Petty Theft
/ˈpɛti ˈθɛft/
Definitions
- (n.) The criminal act of unlawfully taking property of small value, typically classified as a misdemeanor.
He was charged with petty theft for shoplifting items under fifty dollars.
Forms
- petty thefts
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Petty theft is distinguished from grand theft primarily by the value of the stolen property, which affects classification and penalties.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.