There are numerous definitions of theft in the book of the law, and not all of them are treated equally.
Thus, it is important to understand exactly what any specific type of theft you face means in legal terms. This is the only way to know how to fight against charges and understand the penalties you are up against.
The difference between theft crimes
Florida Statutes involve discussion of larceny and other forms of theft. Larceny, by definition, is simply the taking of another person’s possession(s), which is a very broad way of defining it.
Many different types of theft fall under the wider umbrella of larceny. This includes crimes like pickpocketing, purse snatching and even shoplifting. In Florida, one of the most common types of larceny beyond shoplifting is actually the theft of items from within a motor vehicle.
Larceny can additionally include the theft of parts from within a car or stealing parts or the entirety of a bicycle. Theft from a building may at times be considered larceny, but it often gets categorized as burglary instead.
Details that impact the charge
Whether or not a person’s theft crime is considered larceny depends on the specific details of the crime, such as whether or not force, violence or weapons were used, what sort of item was stolen, the value of the stolen goods, and if other people were involved or present at the time of the theft.
Based on these factors, it will determine not only the type of theft the crime gets categorized as but also the potential penalties the accused may face.
