Difference between grand and petty larceny is that one can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor depending on the monetary value of the property stolen
Common-Law Definition of Larceny
Intentionally taking another’s personal property without legal permission, including the intent to permanently deprive that person of the property. Larceny is also known as theft.
Misdemeanor and Felony Larceny
Grand Larceny is the stealing of property valued over the state’s threshold amount for misdemeanor theft. This threshold amount varies from state to state.
Petty and Grand Theft Larceny
There are two classes of larceny, petty theft, which is the lowest form of unlawful taking, and grand theft. According to the Justice Department, nearly thirty percent of all larceny offenses are theft of motor vehicles. The next most common theft is shoplifting which is usually charged as petty theft.
Value of Theft
For example, in California law, petty theft is valued at $950 or less. The great majority of petty thefts are charged as misdemeanors, such as shoplifting, which carries a maximum jail term of six months. A value over the threshold amount can be filed as a felony in which the term of imprisonment is up to three years.
