What is Retail Theft?
The crime of retail theft occurs when a person unlawfully takes goods from a merchant or store with the intent to either temporarily or permanently deprive the owner of the property or from realizing a monetary benefit that could potentially be derived from the property in question. See 2009->Ch0812->Section%20015#0812.015″>Florida Statute 812.015. Retail thefts are categorized similarly to petit thefts. Retail Theft Penalties In cases involving items that are valued at $100 or less the charge is typically filed as a second degree misdemeanor. Goods that are worth more than $100 but less than $300 are usually treated as first degree misdemeanors. Further, a prior conviction for a retail theft will cause a second offense to be treated as a first degree misdemeanor even if the item or items taken are worth less than $100. Theft of Utilities Utility theft can be charged in several different situations. Perhaps the most common scenario involves the modification, alteration or adjustment of
