Theft

Share This
« Back to Glossary Index

Theft is defined as the unlawful and intentional taking of another person’s property with the intent to deprive that person of said property permanently

Petty Theft

A property’s value, in most states, will establish if a crime is charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. For example, petty theft in many states involves property valued at less than $1,000.

Felony Theft

Felony theft sometimes referred to as grand theft, is when the value of the property stolen exceeds that of petty theft. The value of the stolen is usually based on market value, not replacement value.

For example, if someone stole an eight-year-old television, such an item’s value would have depreciated substantially. The value used to determine the offense category would be the depreciated amount.

A problem arises when the stolen property value is higher than the minimum threshold of petty theft. 

Other jurisdictions have carved out exceptions to these types of laws. For example, the grand theft auto charge, no matter the vehicle’s market value, will demand felony charges and stiff penalties due to the dangerous nature of the crime.

Related Articles

Theft And Fraud Crimes

February 7, 2021
Credit Card Theft And Fraud Crimes Theft and fraud crimes, including credit card fraud and identity theft, cover a broad range of criminal behavior, which under some jurisdictions, is defined as larceny and which can include minor crimes ranging from shoplifting to sophisticated white-collar crimes like embezzlement and cyber-crimes to violent forms of larceny such as armed…
Read more →

Consumer Identity Theft

February 7, 2021
This article covers the basic actions consumers should take if they become victims of identity theft. These include immediately notifying the companies that issued you credit, placing a freeze or fraud alert on your credit report, and alerting the Federal Trade Commission to the theft of your identity and the illegal use of your personal…
Read more →

The Law of Theft: Shoplifting, Robbery and Burglary

February 7, 2021
There are two major types of theft: Theft by fraud, such as embezzlement and tax evasion. Theft through a physical act of force, threat of force, or by stealth. This article covers the second type of theft. It includes crimes such as shoplifting, picking a person's pocket, hijacking a car, robbery, and burglary. This article…
Read more →

Consumer Rights Lawyers: Everything You Need To Know

February 7, 2021
Consumer rights lawyers, also known as consumer protection lawyers, protect and defend the legal rights of consumers. Depending on the facts of your case, the consumer lawyer will discuss what remedies may be available to you under your state and federal consumer protection laws. Consumer Rights And Protection Lawyers - What They Do  Consumer Protection…
Read more →

Sponsors

Affiliate disclosure

GotTrouble.org is a one-stop free and open consumer information and expert resource.

Our information helps guide people through the complexity of life-changing legal, financial, and emotional challenges.

One way of doing this is by providing our visitors with a wide range of third-party resources. Some of which are affiliates.

Should you visit an affiliate, we will disclose this fact, and we may earn a commission. We ask that you use your independent judgment in deciding whether an offered service or product fits your needs and purposes.

If you have questions, please get in touch with us at inquiries@GotTrouble.org.