Client Arrested for Grand Theft of a Trailer
Charges Dismissed!
The Charges
A campground resident contacted the Police after his trailer went missing. The Defendant had paid a manager in full for the usage of a campground lot. The Defendant then hooked up a trailer to his pick up truck and left the grounds. The trailer did not belong to the Defendant and he was only staying with its owner. The Police arrested the Defendant and charged him with Grand Theft.
Grand Theft
Grand theft can be charged when an act of taking property is unlawful and intentional. It is a felony offense that can be charged as first, second, or third degree. The degree charged will depend upon the value of the property that was stolen.
The state of Florida defines theft as knowingly or obtaining the use of another’s property, with the intent to deprive the owner of their rights either temporarily or permanently. The offender may also appropriate the property to their own personal use or to any person that is not entitled to use it.
Different Degrees of Grand Theft
As stated above, there are three degrees of Grand Theft that can be charged. Below is a rundown of each degree.
Third-Degree Grand Theft occurs when the value of the property is valued at $300 up to $20,000. Included in this will be theft of any property that is taken from an apartment, home, or other dwellings in the amount of $100 to less than $300. Items included for being charged with third-degree grand theft include Wills, codicil, firearms, a motor vehicle, a fire extinguisher, and any commercially farmed animal. This degree is punishable by up to five years in prison, five years probation, and/or a fine up to $5,000.
Second-Degree Theft occurs when the value of the property stolen is valued at $20,000 but less than $100,000. An offender can be punished by any combination of the following: 15 years in prison, 15 years probation, and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
First-Degree Theft occurs when the value at the property taken is valued at $100,000 or more. It may also be charged if there is property damage done that equals $1,000 or more or if the theft involved the use of a vehicle to commit the crime. First-degree theft is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, 30 years probation, and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
If you have been charged with Grand Theft, call Musca Law Firm the receive the help you need. Our experienced attorneys will fight for your rights and can assist you in having the charges dismissed or lowered to a lesser charge. Our law firm is skilled in using one of the many defenses for Grand Theft, such as Lack of Intent, Consent, Obtaining or Using for Lawful Purpose, Mistake of Fact, and Necessity or Duress.
RESULT: Musca Law successfully negotiated with the State Attorney and the State DISMISSED the charges.
