Miami, FL Petit Theft Attorney

Respected Lawyer Providing Aggressive Defense Against Petit Larceny Charges in Miami, Florida

Petit is a term used to describe crimes that are figuratively small or minor in nature. Petit theft crimes (also commonly referred to as petty theft) may not sound as severe as criminal charges for grand theft, but a conviction for any kind of theft crime can have significant long-term consequences, in addition to possible incarceration and fines. Theft convictions can create substantial hardship for individuals when seeking employment or applying for any kind of loans or lines of credit.

If you have been arrested for any kind of alleged petty theft offense, you will want to seek legal representation as soon as possible. The Hoffman Firm aggressively defends clients accused of theft crimes throughout Miami and Broward County. Discuss your case with us today by calling 305-249-0090 or filling out an online contact form. Your initial consultation is free and confidential.

Florida Petit Theft Misdemeanor Charges

Petty theft crimes are typically classified based on the value of the property that was allegedly stolen. Under Florida Statute § 812.014, petit theft is generally any offense in which the value of the property allegedly stolen is less than $300. Depending on the specific value of the property involved, an alleged offender could face charges of:

• Petit Theft of the Second Degree: When stolen property is valued at less than $100, the offense is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500
• Petit Theft of the First Degree: When stolen property is valued at $100 or more but less than $300, the offense is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000

It is important to note that an alleged offender who commits petit theft and has a previous theft conviction can face first-degree misdemeanor charges, even if the property involved in the offense was valued at less than $100.

Florida Petit Theft Felony Charges

If an alleged offender has been previously convicted two or more times for any theft offense, a petit theft offense becomes a third-degree felony. A conviction is punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

Furthermore, certain types of stolen items may be classified as grand theft of the third degree (also a third-degree felony), even if the actual value might fall within the parameters of an offense that would otherwise be a petit theft crime.

Stolen property that automatically becomes third-degree grand theft includes:

• A will, codicil, or other testamentary instrument
• A motor vehicle (except for vehicles listed elsewhere in the statute that trigger more serious penalties)
• A firearm
• Any fire extinguisher
• Any commercially farmed animal, including a horse, cow, pig, or another grazing animal
• An aquaculture species raised at a certified aquaculture facility (which also involves a $10,000 fine)
• A bee colony of a registered beekeeper
• Any amount of citrus fruit consisting of 2,000 or more individual pieces of fruit
• Property taken from a designated construction site identified by the posting of a sign as provided for in Florida Statute § 810.09(2)(d);
• Any stop sign
• Anhydrous ammonia
• Any amount of a controlled substance

Contact Our Miami Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer

The Hoffman Firm can help you tell your side of the story and prevent serious criminal penalties. We have handled thousands of cases, and we have more than 25 years of experience. You can count on us to provide you with a clear picture of your situation and how you can make the best use of your legal options. Reach out to us today – call 305-249-0090 now or contact us online.