Larceny / Theft in Broward County, Florida

# Larceny/Theft in Broward County

Broward County handles larceny cases differently than the state average, with adjudication withheld far more common locally. In Broward, 34.8% of defendants receive withheld adjudication—meaning the judge finds guilt but keeps it off their record—compared to just 16.1% statewide. Guilty verdicts occur in 61.5% of cases. Dismissals are slightly rarer in Broward than statewide, dropping below the state's 1.8% average to just 1.1%, suggesting the local State Attorney's office pursues these cases aggressively. Diversion programs, which allow case dismissal through program completion, are underused in Broward at 2.5% versus 8.5% statewide, indicating fewer alternatives to prosecution reach defendants charged with theft.

When confinement does occur in Broward theft cases, jail is more common than prison. About 31.7% receive jail time while 13.5% go to prison. Sentences vary widely: the median is 206 days but the average stretches to 400.5 days, showing some cases result in much longer terms. Probation is the norm, averaging 1,134 days when imposed, suggesting most Broward theft convictions blend supervision with confinement rather than incarceration alone.

1.1% of Larceny / Theft cases in Broward County are dismissed, and 34.8% receive adjudication withheld. An attorney can review your situation — free, no obligation.

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8,143
Total Cases
61.5%
Guilty Rate
34.8%
Withheld Rate
1.1%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 1 months
Avg Sentence

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
61.5% (5,008)
Withheld
34.8% (2,833)
Diversion
2.5% (207)
Dismissed
1.1% (86)
Acquitted
0.1% (8)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 1 months
Avg Sentence
6.9 months
Median Sentence
3.1 years
Avg Probation
13.5%
Prison Rate
31.7%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 2,583 5.1 months
State Prison Facility 1,096 2.7 years

Demographics

Demographic data reflects systemic patterns in the criminal justice system and should not be used to draw conclusions about any racial or ethnic group. Disparities may reflect differences in policing, prosecution, and socioeconomic factors rather than actual crime rates.

Race Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Black 5,053 65.2% 1.1%
Not Available 3,032 55.9% 0.9%
Asian 14 57.1% 0.0%

Age Distribution

5.6%
Under 21
22.4%
21-29
35.4%
30-39
19.2%
40-49
10.9%
50-59
6.6%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 2,106 60.6% 0.5% 1 year
2024 3,131 60.8% 0.7% 1 year, 1 months
2025 2,906 62.9% 1.8% 1 year, 1 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 3,327
Misdemeanor First Degree 2,936
Misdemeanor Second Degree 1,576
Felony Second Degree 250
Felony First Degree 54

Related Charges in Broward County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 20,241 20.4% 1.2%
Drug Possession 5,290 56.2% 7.8%
Resisting Officer 4,126 51.8% 3.0%
Trespassing 3,442 51.5% 3.2%
Other 3,123 32.6% 26.9%
Battery 2,519 51.1% 5.5%
DUI 2,395 83.5% 3.0%
Fraud 2,358 58.1% 2.2%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Larceny / Theft in Broward County?
The guilty rate is 61.5% based on 8,143 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Larceny / Theft in Broward County?
Adjudication is withheld in 34.8% of cases. This is a Florida-specific outcome where the court finds guilt but does not formally convict, allowing the defendant to avoid a conviction record under FL Statute 948.01.
What is the average sentence for Larceny / Theft in Broward County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 1 months.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
0.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 0.0% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Broward County. "Guilty" includes all cases where the defendant was found guilty. "Adjudication withheld" is a Florida-specific disposition where guilt is found but the court withholds formal adjudication under FL Statute 948.01. "Dismissed" includes all cases dismissed by the court or prosecution.

Source: FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency · 8,143 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026