Petit larceny, also known as petty larceny or petty theft, is the theft of property where the value of the item stolen is relatively low and falls below a legally established threshold. The exact monetary value defining petit larceny varies by jurisdiction but is generally set to distinguish it from grand larceny, which involves theft of higher-value property. Key points about petit larceny include:
- It typically involves stolen property valued under a specific amount, for example, less than $500 or up to $1,000 depending on the state.
- It is generally classified as a misdemeanor rather than a felony.
- Punishments for petit larceny can include fines and jail time usually less than one year.
- Even possessing stolen property below the value threshold intentionally can result in petit larceny charges.
- Lack of intent to steal (such as accidentally leaving a store with unpaid merchandise but returning it promptly) can be a defense.
- It is often associated with shoplifting charges.
For instance, in New York, petit larceny involves stealing property valued at less than $1,000 and is a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail or other penalties like probation and fines. In Virginia, petit larceny refers to theft of goods valued below $1,000 and is a Class 1 misdemeanor. In summary, petit larceny is a minor theft offense concerning low-value property and carries lesser penalties than grand larceny, which relates to higher-value thefts. It requires intent to steal and unlawfully deprive the owner of their property permanently.
