We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Criminal

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Different Types of Theft Charges?

Jessica Ellis
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 27,639
Share

Theft is a type of crime that involves unlawfully taking or using property that belongs to another person or entity. There are many different types of theft charges in most justice systems, ranging from misdemeanor shoplifting to grand theft. Possible punishments will depend on the type of charges filed; some common sentences resulting from theft convictions include fines, parole, and jail time.

Identity theft charges are becoming increasingly common as personal information becomes easier to obtain. Using another person's name, bank account, or credit card without permission can result in identity theft charges being filed. This crime can be particularly damaging since in some cases, purchases made through identity theft can destroy the victim's credit score and financial resources. Identity theft is now considered a federal crime in some regions, punishable by a lengthy jail sentence and forfeiture of any property bought with stolen funds.

Using violence, intimidation, or threats to obtain property is typically considered robbery. Often referred to as armed robbery or mugging, this type of charge often carries a heavier penalty than regular larceny charges, due to the presence of weapons or threat of violence. While some regions have charges specifically for forms of robbery, other courts may file both theft and weapons or assault charges instead.

Stealing that involves deception rather than violence is often referred to as fraud. Fraud theft charges can involve acts of embezzlement, investment schemes, counterfeiting, or even lying on state and federal tax forms. Fraud is often considered a “white collar” crime, as it usually involves no violence and is conducted through business dealings. Despite the use of deception rather than physical force, fraud can be extremely serious and disastrously effect the financial status of victims. Acts of fraud can result in enormous amounts of monetary and property theft, since there are often dozens, if not hundreds, of victims.

Some regions choose to divide theft charges based on the value of the goods taken and method of the crime. In some areas, this division is marked by terms in the theft charges, such as “petty” or “grand”. Theft charges may also be considered felonies or misdemeanors depending on the amount stolen and the use of violence or intimidation. Grand theft or felony charges typically bring much higher penalties than petty or misdemeanor charges. Different jurisdictions may have different means of evaluating where the line is drawn between petty and grand charges; many use a specific dollar amount as a determining factor.

Share
MyLawQuestions is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Jessica Ellis
By Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis brings a unique perspective to her work as a writer for MyLawQuestions. While passionate about drama and film, Jessica enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics, creating content that is both informative and engaging for readers.
Discussion Comments
By SZapper — On Jun 29, 2011

@indemnifyme - I do think something should be done about shoplifting. I don't agree that the actual charges should be more serious though and I definitely don't think teenagers who shoplift should be tried as adults.

A lot of people commit youthful indiscretions and there is no need for these charges to follow them into adulthood. I know a few people who used to shoplift as teenagers that turned into pretty upstanding citizens as adults!

By indemnifyme — On Jun 28, 2011

I think the theft charge for shoplifting should be more serious, or at least the punishments should be slightly more creative Shoplifting is a huge problem among teenagers! I'm one of the only people I know who has never shoplifted. This is a huge problem for retailers and something should really be done to deter shoplifting.

When I was really young my mom told me that if I shoplifted she would just let me sit in jail. That did the trick for me I guess!

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis...
Learn more
Share
https://www.mylawquestions.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-theft-charges.htm
Copy this link
MyLawQuestions, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

MyLawQuestions, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.