What situations upgrade theft charges to grand theft in Florida?

On Behalf of Kaylor Law Group • September 18, 2023

Theft occurs in all kinds of ways. Shoplifting, burglary, embezzlement and armed robbery are all different kinds of theft. While the circumstances of theft crimes vary from case to case, what unifies them is that they are crimes intended to deprive someone of their rightful property.


Florida takes such crimes seriously, with the theft of items worth as little as $750 leaving someone vulnerable to felony charges rather than a misdemeanor petty theft offense. The greater the overall value of the items stolen, the more serious the charges and the higher the penalties involved.


However, it’s important to understand that grand theft can also occur because of the nature of the items stolen, not just the value of the items.

Certain assets carry bigger penalties for theft

Beyond the price of the items involved, the kind of items stolen or the location of the theft can have a major impact on the charges. For example, those who steal emergency medical equipment from a medical facility, aircraft or vehicle worth just $300 could face grand theft charges. Law enforcement equipment worth $300 or more is subject to the same rules.


Enhanced penalties and lower value limits for upgraded charges also apply to cargo stolen while in transit. Stealing someone’s last will or other testamentary instrument is a third-degree grand theft felony, as is the theft of a firearm.


People who steal vehicles in certain situations, fire extinguishers from buildings, controlled substances, anhydrous ammonia, municipal stop signs or even more than 2,000 pieces of citrus fruit can wind up facing grand theft charges.

There are always ways to challenge the narrative around a theft crime

Police officers and prosecutors want to make people look like they had bad intentions when they committed a property crime. You may have a perfectly reasonable explanation for what happened.


Perhaps you took a fire extinguisher from a neighboring business without permission because there was a fire at your place of employment or a vehicle engulfed in flames outside. Maybe you took emergency medical equipment from an ambulance because the paramedics were trying to treat someone else and you thought the situation was a true emergency.


Exploring the circumstances around your arrest can help you challenge the narrative that you intended to commit a serious property crime. The more you understand Florida theft laws, the easier it will be for you to defend yourself.

Why it’s important to quickly talk to an attorney after a DUI charge

By On Behalf of Kaylor Law Group • September 18, 2023
If you get arrested on DUI charges, the situation can be very concerning. You are going to worry about your future, your freedom, your reputation and your bank account. All of these realities can be impacted by a DUI charge. As a result, this situation is likely not something that you want to face on your own. It is important to talk with a legal team to determine what your options are. Here are a few important things to keep in mind.

What is the total cost of a DUI?

By On Behalf of Kaylor Law Group • September 18, 2023
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious charge, with serious consequences – even for a first-time conviction. In Florida, the financial ramifications of a DUI conviction can be substantial. If you’re charged with a DUI, these are some of the potential financial consequences you may face both inside and outside the courtroom.

4 things to know about cybercrime charges

By On Behalf of Kaylor Law Group • September 18, 2023
Cybercrime charges are often thought to come from sophisticated scams using the Internet. While it’s true that all cybercrimes have to do with online activities, it’s possible for these charges to stem from simple, small incidents. Knowing a bit about cybercrimes and their associated charges may be beneficial to some individuals. Here are four points that provide a glimpse into this area:

What constitutes cyberstalking?

By On Behalf of Kaylor Law Group • September 18, 2023
Stalking has long been a crime in the physical sense, and some people have even gotten restraining orders to try to keep people from following them or harassing them. Things have changed in the digital era, however, and we have now seen the rise of something known as cyberstalking. It’s important to know what this is and how it happens so that you can avoid doing anything that would be considered cyberstalking and a violation of the law. Generally, speaking, cyberstalking just means using technology to harass someone, to pester them, or even to discover their whereabouts. It’s important to note that this is more than someone simply being annoying. It’s not cyberstalking if you don’t like what someone comments on your social media profiles or something of this nature. Unsolicited emails also do not constitute cyberstalking, and many people get a lot of them every day. To make it cyberstalking, it has to be “ methodical, deliberate and persistent .” There also needs to be some element of direct harassment or bullying, where that person is being emotionally and verbally attacked through the messages.

2 ways certain prescriptions frequently lead to drug charges

By On Behalf of Kaylor Law Group • September 18, 2023
Prescription medications are only legal when a doctor recommends them to you and then monitors your use of them. People all too frequently assume they can do whatever they want with the prescription once they pick it up from the pharmacy, but that is not how controlled substances laws work. There are numerous restrictions on how you use, store and transport prescribed medications. People sometimes violate these rules and find themselves facing charges. Some prescriptions have a very strong association with criminal charges. Why might your recent prescription eventually result in an arrest?

What can be taken through civil asset forfeiture?

By On Behalf of Kaylor Law Group • September 18, 2023
Florida’s civil asset forfeiture is supposed to be a way to deprive people of being able to use things that are the result of illegal activities. This is done to prevent it from being used to commit future crimes. Law enforcement agencies in the state must comply with the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act. Currently, law enforcement agencies in this state aren’t required to report what assets they seize under this law. One point to remember is that some assets taken under state law are eventually returned to the owner.

The compounding impact of a second-offense DUI

By On Behalf of Kaylor Law Group • September 18, 2023
A DUI is always something you have to take seriously. There are harsh penalties, both criminal and administrative, that you could face for a first, second or subsequent DUI. If you had a DUI in the past and now face accusations of a second DUI, you need to know how the penalties may compound with this second offense. Here is what you need to know about what to expect from a second-offense DUI as you handle your case.

Why accepting a DUI plea deal may not be your best option

By On Behalf of Kaylor Law Group • September 18, 2023
Any time you’re facing accusations of driving under the influence, you want to know your rights and what to expect as you defend yourself. One of the things that might come up for you in your case is a DUI plea deal, and, depending on the circumstances, you might be considering accepting it. Should you take a plea deal or not? The answer to that question depends on several factors. In some cases, accepting a DUI plea deal may not be the best option for you.

Why do Florida drug charges become federal cases?

By On Behalf of Kaylor Law Group • September 18, 2023
Both Florida and the federal government ban many of the same substances. Controlled substances laws prohibit the possession or manufacture of methamphetamine at the federal and state level, for example. They also make it illegal to abuse or resell prescription drugs. Typically, when someone faces criminal charges for drug-related activity in Florida, they will face state charges. A local police officer will arrest someone for possession or a similar offense, and Florida will prosecute. Sometimes, federal prosecution occurs instead. When will the federal government prosecute a drug offense in Florida?

At what point should I get a criminal defense attorney?

By On Behalf of Kaylor Law Group • September 18, 2023
The idea of being independent is a powerful cultural force in the United States. Most adults don’t like to ask for help, especially if they have to pay for it. People like to try to solve their own problems as frequently as possible. Still, there are certain situations where bringing in professional help is usually the right approach. Facing criminal allegations is a perfect example. Someone who has never been in state custody or experienced a criminal trial before will not know the right way to handle these stressful experiences. How soon should you hire an attorney to help you with a criminal matter?
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