All other thefts are classified as petty theft. Petty theft occurs most commonly in connection with shoplifting , theft from a retail store.
Petty theft also occurs in places where the defendant is on the premises lawfully - otherwise it would result in burglary charges rather than petty theft charges. The most common example of petty theft is where a person steals from a store by placing the merchandise in a pocket or purse.
Note that many people would not consider some of the actions listed above as a theft. In most states, grand theft is considered a felony, even for a first-time offender.
However, petty theft is usually classified as a misdemeanor for first-time offenders. For example, a petty theft first offense in California is a misdemeanor, punishable by a monetary fine and possible time in jail.
On the other hand, petty theft can result in felony charges for repeat offenders. Felonies are much more difficult to get erased from a criminal record. This can make all the difference when it comes to background checks, for example when applying for a job.
petty theft (countable and uncountable, plural petty thefts). A theft of property having a value lower than a certain small amount set forth in a statute, and. Felony petty theft is the colloquial term for a statute in the California Penal Code ( Section ) that makes it possible for a person who commits the crime of petty.
If you are facing petty theft criminal charges, you may wish to hire a criminal defense lawyer. If an individual has no prior criminal record, a prosecutor may agree to allow that person to complete a diversionary program in lieu of a conviction.
Additionally, many times the stores involved will agree to a civil compromise in which they are fully compensated for the theft and the resources they expended in investigating it. There are also legitimate legal defenses that may be applicable in certain cases. The petty theft statute requires that the perpetrator must have a full intent to steal for them to be guilty of a crime.
Therefore, someone who inadvertently walks out of a store while carrying goods would not be guilty of petty theft, as they lacked the requisite intent to steal from the store. In many cases hiring a former prosecutor immediately after being arrested could be the key to getting a person into a diversion program and prevent them from having a criminal record.
In some cases a civil compromise with the victim store or work could assist in getting a person into a suitable diversion program. Los Angeles Petty Theft Defense Lawyer Michael Kraut is a former prosecutor and has assisted many people arrested with petty theft avoid criminal prosecution.
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