Theft doesn’t require an explanation, but when you use the legal term “larceny,” you are actually discussing theft. The easiest way to define theft is to take something from someone without the owner knowing. However, it is vital to emphasise the aim to permanently deprive the owner of it in order to establish it legally. Petty thefts and grand thefts are the two main categories of theft offences, though there may be other sorts as well.
Grand thefts to petty thefts
To fully grasp what constitutes petty theft, the varieties of theft will be covered in this article. It is simpler to define big theft as opposed to determining what counts as petty theft because anything that goes below it is considered to be petty theft.
Grand theft vs. petty theft
As the name implies, Grand theft is a serious crime, and in some jurisdictions, it might be a first degree theft. Although the state laws about theft differ, there are some common considerations for determining grand theft. Most states follow the guideline that any stolen property worth between $500 and $1000 constitutes Grand theft. If a property is taken from a person without using force or fear, but by other means like picking pockets, then it is Grand theft. Certain other types of thefts like car thefts and stealing some types of animals are typical Grand thefts, regardless of the value.
Any theft that does not qualify for Grand theft is petty theft and includes second degree theft or intermediate offense. Some states like Washington have a first degree, second degree, and third degree theft.
Shoplifting – Merchandize theft
Some states specifically have laws to define shoplifting. Other states that do not have specific laws about shoplifting might prosecute shoplifting as a crime within the broader context of thefts. Regardless of the manner of prosecution, it is clear that taking any material from a store without paying for it first is a crime. It includes actions like taking away any item displayed for sale at any retail outlet without the merchant’s knowledge or obtaining consent to keep the merchandise permanently to deprive the merchant of it and, above all, not paying for it.
Even if the thief does not take away the item but conceals it, it can amount to theft in the lines of willful concealment of merchandise. In such cases, the offender might still be present at the store when hiding the item.
Theft that leads to loss of property
If the finder of the lost item can return it to the owner, keeping it could make you into a thief. However, it is crucial to prove that the individual holding onto the property does so while knowing who its owner is. Instead, if someone picks up anything without knowing who owns it, such as picking up a toy that is lying on the ground, they are not guilty of theft.
If it can be demonstrated that the property was taken before changing hands, receiving stolen things is likewise theft.
