Theft Property Crimes

Property and theft crimes encompass a wide range of offenses such as trespassing, shoplifting, dealing in stolen property and burglary. There are numerous laws in Florida that deal with such crimes, and they are not punished lightly.

Theft and property crimes are classified as crimes of dishonesty. Being convicted will show on your criminal record and lead others to believe that you cannot be trusted.

Attorney for Theft Property Crimes

If you are being investigated for a theft or property crime in the Treasure Coast area, you should seek legal representation from Meltzer & Bell. Our attorneys are experienced with theft and property crimes, and they will do everything in their power to have the charges reduced or dismissed.

We represent clients in counties along the Treasure Coast that include Martin and Saint Lucie. Call Meltzer & Bell today at (772) 291-2534 to schedule a free case consultation or submit your information in the online form.


Overview of Theft Property Crimes in Treasure Coast, FL  


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Types of Theft and Property Crimes

Theft is defined under chapter 812 of the Florida Statutes and involves knowingly taking or using the property of another person with the intent to either permanently or temporarily do the following:

  • Deprive another person of their right or benefit of the property
  • Appropriate the property to her or his personal use or to the use of any person that is not entitled to use the property.

Theft and property offenses are spread throughout the Florida Statues and involve a wide array of crimes that include:

Retail Theft/ Shoplifting: This crime is defined under section 812.015 of the state statutes and is considered the taking of merchandise, property, money or negotiable documents. The crime also includes the stealing of shopping carts, removing or altering labels, product codes or price tags.

Burglary: Section 810.02 defines this crime as the unlawful entry or occupation of another person’s property with the intention of engaging in criminal activity. The criminal activity is typically theft but can be any criminal offense. This offense is punishable as a felony.

Carjacking: Defined under section 812.133 of the state statute, carjacking is considered the taking of a motor vehicle that may be subject of larceny from another person or their custody with the intention of depriving that person of their vehicle. This crime is typically punishable as a first-degree felony.

Arson: This crime is defined under section 806.01 and is considered illegally destroying or damaging a building or another person’s property with explosives or fire. It is a second-degree felony if the building was not occupied and a first-degree felony if it was.


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How are Theft Crimes Charged?

The severity of the penalties for theft depends on a number of factors such as the combined value of the stolen property, whether a firearm was involved and whether or not the alleged offender has been previously convicted. A lot of theft crimes in Florida are classified in one of two ways: petite theft and grand theft.

Petit theft is classified as a misdemeanor that involves $300 or less of stolen property. Petit theft is classified as a second-degree misdemeanor if the stolen property has a combined value that is less than $100, while property that is worth between $100 and $300 is a first-degree misdemeanor.

Any form of grand theft is considered a felony and involves property that is worth more than $300. Grand theft can fall into one of the following categories:

  • Third-degree Grand Theft: This is considered a third-degree felony that involves stolen property with a combined value of more than $300 but less than $20,000.
  • Second-degree Grand Theft: This is considered a second-degree felony that involves stolen property between $20,00 and $100,000
  • First-degree Grand Theft: This is a first-degree felony that involves more than $100,000 worth of stolen property.

If you have any prior theft convictions, a subsequent conviction will be upgraded to a higher level. For example, if you are convicted of third-degree grand theft and have a previous petit theft conviction, you will be charged with second-degree grand theft instead.


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Additional Resources for Theft Property Crimes in Treasure Coast, FL 

Theft | Florida Statutes Chapter 812 – Follow this link to familiarize yourself with the state’s laws for theft, robbery and related crimes. The chapter includes information on carjacking, home-invasion robbery, retail theft and larceny. The information can be read on Online Sunshine, the official website of the Florida Legislature.

Property Crimes in Florida – Visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to learn about the states property crime statistic. The site features a chart and table on property crime offenses that have taken place over the past 10 years.


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Lawyer for Theft Property Crimes in Treasure Coast, FL

The sooner you seek legal representation, the better your chances of having a more favorable outcome in the courtroom. Meltzer & Bell has proven experience in defending property and theft crimes on the Treasure Coast and they will strive to protect your rights.

Call us today at (772) 291-2534 to schedule a case consultation or submit your information in the online form. We represent clients in counties along the Treasure Coast that include Martin and Saint Lucie.


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