How Much Money Stolen is a Felony?
The Direct Answer
The short answer is that it varies by state and jurisdiction. In some states, it can take as little as $1,000 in stolen merchandise to elevate the offense from a misdemeanor to a felony. In other states, the threshold may be tens of thousands of dollars.
State-by-State Disparities
Felony thresholds for property crimes (such as larceny, burglary, and identity theft) are determined by the individual state, and a significant amount of variation can be found between states.
| State | Felony Threshold for Larceny | Felony Threshold for Burglary | Felony Threshold for Identity Theft |
|---|---|---|---|
| AL | $1,500 | Any amount | Over $500 |
| AK | $300 | Any amount | Over $200 |
| AR | $1,000 | Any amount | Over $150 |
| AZ | $1,400 | Any amount | Over $300 |
| …and so on (please see below) | |||
| WV | No felony threshold for larceny | Over $1,500 | Over $250 |
National Variations:
As demonstrated in the table above, there are significant differences between states on the threshold amount for crimes to be classified as felony offenses. Some states have no felony threshold for larceny at all. Additionally, jurisdictions often have their own thresholds for unique crimes like burglary and identity theft, making it vital to examine state-specific regulations.
Considerations Outside of Amount:
- Context: State laws also take into consideration the nature of the crime (e.g., intent to commit fraudulent activities or targeting vulnerable groups).
- Type of Property: The categorization of the stolen good or asset affects the outcome. More severe treatment is given to crimes where the victim’s personal properties are affected.
- Example: Stealing a wallet is generally categorized as larceny. However, the impact caused by identity theft, e.g., taking over somebody’s account and spending credit, might carry a lengthier prison term.
- Offender Characteristics: A significant factor here is repeat offender and prior convictions. Aggravated criminal behavior committed by those with a tainted criminal history tends to qualify as more serious crimes
Federal Statutes:
For offenses committed interstate or those targeting federal databases, federal statues set criminal penalties, generally unrelated to state-level felonies thresholds. In federal law cases, it may not consider the exact amounts stolen, and the level of seriousness lies more often in the consequences and scale of the damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plead to a lesser crime as a bargaining strategy? Many jurisdictions permit offenders to downgrade their charges if they commit to plead to a simpler offense, depending on cooperation and acceptance of punishment outlined in a plea agreement. Consult law enforcement authorities to understand procedures in your state.
Where can I check my personal jurisdiction’s statutes and penalty structures? State government Websites, particularly Departments of Justice, Police, Public Safety, and Treasury can provide precise information about applicable laws related to stolen funds and identity theft. Check online research databases for authoritative resources supporting your case or seeking penalties.
Is felonious intent a factor in determining severity of punishment in these crimes? Yes; courts typically review evidence or circumstances demonstrating deliberate or flagrant intentions during the robbery, which leads to increasing the seriousness of the offender’s punishment.
