South Florida Juvenile Defense Attorneys

When it comes to juvenile petit theft crimes, the consequences can be very serious. If your child has been accused of this crime, it is important to contact a Florida juvenile petit theft attorney as soon as possible.

Has your child been accused of a crime in South Florida?

If so, Petit Theft is a serious crime and it is important to contact a qualified juvenile defense attorney as soon as possible. At The Mayersohn Law Group, we have experience handling all types of juvenile crimes, including petit theft.

What is Petit Theft?

In Florida, petit theft is defined as the unlawful taking of property valued at $300 or less. Petit theft is typically charged as a misdemeanor offense; however, if the value of the property stolen is $100 or less, it can be charged as a petty theft offense, which is a non-criminal violation.

Penalties for Juvenile Petit Theft in Florida

The penalties for juvenile petit theft in Florida depend on the value of the property stolen.

• If the value of the property is less than $100, the offense is classified as petty theft, which is a non-criminal violation.
• If the value of the property stolen is between $100 and $300, it is classified as a misdemeanor of the second degree, which is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.

If the value of the property stolen is more than $300 but less than $5,000, it is classified as a felony of the third degree, which is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

• If the value of the property stolen is more than $5,000, it is classified as a felony of the second degree, which is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

In addition to the above penalties, a juvenile who is convicted of petit theft may also be required to perform community service, pay restitution, and have their driver’s license suspended.

Defenses to Juvenile Petit Theft Charges in Florida

There are several defenses that can be used to fight petit theft charges in Florida. Some of the most common defenses include:

• The property was stolen by another person
• The juvenile did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of the property
• The juvenile had a good faith belief that they were entitled to the property
• The property was stolen as a result of duress or coercion
• The juvenile is a victim of human trafficking

If you or your child has been charged with petit theft, contact a Florida juvenile defense attorney at The Mayersohn Law Group to discuss your legal options. We have extensive experience handling all types of juvenile crimes and will work tirelessly to ensure that your child’s rights are protected every step of the way. Call us today at (954)466-8409 to schedule a free consultation.