theft

Theft is the taking of another person’s personal property with the intent of depriving that person of the use of their property. Also referred to as larceny .

Theft is often divided into grand theft and petty theft . If the value of the stolen goods is over a certain amount determined by the state’s statute , then the crime may be elevated to grand theft. The type of goods stolen may impact whether the theft is grand or petty as well. For example, California Penal Code § 487 states that grand theft is theft committed when the value of the stolen goods exceeds $950 or an automobile or firearm, among other types of goods, are taken. California Penal Code § 488 defines petty theft as theft that is not grand theft. Grand theft may be a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the severity of the theft and jurisdiction , while petty theft is a misdemeanor.

[Last reviewed in November of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team ]

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