How much can You steal before it’s a felony?
Stealing, or theft, is a serious crime that can have severe consequences, including fines and imprisonment. But what exactly constitutes a felony versus a misdemeanor? And how much can you steal before it’s considered a felony? In this article, we’ll explore the answers to these questions and provide an overview of the laws surrounding theft.
What is a Felony?
A felony is a type of crime that is punishable by more than one year in prison. Felonies are typically considered more serious than misdemeanors, which are punishable by less than one year in prison. In the United States, the specific penalties for a felony can vary depending on the state and the type of crime committed.
How much can You steal before it’s a felony?
The amount of money or property that can be stolen before it’s considered a felony varies from state to state. In some states, the threshold for a felony is relatively low, while in others, it’s much higher. Here are some examples:
- California: In California, theft of $950 or more is considered a felony. This means that if you steal $949 or less, it’s a misdemeanor.
- New York: In New York, theft of $1,000 or more is considered a felony. If you steal $999 or less, it’s a misdemeanor.
- Texas: In Texas, theft of $2,500 or more is considered a felony. If you steal $2,499 or less, it’s a misdemeanor.
Other Factors that Determine Felony Status
While the amount of money or property stolen is a key factor in determining whether a theft is a felony or a misdemeanor, it’s not the only factor. Other factors that can affect the severity of the charge include:
- Value of the property: Even if the amount stolen is below the felony threshold, if the property stolen is particularly valuable (e.g. a rare artifact), the charge may still be a felony.
- Type of property: Certain types of property, such as firearms or prescription drugs, may be considered more valuable or more dangerous than others, and may be treated as felonies even if the amount stolen is below the threshold.
- Intent: If the perpetrator intended to steal a large amount of property, even if they only stole a small amount, the charge may still be a felony.
Consequences of a Felony Conviction
A felony conviction can have serious consequences, including:
- Prison time: Felonies can result in prison sentences ranging from several years to life.
- Fines: Felonies can result in significant fines, which can be in addition to prison time.
- Criminal record: A felony conviction can result in a criminal record, which can make it difficult to find employment, housing, or other opportunities.
- Loss of rights: In some cases, a felony conviction can result in the loss of certain rights, such as the right to vote or own a firearm.
Conclusion
Stealing, or theft, is a serious crime that can have severe consequences. The amount of money or property stolen is a key factor in determining whether a theft is a felony or a misdemeanor, but it’s not the only factor. Other factors, such as the value of the property, the type of property, and the intent of the perpetrator, can also affect the severity of the charge. It’s important to understand the laws surrounding theft in your state and to seek legal advice if you’re facing charges related to theft.
Table: Felony Thresholds by State
| State | Felony Threshold |
|---|---|
| California | $950 |
| New York | $1,000 |
| Texas | $2,500 |
| Florida | $750 |
| Illinois | $500 |
| Ohio | $1,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $2,000 |
Bullets: Factors that Determine Felony Status
• Value of the property
• Type of property
• Intent of the perpetrator
• Previous criminal record
• Circumstances of the theft (e.g. was it a repeat offense?)
Bullets: Consequences of a Felony Conviction
• Prison time
• Fines
• Criminal record
• Loss of rights
• Difficulty finding employment or housing
• Stigma and social isolation
