Juveniles and Grand Theft: Special Considerations and Penalties
Grand theft is a serious criminal offense. It is a felony in Florida. However, a juvenile (17 years of age or under) who is arrested for and charged with grand theft has special considerations that should be kept in mind. At The Law Office of Denise Miller, PA, we have extensive experience handling both grand theft cases and juvenile criminal matters. Within this article, our Stuart juvenile defense lawyer provides an overview of grand theft charges in Florida, including the penalties and special considerations for young offenders.
What is Grand Theft?
Grand theft is a criminal offense that involves the unlawful taking of someone else’s property, where the value of the stolen property exceeds a certain amount set by law. As of 2024, Florida Statutes § 812.014) sets the threshold for grand theft at $750. Theft of money/property valued under that dollar figure is generally a misdemeanor petit theft case in Florida. When that threshold is exceeded, the matter becomes a felony grand theft case. The penalties for grand theft depend largely on the amount that was taken. Here is an overview:
- Third Degree Felony ($750 to $20,000): A conviction for a third-degree felony grand theft carries a maximum of 5 years in state prison.
- Second Degree Felony ($20,001 to $100,000): A conviction for a second-degree felony grand theft carries a maximum of 15 years in state prison.
- First Degree Felony (More than $100,000): A conviction for a first-degree felony grand theft carries a maximum of 30 years in state prison.
Note: Theft may be treated as an aggregate offense in Florida. In other words, multiple thefts committed by the same person over a set period can be combined to determine the total value of stolen property. The aggregation can elevate the severity of the charges from petit theft to grand theft if the cumulative value meets the threshold for grand theft. For example, a 15-year-old who steals $400 in merchandise from a retail store one day and then another $500 in merchandise from the same store a week later could be charged with felony grand theft based on aggregation.
Understanding How the Juvenile Justice System Works in Grand Theft Cases in Florida
Florida has a specialized process for juvenile justice. How exactly the system works depends on a few key factors, including the young person’s age and the specific nature of the allegations. Here is an overview of key points to know about how the juvenile justice system works in Florida:
- 13 Years of Age or Younger ( Juvenile Case): All grand theft offenses involving a child who is 13 years of age or younger will be handled by the juvenile justice system.
- 14 and 15 Years of Age (Always a Juvenile Case Unless Corresponding Violence Crime): In Florida, 14- and 15-year-olds are almost always dealt with in the juvenile justice system. However, there are some exceptions for certain serious felonies. If a 15-year-old is accused of a violent crime as part of a grand theft case—such as a violent robbery—they could potentially end up in adult court.
- 16 and 17 Years of Age (Prosecutors Retain Discretion): In Florida, prosecutors have considerable discretion for handling criminal cases involving 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds. If a teenager in this age bracket is arrested and charged with grand theft, the juvenile justice system could handle the case. However, that is not guaranteed by law. Parents should be proactive.
Special Considerations for Juvenile Justice Case: Strong Focus on Rehabilitation
In juvenile justice cases, there is a strong emphasis on rehabilitation over punishment. It reflects our state’s commitment to helping young people in finding a corrective path rather than confining them to punitive measures. It is an approach based on the understanding that young individuals possess a greater capacity for change. Programs such as counseling, education, and skill development are prioritized. There are also many more options for getting criminal records—including grand theft charges—sealed.
Contact Our Stuart Grand Theft Lawyer for Juveniles Today
At The Law Office of Denise Miller, PA, our Florida juvenile defense attorney has the skills and experience to take on all types of grand theft charges. If you or your child was arrested and charged with grand theft as a juvenile, we can help. Call us now or contact us online for a confidential initial appointment. With an office in Stuart, we defend juveniles in grand theft cases in Martin County and the surrounding South Florida region.
