theft

  • Petit Theft – enhancement offense

  • Retail Theft – civil penalty

  • Trespassing

  • Vandalism

  • Criminal Trespass

  • Breaking & Entering

  • Arson