Petit Theft

Petit theft is the least serious of theft offenses and pursuant to Florida Statute is reserved for cases involving theft of property valued less than $300.00. Although it may not seem to be a very serious offense, it is important to seek legal representation right away.

First degree petit theft involves the theft of property valued between $100.00 and $300.00, whereas Second degree Petit Theft involves the theft of property less than $100.00.

Just as with grand theft and other theft or fraud related cases there are reasonable defenses, many of them are the same, such as:

• Intent - The Prosecutor must prove that you intended to take the property with a criminal intent.
• Value - The State must prove the value of property, and that it actually has a value.
• Abandoned Property - For propert of little or no value, a reasonable defense is that no one really cared about the property. Perhaps it was left outside, or in the trash.

Criminal Penalties for Petit Theft

First degree Petit Theft - Applicable where the value of the property is between $100.00 and $300.00, penaties may include a maximum of one-year in jail, one year probation, and fines of up to $1000.00. If you have a prior conviction for theft then you could be charged with First degree petit theft even if the value at issue is less than $100.00.

Second Degree Petit Theft - A conviction for the theft of property valued at less than $100.00 could result in penalties of up to 6 months in jail, 6 months probation, and up to $500.00 in fines.

Driver’s License Suspension - A conviction for Petit Theft can result in a suspension of your driver’s license for 6 months, or for 1 year for a second or subsequent conviction.

Call Philpott Law Today

While Petit Theft is less serious than other theft related cases, the impact that a conviction can have on your career and reputation can be significant. Call Philpott Law today and let a former prosecutor assist you with your defense. 386-873-2884.