David M. Edelstein, P.A.

Convictions for theft crimes often carry serious collateral legal ramifications that may affect you when applying for jobs, undergoing a background check, or testifying in court. For instance, under the Florida fingerprint requirement, people who've been convicted of stealing must submit their fingerprints to be entered into a database. Your name will be added to a national database used by potential future bosses when conducting background investigations.

Under Florida law, a person commits theft if he or she knowingly obtains or uses, or endeavors to obtain or to use, the property of another with intent to, either temporarily or permanently:

(a) Deprive the other person of a right to the property or a benefit from the property.

(b) Appropriate the property to his or her own use or to the use of any person not entitled to the use of the property.

There are many types of theft, from shoplifting to embezzlement. There are also crimes related to dealing in stolen property.

Depending on the value of the items stolen, Florida laws provide for different types of punishments. If you've been convicted of theft before, the court may consider increasing the length of time you're sentenced to serve if you commit another crime. On the other hand, first-time offenders usually get off without any jail time.

Here are the degrees of theft and the penalties for each:

• If the property stolen is valued at $100 or more but less than $750, the offender commits the misdemeanor of petit theft of the first degree, punishable by up to one year in jail.
• If the property stolen is valued at less than $100 the offender commits the misdemeanor of petit theft of the second degree, punishable by up to 60 days in jail.
• It is grand theft of the third degree and a felony of the third degree, punishable by up to 5 years in prison if the property stolen is valued at $750 or more but less than $5,000.
• It is grand theft of the second degree and a felony of the second degree, punishable by up to 15 years in prison if the property stolen is valued between $20,000 and $100,000.
• It is grand theft of the first degree and a felony of the first degree, punishable by up to 30 years in prison if the property stolen is valued at $100,000 or more.

If you've been charged with any felony or misdemeanor crime, contact a lawyer at our firm to schedule a free consultation.