Petty Theft

Though some people may not realize it, petty theft is not generally considered to be a terribly significant crime. This act is committed when one steals a relatively minor item (valued at under $500) from a residence or another party’s property while legally allowed to be on the premises. If one breaks and enters to steal the items, the charge is heightened to burglary. If one takes items valued at above $500, then he or she may be accused of grand theft. Both burglary and grand theft are felonies; petty theft, however, is only considered to be a misdemeanor.

Punishment for Petty Theft

Depending on the value of the items stolen and the number of crimes one has previously committed, petty theft penalties will vary. First offenders have the option of deferred judgment, provided they have never before participated in a deferred judgment program for a past offense. Deferred judgment programs will keep the charge off of one’s permanent record, provided that he or she pays the necessary court fees and fines and does not commit another such offense during a set probation period.

Those who are not eligible for deferred judgment, either due to multiple offenses or previous participation in such a program, will have to face the misdemeanor punishments for petty theft. Typically, these penalties include a monetary fine and up to six months in jail.

Contact Us

If you have been accused of petty theft, then you will need a strong and capable criminal defense lawyer to protect your legal rights and look out for your interests. Contact the Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys of Palmer & Associates, P.C. today at 702-888-2222.