Different theft crimes in Florida often fall into different categories, which result in different potential penalties in turn.
Some of these definitions are also quite broad. For example, the law defines larceny as taking the possession of another person. But what does this broad definition mean?
Common and uncommon larceny crimes
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement discusses property crimes, which larceny falls under. Within larceny crimes, the law often breaks them down into common and less common crimes.
Regarding the most common larceny crimes, this includes purse snatching, pick-pocketing, and even shoplifting. In Florida itself, the most common type of larceny crime is stealing from a motor vehicle.
However, as the definition of larceny is so broad, many other crimes also fall into this category. This includes stealing bicycles or taking parts from cars. Even stealing from a building may count as larceny in some cases, but it can also fall under the category of burglary.
Penalties for larceny
Of course, each theft crime has different penalties associated with it. For example, with some types of larceny, a person may face up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. However, some types of larceny do not carry jail sentences.
On top of that, larceny crimes can fall into different degrees of severity. For example, petty theft of anything less than $100 in value counts as a second-degree misdemeanor. This can result in a fine of up to $500 or 60 days in jail.
Understanding the differences between different types of larceny crimes can help a person prepare to face their trial.