PETIT THEFT / GRAND THEFT / SHOPLIFTING

If you have been arrested or charged with a theft crime in central Florida, such as shoplifting, petit theft, or grand theft, call the Law Firm of John P. Guidry II for a free consultation to discuss your options. As you may be aware, theft charges can arise under many different circumstances, and possible punishment varies depending upon the value of the property allegedly stolen, and the prior record of the defendant.

One common form of theft is known as Petit Theft, where the property allegedly stolen is valued at less than $300. Typically, Petit Theft is simply a shoplifting allegation and is usually charged as a misdemeanor (can be upgraded to a Felony Theft if the accused has two prior theft crimes). Petit Theft cases can be difficult to prove because the prosecutor must show that the accused “intended” to steal. Often, a Loss Prevention Officer of a retail store may detain a shoplifting suspect before the suspect ever leaves the store. This is because Florida law deems a “theft” completed when an item is concealed within a purse, pocket, or jacket, for example.

The value of an item allegedly stolen plays an important role as well, because anything valued over $300 is no longer a Petit Theft, but rather becomes a felony Grand Theft. “Value” is not as easy to prove as it may seem. Florida courts have ruled that the State cannot prove the value of the item merely by presenting testimony regarding the price of the item. For example, suppose an alleged victim testifies that $1,000 was paid for the item stolen, several months before the theft. A $1,000 value would support a felony Grand Theft conviction, but testimony as to a recent price paid does not prove value, so that grand theft charge should not stand. Sometimes, value is not relevant, where the theft is done by a hotel employee, for example. Even a $5 bill stolen by a hotel maid is considered a felony due to the position of trust an employer places in an employee.

If you are arrested and charged with any form of theft, ranging from Petit Theft, Burglary, Shoplifting, or Grand Theft, give experienced theft attorney John Guidry a call. Of course, it costs you nothing to speak with Mr. Guidry about your case, so why not give him a call?

Aggressive, quality representation since 1993