Penalties for Grand Theft of an Emergency Medical Equipment

May 29, 2023 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, News & Announcements, Theft/Property Crimes Social Share

When a defendant is accused of stealing, the charge they will likely face is theft. Theft charges in Florida can be classified as petit or grand theft, depending on the value of the stolen item. If the stolen item was an emergency vehicle, grand theft charges become more severe. In a recent Florida case, a man is being charged with grand theft after stealing a firetruck.

This post will provide information on grand theft charges and penalties, along with details from the example case.

Grand Theft Charges in Florida

Theft charges in Florida fall under Statute Section 812.014, defining the crime as when a person knowingly obtains or uses the property of another with the intent to temporarily or permanently:

• Deprive the owner of a right to the property or a benefit from the property; or
• Appropriate the property to the defendant’s own use or the use of a person not entitled to the property.

The penalties for theft charges vary on the valued amount of said stolen property. When a person is accused of stealing a vehicle, it is more likely a charge of grand theft. Grand theft can result in a third-, second-, or first-degree felony.

A defendant can be charged with grand theft in the third-degree for any stolen property valued between $750 and $20,000, or if the stolen property includes:

• Firearm
• Stop Sign
• Motor Vehicle
• Fire Extinguisher
• Commercial Farm Animal
• Any Controlled Substance
• Will or Testamentary Instruments

The penalties for a third-degree felony in Florida include up to a $5,000 fine and up to five years in prison.

A defendant can be charged with grand theft in the second-degree for any stolen property valued between $20,000 and $100,000, or if the stolen property includes:

• Cargo valued at less than $50,000 that has entered interstate or intrastate commerce;
• Emergency medical equipment valued at $300 or more; or
• Law enforcement equipment valued at $300 or more.

The penalties for a second-degree felony in Florida include up to a $10,000 fine and up to 15 years in prison.

A defendant can be charged with grand theft in the first-degree for any stolen property valued over $100,000 or if the stolen property includes:

• Cargo valued at over $50,000 that has entered interstate or intrastate commerce; or
• During the commission of a felony offense in which the defendant caused over $1,000 in damages.

The penalties for a first-degree felony in Florida include up to a $10,000 fine and up to 30 years in prison.

Example Case

Palm Beach County police arrested Ajenard Lekambrick Hanna, 31, after he allegedly stole a firetruck during a rescue training exercise and drove it across three Florida counties. 

According to the Local 10’s report on the case, Hanna pulled off the “swift heist” at fire station 32, located at 358 N. 168^th Street, where surveillance footage shows the defendant driving the stolen emergency vehicle northbound on Interstate 95.

Law enforcement in Brevard, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach County all chased after Hanna for an hour along the Florida Turnpike. While driving through Miami-Dade, the defendant allegedly crashed into an Opa-locka Police Department cruiser, although it was parked and without passengers at the time.

The Florida Highway Patrol also became involved in the chase, until the frantic pursuit finally ended north of the Boynton Beach exit. Hanna has been charged with grand theft of emergency medical equipment, with a $25,000 bond.

Finding a Defense Attorney in Tallahassee, Florida

The penalties for a grand theft charge in Florida are steep. If convicted, a defendant may be facing expensive fines and extensive prison sentencing. If you or a loved one has been arrested for a theft charge, it is in your best interest to contact a defense attorney as soon as possible. A skilled defense attorney can help you build a strong defense for your case while protecting your rights.

Don Pumphrey and his team have years of experience representing Floridians who have been accused of a criminal offense. Our firm will make your case our top priority and provide our guidance and knowledge throughout the entire case. Contact Pumphrey Law Firm today at (850) 681-7777 to receive a free consultation regarding your case, or leave an online message on our website.

Written by Karissa Key

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