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Theft is one of those crimes that have a varied number of levels, but each have a similar definition; the taking of another’s property. Since each level of theft is considered a crime, they can be met with very severe punishments, but those penalties can change depending on the value of the theft. Whether you’re facing charges of petit theft or grand theft, there are criminal defense attorneys that will tell you about the possible penalties against you.

Value of objects is the determining factor that differentiates between the possible theft charges. So let’s start at the lower levels, also known as petit theft. If the sum of the object stolen comes to be less than $300, then it can be classified as a petit theft in the first degree, which counts as a misdemeanor. There is also theft in the second degree, but the value must total less than $100. If the person convicted has two previous accounts of petit theft, the severity will be upgraded to a felony, as they have prior history with the matter.

When the value of stolen items rises above these numbers, the new level is called grand theft. Each level in this tier is considered a felony and should not be taken lightly. A first degree grand theft charge means that the value of stolen goods exceeds $100,000. Second degree is an automatic charge if the theft involves medical equipment stolen from an emergency vehicle, and is also considered a felony. Lastly there is grand theft in the third degree, which is anything up to $20,000 in value but above $300. Theft of wills, firearms, motor vehicles, fire extinguishers, and stop sings are all grand theft in the third degree regardless of value.

Don’t let these levels of theft confuse you. If you’re facing charges of any sort of theft, we have Orlando criminal defense attorneys that can help you fight those charges.

The following article will provide more information about the various kinds of theft that exist.