Legal Definitions - Petit larceny

Petit larceny refers to the theft of property that has a relatively low monetary value, as specifically defined by state law. Each state sets a particular dollar amount as the threshold; if the value of the stolen goods falls below this amount, the crime is typically classified as petit larceny. This distinguishes it from "grand larceny," which involves the theft of more valuable property and usually carries more severe penalties.

Here are some examples illustrating petit larceny:

• Imagine a person walking into a convenience store and slipping a candy bar and a soda, totaling $8, into their bag without paying. If the state where this occurs has a petit larceny threshold of $200, then stealing items valued at $8 would be considered petit larceny because the value is well below the statutory limit.

• Consider a situation where someone finds an unlocked bicycle in a public park and takes a detachable bike light, valued at $35, from it. In a jurisdiction where the cutoff for grand larceny is $500, this act would be classified as petit larceny because the value of the stolen bike light is significantly less than the amount required for a more serious theft charge.

• Suppose an individual is visiting a friend's house and, without permission, takes a small, inexpensive decorative item from a shelf, such as a ceramic figurine worth $60. If the local statute defines petit larceny as theft of property valued under $250, then this act would fall under petit larceny due to the relatively low value of the stolen item.