Legal Definitions - grand

Grand

In legal terminology, the adjective grand refers to a crime, most commonly a theft, where the monetary value of the stolen money or property surpasses a specific minimum amount established by law. When a theft meets this value criterion, it is classified as a more serious offense compared to a similar theft involving a lesser value, and typically carries more significant legal consequences and penalties.

• Imagine a scenario where an individual breaks into a car dealership and drives away with a brand-new luxury SUV. Because the market value of such a vehicle significantly exceeds the state's legal threshold for theft (which might be, for example, $950 or $2,500 depending on the jurisdiction), this act would likely be prosecuted as grand theft auto rather than a lesser form of theft, reflecting its increased severity.

• Consider a situation where an employee systematically diverts funds from their company's bank account over several months, accumulating a total of $50,000. This substantial sum would almost certainly qualify the offense as a form of grand larceny or a similar "grand" theft charge, reflecting the high monetary impact of the crime and leading to more serious legal repercussions than if only a few hundred dollars had been stolen.

• Suppose a burglar targets a high-end art gallery, making off with several valuable paintings and sculptures. If the combined appraisal value of the stolen artworks is hundreds of thousands of dollars, the crime would be categorized as grand theft due to the exceptionally high value of the property involved. This classification indicates a higher degree of criminal culpability and potential punishment compared to, for instance, stealing a low-value item from a convenience store.