Miami Beach law enforcement officials report that a street light technician stole $23,000 worth of city-owned copper and aluminum wire over three over years. Police authorities alleged that the technician would regularly sell the stolen wire to a Miami scrap metal business. Police investigators following Perez claim that on five occasions in November and December he cut up wire, tossed bags of it into his personal car and drove it to Federal Metal to sell it. Each load would earn the suspect between $80 and $130. When confronted at his home, police report that he confessed to the crime. The city of Miami suspended his employment two days after the arrest and are opened an investigation into the allegations. Two other technicians were also charged in connection to the theft but charges had not been filed.
Defining Grand Theft
In Orlando, grand theft is a special category of theft crimes known as “crimes of dishonesty.” Theft is defined by the unauthorized using or taking of another person’s property with the intent to permanently, or temporarily, divest that person of their property. Theft is either petit or grand depending on the value of property. A theft is categorized as grand theft if the property stolen totals or exceeds $300. The theft may also be categorized as grand if the property stolen is a vehicle or firearm.
Degrees of Penalties of Grand Theft
Penalties for grand theft depend on the degree of the theft committed.The penalties for grand theft include:
- Third Degree Grand Theft: Theft of property valued between $300 – $20,000 and is punishable with up to five years in prison.
- Second Degree Grand Theft: Theft of property valued between $20,000 and $100,000 and is punishable with up to fifteen years in prison.
- First Degree Grand Theft: Theft of property valued over $100,000 and is punishable with up to thirty years in prison.
Non-Legal Consequences a Grand Theft Conviction
In addition to the threat of prison, a grand theft conviction could follow you for the rest of your life and make it harder to find a job or place to live. Oftentimes you will need to pass a criminal background check to obtain a job or be approved for a new home. A grand theft conviction carries a stigma that not many employers or landlords are willing to overlook.
Let an Attorney Help You With Grand Theft Charges
A grand theft conviction may cause others to questions your honesty. While we all know people can change, it may be hard for strangers to believe that you have changed. If you have been charged with grand theft, you will need help from an attorney to ensure you have the best defense possible. Contact Moses & Rooth, so we can discuss your charges and develop a strategy to help ensure your are not stigmatized for life. Please contact us today at 407-377-0150 to schedule an initial consultation.
Jay R. Rooth
Jay is an experienced and dedicated attorney. Whether you need help with a DUI or a more serious felony, Jay is ready to fight for you. Not only is Jay highly regarded by his peers, he’s also strongly recommended by his clients. Jay obtained his Law degree from Barry University Law School. Jay is a active member of the Orlando Chamber of Commerce, the Federalist Society, Florida Bar Association, the Orange County Bar Association, the Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.
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