J.T. v. State

J.T. was adjudicated delinquent on the charge of first-degree petit theft. He appeals his adjudication only as to the state’s failure to prove the value of the stolen merchandise. Under section 812.014(2)(e), Florida Statutes (1999), the state was required to prove the value of the merchandise was between one hundred dollars ($100) and three hundred dollars ($300). The only evidence adduced at trial to establish this element of the charge was the hearsay testimony of two witnesses who, admittedly, had no personal knowledge of the price or value of the stolen items.

On appeal, the state does…