You’ve probably heard the terms “petty theft” and “grand theft” before, but you might not know the differences between them. After all, they both seem like the same crime. Simply put, you’ve committed theft if you steal something from someone else. It seems pretty straightforward, but there are differences between petty and grand theft charges. You’ll almost certainly need an excellent criminal defense lawyer no matter what charge you might face, but it’s still important to know how these charges differ.
1. The Value of the Stolen Goods
The most significant difference between petty theft and grand theft is the value of the stolen goods. If the value of the cash or stolen goods is less than a certain amount, the charge is usually petty theft. If the value is over that amount, it’s grand theft. This threshold varies by state. It can be as low as $200, as is the case in New Jersey, or as high as $2,000. In California, stealing anything valued at less than $950 is considered petty theft. Anything more than that is grand theft.
In some cases, the type of property stolen is taken into account. For example, stealing automobiles or firearms may be considered grand theft regardless of their value.
2. Felony vs. Misdemeanor
Another significant difference between petty theft and grand theft is that petty theft is usually charged as a misdemeanor while grand theft is often a felony. Petty theft may even be charged as an infraction if the monetary value of the stolen goods is minimal, usually under $50. A misdemeanor could result in a six-month stay in a county jail and a fine of up to $1,000, while an infraction is punishable by a fine of up to $250.
A felony grand theft conviction will almost certainly result in a prison sentence. This sentence will vary depending on the nature of the crime and where it was committed. More severe cases of grand theft, such as the theft of an automobile or a firearm, often result in heavier sentences. In any case, you’ll still have a felony charge on your record, which could significantly impact your life.
3. How the Property Was Stolen
The most significant difference between petty and grand theft is the value of the stolen property, but how the items are stolen is sometimes taken into account. An item forcibly taken from a person will be more likely to result in a grand theft charge, especially if the thief threatened or intimidated the victim. The impact of the theft may also be taken into account. Having something stolen is always stressful for the victim, but if the theft causes significant distress or financial hardship, it is more likely to result in a grand theft charge.
While petty and grand theft seem like similar crimes, there are some significant differences. It’s essential to know these differences if you are ever accused of any kind of theft. Your defense lawyer will fight for you, but knowing these differences will always help your case.
Published by: Holy Minoza
