Legal Definitions - petty theft

Petty theft refers to the unlawful taking and carrying away of another person's property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it, where the value of the property is relatively low. This type of theft is typically classified as a misdemeanor, meaning it is considered a less serious crime compared to grand theft, which involves property of higher value. The specific monetary threshold that distinguishes petty theft from grand theft varies significantly by jurisdiction.

• Example 1: A shopper in a grocery store places a package of chewing gum, valued at $1.75, into their pocket and walks out without paying for it.

  Explanation: This scenario illustrates petty theft because the individual unlawfully took an item of low monetary value (the chewing gum) with the clear intent to keep it without payment. The value of the item falls well below the typical thresholds that would classify it as grand theft.

• Example 2: While visiting a friend's house, a guest notices an inexpensive, decorative garden gnome, valued at $25, in the backyard. They decide to take it home with them without asking permission.

  Explanation: This is an example of petty theft because the garden gnome has a low value, and the act involves the unlawful taking of another person's property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it, even if the item seems trivial.

• Example 3: An employee at an office takes a box of paperclips and a few pens from the supply closet for personal use at home, without authorization. The total value of these items is estimated to be around $8.

  Explanation: This demonstrates petty theft as the employee unlawfully appropriated office supplies of low value for personal use, intending to keep them, thereby depriving the employer of their property. The low monetary value of the items is key to its classification as petty theft.