What happens in court for a petty theft charge is the judge will look over your case and then they will decide on your punishment and look into your past criminal history.
If you have no prior criminal history or it's your first offense then you may just get a fine or may get a fine and probation or probation.
In addition to possible criminal penalties, a shoplifter can be held civilly liable to the store owner for the following:
If the merchandise is not returned in a sellable condition, a civil penalty equal to twice the retail cost or $50.00, whichever is greater, up to a maximum of $500.00
If the merchandise is returned in a sellable condition, a civil penalty of $50.00 or 50% of the retail cost, whichever is greater, up to a maximum of $350.00 (the maximum is $50.00 if the offender is a minor), and
the store owner's reasonable attorneys' fees and costs (unless the case stays in small claims court).
Depending on the circumstances, if this is a first offense, punishment may be as lenient as a diversion program, probation, or community service.
However, since petty theft is at least a misdemeanor, it can also be punishable by a fine and up to one year in jail.
Most petty theft convictions will fall under a state's misdemeanor laws, which typically carry a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail (although some state's misdemeanors carry up to two or three-year jail sentences).
The difference between petty theft and grand theft is in the value of the goods you've stolen.
Petty theft is when you steal something or things that are of value of $950.00 or less but when you steal items or goods valued higher than $950.00 then it becomes grand theft and is usually a felony in most states as well.
Petty theft is a less serious crime than regular theft.
Although still petty theft is serious and you can get 6 months in jail for the petty theft if convicted although in most cases a person gets probation.
The law defines petty theft as the theft of any property with a value of $950.00 or less.
Most petty thefts are charged as misdemeanors, which carry a sentence of up to six months in county jail, a fine of no more than $1,000.00, or both.
Petty theft refers to a criminal act in which property belonging to another is taken without that person's consent.
Larceny generally refers to nonviolent theft and is usually a misdemeanor.
Punishment for petty theft runs the gamut, from probation to life in prison.
For first time offenders, petty theft is often a misdemeanor.
However, since petty theft is at least a misdemeanor, it can also be punishable by a fine and up to one year in jail.
Some common examples of petty theft include: Stealing a shirt from a store at the mall; Leaving a restaurant without paying for you meal (frequently referred to as “dining and dashing”);