Legal Definitions - petty larceny

Petty larceny, also known as petit larceny, refers to the theft of property that is of relatively low value. States establish specific dollar amounts to define this threshold, and such thefts are typically classified as misdemeanors. Penalties for petty larceny generally include fines or shorter jail sentences.

Petty larceny, often referred to as petty theft, describes the unlawful taking of property that has a relatively low monetary value. This legal classification is used to differentiate minor thefts from more serious offenses, which are typically categorized as grand larceny and involve property of significantly higher value.

Each state establishes a specific dollar amount as the maximum threshold for an offense to be considered petty larceny. For instance, this threshold might be $500, $1,000, or another figure, depending on the jurisdiction. Offenses falling under this category are generally classified as misdemeanors, carrying less severe penalties such as fines, community service, or relatively short jail sentences, typically less than one year.

• Example 1: A shopper at a grocery store discreetly places a $35 bottle of specialty olive oil into their personal bag and leaves without paying.

  Explanation: The value of the stolen item ($35) is low, falling well below typical state thresholds for more serious theft charges. This act would likely be prosecuted as petty larceny due to the minimal monetary value of the goods taken.

• Example 2: During a neighborhood yard sale, an individual walks away with a vintage ceramic planter, priced at $60, without completing the purchase.

  Explanation: The planter's value of $60 is considered minor in the eyes of the law. This scenario illustrates petty larceny because the theft involves an item of modest worth, not reaching the higher value typically associated with grand larceny.

• Example 3: An office worker repeatedly takes small quantities of company-provided snacks, like bags of chips and soda cans, from the breakroom over several weeks, accumulating a total estimated value of $80.

  Explanation: Even though the theft occurred over time, the cumulative value of the stolen snacks ($80) remains low. This situation exemplifies petty larceny because the overall monetary impact of the theft is minor, keeping it within the misdemeanor classification.