Can a Petit Theft charge be upgraded to a felony in Broward County?

Yes, a misdemeanor can be reclassified under specific circumstances in the 17th Judicial Circuit. If an individual has two or more prior theft convictions, a third petit theft arrest may be charged as a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison. Furthermore, if the theft involves a coordinated effort with others or the use of an emergency exit to escape, the state may pursue enhanced felony-level penalties.