petty larceny
Definition
Noun: - A minor theft crime: The unlawful taking and carrying away of personal property belonging to another person, where the value of the stolen property is below a specific monetary threshold defined by law. This threshold varies by jurisdiction.
Usage
- The term is used in legal contexts to classify and prosecute theft offenses based on the value of the stolen goods. It is contrasted with grand larceny, which involves property exceeding the value threshold.
- It describes the act or an instance of such minor theft.
Examples
- The shoplifter was charged with petty larceny for stealing a candy bar and a magazine.
- In many states, stealing an item valued under $500 is considered petty larceny.
- His criminal record showed only one conviction for petty larceny from his youth.
Advanced Usage
- Legal Distinction: The precise dollar amount separating petty from grand larceny is set by statute and differs from one state or country to another. This classification often determines the severity of the penalty.
- "Petty larceny" vs. "Petty theft": In some jurisdictions, these terms are synonymous. In others, "larceny" is a specific legal category of theft.
Variants and Related Words
- Petty theft (n): Often used interchangeably with to mean minor stealing.
- Grand larceny (n): The felony-grade theft of property above the statutory value threshold.
- Larceny (n): The broader legal term for the unlawful taking of personal property.
Synonyms
- Petty theft
- Minor theft
- Small-time stealing
Antonyms
- Grand larceny
- Major theft
- Felony theft
Related Phrases
- To commit petty larceny: To carry out an act of minor theft.
- He was arrested for attempting to commit petty larceny.
- A charge of petty larceny: The formal accusation of this crime.
- She faced a charge of petty larceny after the incident.
Noun
-
larceny of property having a value less than some amount (the amount varies by locale)
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