Grand theft is a serious crime in Tampa, Florida, and can result in severe legal consequences. The crime of grand theft involves the intentional taking of property or goods that belong to someone else without their consent and with the intention of permanently depriving them of the property. In this article, we will explore the definition of grand theft, the penalties associated with this crime, and possible legal defenses that can be used to fight these charges. Read more today. 

What is Grand Theft?

Grand theft is a criminal offense that involves the unlawful taking of someone else's property or goods without their consent. Under Florida law, there are three degrees of grand theft, and the degree of the charge is based on the value of the property that was stolen.

First-degree grand theft occurs when the value of the property or goods is over $100,000, and it is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Second-degree grand theft occurs when the value of the property or goods is between $20,000 and $100,000 and is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Third-degree grand theft occurs when the value of the property or goods is between $750 and $20,000 and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Elements of Grand Theft

To be convicted of grand theft, the prosecution must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

• The defendant intentionally took someone else's property
• The property taken had some value
• The defendant intended to deprive the owner of the property permanently

Possible Legal Defenses for Grand Theft Charges

There are several possible legal defenses that can be used to fight grand theft charges. These defenses can include:

Mistake of Fact: If the defendant believed that the property they took belonged to them, it may be possible to argue that they did not have the intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property.

Consent: If the owner of the property gave the defendant permission to take the property, this could be used as a defense against grand theft charges.

Lack of Intent: If the defendant did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of their property, this could be used as a defense against grand theft charges.

Ownership: If the defendant believed that they had legal ownership of the property, this could be used as a defense against grand theft charges.

Penalties for Grand Theft

The penalties for grand theft can be severe, depending on the degree of the charge and the value of the property that was stolen. In addition to fines, a conviction for grand theft can result in a significant amount of time in prison.

Other Consequences of a Grand Theft Conviction

In addition to legal consequences, a conviction for grand theft can have significant social and economic consequences. A criminal record can make it difficult for an individual to find employment, secure housing, or obtain credit. It can also result in the loss of professional licenses, damage to personal and professional relationships, and other long-term consequences.

Conclusion

Grand theft is a serious crime in Tampa, Florida, and can result in significant legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment. If you or someone you know has been charged with grand theft, it is essential to seek legal representation immediately. An experienced criminal defense attorney can provide guidance and support throughout the legal process, explain the charges and potential consequences, and develop a defense strategy that protects the rights and interests of the accused.