Is Larceny a Misdemeanor or Felony?
Larceny is a type of theft that is often confused with other types of theft, such as burglary or robbery. However, larceny is a specific type of theft that involves the taking of another person’s property without their consent, with the intention of permanently depriving them of it. In this article, we will explore whether larceny is a misdemeanor or a felony, and what the differences are between the two.
What is Larceny?
Larceny is a type of theft that involves the taking of another person’s property without their consent, with the intention of permanently depriving them of it. This can include taking property from someone’s person, home, or business, or taking property that is in transit. Larceny can be committed in a variety of ways, including:
- Theft by taking: This is the most common type of larceny, and involves taking property from someone’s person, home, or business.
- Theft by trick: This type of larceny involves taking property from someone by deceiving them, such as by making false promises or representations.
- Theft by false pretenses: This type of larceny involves taking property from someone by making false statements or representations, such as by claiming that you have the right to take the property.
Is Larceny a Misdemeanor or Felony?
In the United States, larceny is typically classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of the property taken and the circumstances surrounding the theft. Here are some general guidelines on when larceny is typically classified as a misdemeanor or a felony:
- Misdemeanor larceny: Larceny is typically classified as a misdemeanor if the value of the property taken is less than $1,000. Misdemeanor larceny is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
- Felony larceny: Larceny is typically classified as a felony if the value of the property taken is $1,000 or more. Felony larceny is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Differences between Misdemeanor and Felony Larceny
While both misdemeanor and felony larceny are serious crimes, there are some key differences between the two. Here are some of the main differences:
- Penalties: As mentioned earlier, misdemeanor larceny is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, while felony larceny is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Consequences: A conviction for felony larceny can have more serious consequences than a conviction for misdemeanor larceny, including the loss of voting rights, the right to own a firearm, and the right to serve on a jury.
- Impact on future employment: A conviction for felony larceny can also have a significant impact on future employment opportunities, as many employers will not hire someone with a felony conviction.
Table: Comparison of Misdemeanor and Felony Larceny
| Misdemeanor Larceny | Felony Larceny | |
|---|---|---|
| Value of property taken | Less than $1,000 | $1,000 or more |
| Penalties | Up to one year in jail, fine of up to $1,000 | Up to 10 years in prison, fine of up to $10,000 |
| Consequences | Less severe consequences, including loss of voting rights and right to own a firearm | More severe consequences, including loss of voting rights, right to own a firearm, and right to serve on a jury |
| Impact on future employment | Less likely to impact future employment opportunities | More likely to impact future employment opportunities |
Conclusion
In conclusion, larceny is a serious crime that can have significant consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and the loss of certain rights. Whether larceny is classified as a misdemeanor or a felony depends on the value of the property taken and the circumstances surrounding the theft. It is important to understand the differences between misdemeanor and felony larceny, as well as the potential consequences of a conviction, in order to make informed decisions about how to proceed in the event of a theft.
