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”);