Petty Theft

Petty theft, also known as petty larceny, is the knowing and willful stealing of property or services valued at less than an amount determined by state law. This amount differs from state to state, but typically, the term "petty theft" applies to stolen property with a value less than $400.

The first thing to do when charged with petty theft is get an experienced petty theft attorney.

Petty theft is considered a pretty minor offense, but it is still theft and still punishable by law. It can be a stain on your record and may cost you further down the line, especially when trying to get a new job.

Examples of Petty Theft

Examples of petty theft include shoplifting, bicycle theft, or stealing other "minor" items from a residence when lawfully allowed to be there (otherwise it would be burglary).

Shoplifting

By all definitions, Shoplifting is considered a crime and comes with penalties. Shoplifting is stealing something from a store. The legal term for Shoplifting is Petty Theft. You shoplift if you intend to take something that doesn't belong to you from a store without paying for it, and you do so, or try to. Shoplifting also includes switching labels on merchandise in order to get a better price for your purchases. All Shoplifting charges come with consequences. Shoplifting is considered a serious crime, depending on the value of the property stolen and/or the criminal record of the defendant. In most cases, first offenses such as Shoplifting are punishable by a small fine and 1 year of informal probation, even for a teen or juvenile offender. In some cases, a first offense of Shoplifting can be reduced to an infraction thus eliminating any criminal record.

Grand Theft

Grand Theft is committed when the money, labor, real or personal property take is valued at more than $400. Grand Theft can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony and is punishable by up to one year in county jail or 16 months in state prison. Depending on the value of the goods stolen, shoplifting can be considered either Petty Theft or Grand Theft.

Notes

• Shoplifting can be Grand Theft (!)
  
• Check your state statutes or local laws. Your state's criminal code or justice department will explicitly define what crimes fall under petty theft where you live. Penalties generally involve a fine and could include up to a year of jail time.
  
• Remember that intent matters when dealing with crimes that fall under the definition of "petty theft." Knowing, intentional theft aimed at permanently depriving the owner of goods or services must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in most jurisdictions.
  
• Discuss the specifics of your case with a qualified criminal defense attorney if you have been charged with petty theft. Look for law firms specializing in the defense of people charged with theft-related crimes.

Q & A

What is considered Petty Theft in California? What are Petty Theft laws and charges?

In California, petty theft is considered stealing anything valued at less than $400 from a merchant. The theft over $400 is considered grand theft and could be punishable by either misdemeanor or felony, and up to 12-16 months in jail.
For a first offense, petty theft laws in CA say you will receive a misdemeanor charge and be on probation for 1 year whether you’re a juvenile or adult.

What are Petty Theft statutes in Florida? What are the penalties? How much is considered petty?

Anything valued at less than $200.00 is considered petty theft, you would be charged with theft/larceny, usually a misdemeanor, unless you have priors and then you can be given a greater charge, court's discretion. This does not include identity theft, which is a felony.
Anything over a value of $200.00 can be charged as grand theft in the state of Florida.
There are different statutes pertaining to many different types of theft/embezzlement ect.

What are the charges for a first time offense of under 300 in Petty Theft in Illinois?

The charges for the first time offense of UNDER $ 150 retail theft in Illinois is Class A misdemeanor. The second time Class 4 Felony.
Over $150 for a retail theft is a class 4 felony, even for the first time. However, if the theft is not from a retail store, then under $300 is still a misdemeanor. Over $300 it becomes a felony.




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