One of the most violating experiences you can experience throughout your life is your property being stolen from you. No matter whether it is your car, jewelry or a priceless painting, your property is taken from you without your prior consent can cause severe stress and emotional anguish. In Florida, Grand Theft is considered any property valued over $300 that you have been permanently deprived of to use and enjoy.
Florida has various degrees of Grand Theft that have an effect on the severity of the punishment. If you are ever faced with theft, it is important to know what your rights are and what you can recover if your property is lost indefinitely.
“Section 812.014 of the Florida Statutes defines Grand Theft as someone who is using the property of another with the intent to deprive them of the use of that property either temporarily or permanently.” Any property valued over $300 falls under this statute. If someone enters your home and/or takes any of your property without your permission whether they plan on giving it back or permanently taking possession of it, it is considered Grand Theft if its value is over $300. Most individuals assume that because something lacks overall significance or isn’t expensive that it doesn’t warrant the importance to be considered punishable by law. Many victims of theft believe that they are helpless, but the statute was implemented to protect your property no matter how insignificant the object might be to another individual.
In Florida, the penalty for Grand Theft is determined by the degree of the penalty. The value of the property will determine how the crime is classified and which penalty the defendant will receive. The value of the property plays a key role on how the crime will be classified; because it will establish which penalty the defendant will receive.
On Monday, January 4, 2015, Bealas Cosby was arrested on charges of grand theft after allegedly stealing over $53,000 from the Beachside Montessori Village School where Cosby stood as president of the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) during June 2012 – June 2013. The allegations state that $53,048 was transferred from the two PTSA’s accounts to two personal PayPal accounts that were in Cosby’s name. Stacey Kotzen was elected as the new president in May 2013 and requested the accounting records, which Cosby did not provide for all the over 10 months. Kotzan then contacted the president from the Broward County PTSA who reported it to the police. The police then subpoenaed the documents from Cosby that revealed that $53, 048 was transferred to her personal account and was used for personal expenses such as shopping and dining. Cosby has prior convictions of petit theft and writing bad checks.
At The Hoffman Firm, we have represented many criminal defendants throughout South Florida who are facing charges of Grand Theft and a broad range of other offenses. If you have been accused of Grand Theft it is important to have someone that will protect your interests and guide you through every stage of the legal process.
The legal process can be incredibly stressful, it is essential to have someone that will be your voice and has the experience of representing South Florida residents from wrongful charges. We are dedicated to providing you with the best legal defense and are compassionate of your needs throughout this process.
Call us now at (305) 928-1669 or contact us online to set up your free, confidential consultation now.