The Gross Misdemeanor and Felony Property Offense Youth Accountability Program is an alternative to juvenile court.
Qualifying offenses may include:
- Theft
- Criminal damage to property
- Possession of stolen property
- Forgery related, or burglary in the third-degree (only if while committing the offense, the juvenile entered the garage and did not enter the home, and did not commit any other gross misdemeanor or felony level offense while in the garage)
Value of stolen or damaged property must be less than $5,000.
How it works
The juvenile is required to:
- Complete a research project about encouraging positive behavior and supporting community values.
- Pay restitution to victims if they incurred a monetary loss.
- Complete community work service hours within 60 days of enrollment.
- Comply with identification requirements (fingerprinting) as required by Minnesota Statute 299C.10.
Gross misdemeanor:
- Ages 13-14: 15 hours
- Age 15 and older: 25 hours
Low-level felony:
- Ages 13-14: 25 hours
- Age 15 and older: 35 hours
All requirements of the program must be completed within one year from enrollment. Failure to do so may result in termination of the program and the filing of a petition in juvenile court.
If the juvenile has already completed a Youth Accountability Program (other than Alcohol & Cannabis) or failed to complete an earlier program, they are not eligible for the program.
Program benefits
The juvenile will develop respect for others and their property while strengthening decision-making skills.
A better understanding about the impact of their behavior.
After the program is successfully completed, the case is closed and no further action will be taken.