Petty Theft vs Grand Theft – What’s The difference?
- in Laws
In the world of crime, there are numerous different categories for which anyone can be arrested. One such category is Petty Theft vs. Grand Theft – What’s The difference? To understand this, we must first understand what theft is. In legal terms, theft happens when someone takes something that doesn’t belong to them and carries it away, intending to permanently deprive its rightful owner of their property. This could include shoplifting or stealing from an employer and robbery or burglary. If anyone is arrested for any form of theft, it’s important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Difference between Petty theft vs Grand theft
Petty theft is generally considered a less serious crime than grand theft. This is because petty theft usually involves taking property worth less than a certain amount of money. In contrast, grand. In contrast, grand theft typically means stealing more expensive items or larger sums of money.
So, what’s the difference?
The main difference between petty theft and grand theft is the value of the property that has been stolen. Petty theft is generally anything below a certain monetary value, typically $500 or less. On the other hand, Grand Theft is when the value of what has been stolen exceeds this amount. Another key distinction between the two offenses is that petty theft is often a misdemeanor offense. In contrast, grand theft can result in more serious penalties such as prison time.
One interesting thing to note about petty theft vs. grand theft charges is that prosecutors are much more likely to go after someone for committing a felony if they have a prior criminal record. This means that even if you only steal something worth $50 but have a prior conviction for a felony, you could be facing some dire time in prison.
So, what do these distinctions mean for the average person?
In short, petty theft is generally considered to be a less severe crime and is usually punishable with a fine or a brief stint in jail. On the other hand, Grand Theft can result in much harsher penalties, including lengthy prison sentences.
Petty theft California
In California, Penal Code 484(a) law defines petty theft as the unlawful taking of another person’s property, valued at $950 or less.
Petty theft can be charged as either a misdemeanor or an infraction depending on its circumstances and who was involved in committing the crime. Misdemeanor offenses are punishable by up to six months in jail, with fines reaching $1000 for first-time offenders under Penal Code section §667(b)(l). An infraction will only result in a fine around $250 -$400 but generally does not require that you serve any time behind bars. You may also have your driving privilege revoked if drugs were found during the arrest process. If this occurs, you could face severe consequences and receive several DMV points added to your license.
Petty theft charges in California
Petty theft is usually charged as a misdemeanor offense, with the most minor, severe penalties compared to other crimes considered felonies or infractions.
Larceny vs theft
Larceny is a type of theft, but it is not the only one. Larceny refers explicitly to crimes that involve the taking of personal property. This could include shoplifting, stealing from an employer, or robbery or burglary.
On the other hand, theft is a more general term that encompasses all types of stealing – including larceny and kidnapping, and extortion. So, while larceny is undoubtedly a form of theft, many other kinds of thefts don’t fall into this specific category.
It’s important to note that while larceny is generally considered to be less severe than some other forms of theft (such as armed robbery), it can still result in significant penalties if you are convicted. If you are concerned about the potential consequences of larceny charges, you should contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. They can give you more information on your case and let you know what options are available to help get the situation resolved in your favor.
Grand larceny theft
Grand larceny theft is a type of larceny crime that involves the theft of property worth more than $1000. This is one reason why grand larceny theft charges are generally considered a felony offense. In contrast, petty theft charges are classified as misdemeanors since they involve significantly less value in stolen goods.
When people are arrested for any theft, it’s essential to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. They will advise them on the best course of action and help ensure that they receive the most favorable outcome possible under the circumstances.