Is Shoplifting a Criminal Offense in Florida?
Many regard shoplifting in Florida as a crime that is not so severe. However, the court of law takes it seriously in Florida. A shoplifting conviction can affect other aspects of your life, such as getting credit, employment opportunities, etc.
Shoplifting is one of the most common crimes in Florida. Under Florida law, shoplifting crimes are charged as either petit or grand theft, depending on the value of the alleged stolen merchandise. Shoplifting is considered retail theft, and its activities include; taking away merchandise property, money, or negotiable punishment, altering or removing a price tag, or removing a shopping cart.
The penalty depends on the value of the item stolen or the extent of the incidence and the criminal history of the defendant. No matter the theft charges you may face in Florida, shoplifting is also a serious offense with a more severe consequence.
What next after getting caught, charged, or convicted of shoplifting in Florida? Read on to find out.
Possible Shoplifting Penalty In Florida
As mentioned earlier in this article, a retail theft charge depends on the value of the stolen item. Some of these charges for shoplifting in Florida include;
1. Petit Theft
A defendant is charged with this if the alleged stolen merchandise is more than $100 and less than $300. And a first-degree misdemeanor is punishable by law with a fine of $1,000, a year of probation, and up to a year in county jail.
Suppose it is the first theft offense by the defendant. In that case, he could be charged up to $500 and 60 days in prison, and a second theft offense may be upgraded to a first-degree misdemeanor. As stated earlier, it can attract a fine of $1000 and a year in jail, and two or more theft offenses can be upgraded to a third-degree, which attracts a fine of $1000 or public service with up to 1 year in jail.
Also, Florida law now requires the suspension of the driver’s license for up to 6 months for the first conviction and a year for the second conviction once you are charged with either the first-degree or second-degree of petit theft.
2. Grand Theft
A defendant of shoplifting in Florida is charged with a third-degree grand theft if the alleged stolen merchandise is more than $300 and less than $5000. A third-degree grand theft is punishable by law with a fine of $5000 and up to 5 years in jail in state prison. Grand theft charges can either be felony or misdemeanor, and this depends on the discretion of the prosecutor.
If you are a victim of shoplifting, contact a defense Attorney to help you with a plea for the best possible outcome.
