Larceny

Another term for theft. Although the definition of this term differs from state to state, it typically means taking property belonging to another with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. If the taking is not forceful, it is larceny; if it is accompanied by force directed against a person, it is robbery, a much more serious offense. Many states differentiate between petit larceny (usually a misdemeanor, punishable by time in the county jail) and grand larceny (theft of a large amount, punishable as a felony in state prison).