How Much Money Needs To Be Stolen To Be A Felony

How Much Do I Have to Steal to Be Charged With a Felony?

The 50 states all define crimes slightly differently, so there is not a single coating reply for when a theft graduates from a misdemeanor to a felony. The difference betwixt a misdemeanor and a felony is the severity of the criminal offense involved, or in the case of a theft, the value of what was stolen.

But there is more to information technology. Three factors impact a theft charge: what was stolen, how much was stolen, and the declared thief's prior record.

Petit or Grand?

Perchance you have heard of the expression petit theft (sometimes also chosen piffling theft). Petit ways minor in French and petit thefts are small crimes, or misdemeanors. Some states limit petit theft to up to $500 or $one,000, charging a accused with a felony if the detail stolen is worth more than the statutory amount.

But some states may charge differently depending on the type of item stolen, maybe distinguishing betwixt livestock and labor or services. Depending on the country there may as well be a dissever crime for a detail blazon of theft. Theft applies to well-nigh anything stolen, including goods, money, livestock, or the value of labor and services.

General or Specific?

Depending on the land, the theft will either fall nether the small or large category, petit or grand. Simply some types of theft get divide categories all their own. Obviously, stealing a car is a big deal. And then much so that grand theft auto is its own, separate, felony charge. 1000 ways big in French and thousand theft is simply a big steal.

Prior Convictions

Again it depends on the country, simply a prosecutor can by and large charge someone more than severely when they have prior convictions for the aforementioned type of criminal offense. Theft is a crime of moral turpitude, legally speaking, and it does tend to exist punished more severely the more the defendant is defendant.

Depending on how the state statute is written, information technology is possible to steal something of minimal value -- like a candy bar -- and still trigger a felony confidence resulting in an extensive prison sentence. At that indicate, the charge is not based on what was stolen or what information technology was worth just on the defendant'southward ain record in combination with the theft.

It is also important to note that theft is considered a crime of moral turpitude for immigration purposes and even a confidence for the most minimal theft can impact an application.

Got Caught?

If you or someone you know has been charged with theft or annihilation else, do not delay. Speak to a criminal defense force attorney right away. Criminal convictions can accept serious consequences in all areas of a person's life. Get help defending yourself.

Related Resources:

• Browse Criminal Defense Lawyers by Location (FindLaw Directory)
• Larceny Penalties and Sentencing (FindLaw)
• What Is the Statute of Limitations for Theft? (FindLaw Blotter)
  

Source: https://www.findlaw.com/legalblogs/criminal-defense/how-much-do-i-have-to-steal-to-be-charged-with-a-felony/

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