What Amount of Theft is a Felony?
Theft is a serious crime that can have severe consequences, including fines and imprisonment. However, not all theft is considered a felony. In this article, we will explore what amount of theft is considered a felony and the varying degrees of theft crimes.
What is Theft?
Theft is the unauthorized taking or carrying away of another person’s property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. This can include taking physical possession of the property, as well as using deception or fraud to obtain the property.
What is a Felony?
A felony is a serious 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. Felonies can include crimes such as murder, rape, and burglary.
What Amount of Theft is a Felony?
The amount of theft that constitutes a felony varies depending on the jurisdiction. In the United States, for example, the threshold for felony theft is typically set by state law. Some states have a minimum threshold of $500, while others have a threshold of $1,000 or more.
Felony Theft Thresholds by State
| State | Felony Theft Threshold |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,500 |
| Alaska | $1,000 |
| Arizona | $1,000 |
| Arkansas | $5,000 |
| California | $950 |
| Colorado | $1,000 |
| Connecticut | $5,000 |
| Delaware | $1,500 |
| Florida | $300 |
| Georgia | $1,500 |
| Hawaii | $500 |
| Idaho | $1,000 |
| Illinois | $500 |
| Indiana | $750 |
| Iowa | $750 |
| Kansas | $1,000 |
| Kentucky | $500 |
| Louisiana | $500 |
| Maine | $1,000 |
| Maryland | $1,000 |
| Massachusetts | $1,200 |
| Michigan | $1,000 |
| Minnesota | $1,000 |
| Mississippi | $1,500 |
| Missouri | $500 |
| Montana | $1,500 |
| Nebraska | $500 |
| Nevada | $1,000 |
| New Hampshire | $1,500 |
| New Jersey | $500 |
| New Mexico | $2,000 |
| New York | $1,000 |
| North Carolina | $1,000 |
| North Dakota | $1,000 |
| Ohio | $1,000 |
| Oklahoma | $1,000 |
| Oregon | $1,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,000 |
| Rhode Island | $1,500 |
| South Carolina | $2,000 |
| South Dakota | $1,000 |
| Tennessee | $1,000 |
| Texas | $1,500 |
| Utah | $1,500 |
| Vermont | $1,000 |
| Virginia | $200 |
| Washington | $1,000 |
| West Virginia | $1,000 |
| Wisconsin | $500 |
| Wyoming | $1,000 |
Consequences of Felony Theft
If convicted of felony theft, the consequences can be severe. Felony theft can result in:
- Imprisonment: Felony theft can result in imprisonment for a period of years, depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the crime.
- Fines: Felony theft can result in significant fines, which can be thousands of dollars.
- Criminal Record: A felony conviction can result in a criminal record, which can have long-term consequences for employment, education, and other opportunities.
- Loss of Civil Rights: In some jurisdictions, a felony conviction can result in the loss of certain civil rights, such as the right to vote or own a firearm.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the amount of theft that constitutes a felony varies depending on the jurisdiction. While some states have a minimum threshold of $500, others have a threshold of $1,000 or more. It is essential to understand the laws in your jurisdiction and the potential consequences of felony theft. If you are facing theft charges, it is important to seek the advice of a qualified attorney who can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights.
