Florida Criminal Law: What Are the Penalties for the Crime of Grand Theft in the First Degree?
Florida law dictates that Grand Theft in the first degree is a first-degree felony, in accordance with Florida Statute 812.014(2). The Florida legislature has a criminal law committee that actually introduces bills and introduces them to both the House and Senate for review before they become laws. It is in these sessions that such penalties are discussed and decided upon.
If you have been charged with a Grand Theft in the First Degree, then you may wonder what penalties may be imposed in the sentencing. Before entering a plea agreement, it is important to understand what may happen if a jury convicted you and recommended the harshest sentence for the offense to the Court. In accordance with Florida Statute 775.082(3)(b), a felony in the first degree is punishable by, “ a term of imprisonment not exceeding 30 years or, when specifically provided by statute, by imprisonment for a term of years not exceeding life imprisonment.” In addition, a fine may be imposed for the crime, in accordance with Florida Statute 775.083(3)(b) a fine cannot exceed $10,000. A plea agreement may be made for a lesser penalty, since the maximum time in prison is 30 years the plea agreement may be for considerably less prison time than the 30 years and a fine less than the $10,000 maximum allowed by statute.
If you have been charged with the crime of Grand Theft in the First Degree, then you should speak with a criminal lawyer about your rights and options and to help you negotiate with the State.
Michael A. Atter
Former Prosecutor
Keith L. Maynard
Former Assistant Public Defender
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