What is 4th Degree Theft?
Theft is a serious crime that can have severe consequences for those who are convicted. In the United States, theft is categorized into different degrees, with each degree representing a different level of severity. 4th degree theft is a specific type of theft that is defined by state laws. In this article, we will explore what 4th degree theft is, the different types of 4th degree theft, and the penalties associated with this crime.
What is 4th Degree Theft?
4th degree theft is a type of theft that involves the taking of property that is valued at less than $500. This type of theft is considered a misdemeanor, which means it is a less serious crime than other types of theft, such as 1st degree theft, which involves the taking of property valued at $5,000 or more.
Types of 4th Degree Theft
There are several types of 4th degree theft, including:
• Theft of property: This type of theft involves the taking of property, such as cash, jewelry, or electronics, without the owner’s consent.
• Theft of services: This type of theft involves the taking of services, such as medical services or repair services, without the owner’s consent.
• Theft of identity: This type of theft involves the taking of someone’s identity, such as their name, address, or social security number, without their consent.
Penalties for 4th Degree Theft
The penalties for 4th degree theft vary depending on the state and the specific circumstances of the crime. In general, the penalties for 4th degree theft include:
• Fine: The defendant may be required to pay a fine, which can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
• Jail time: The defendant may be required to serve a sentence in jail, which can range from a few days to several months.
• Community service: The defendant may be required to perform community service, such as cleaning up public areas or serving at a soup kitchen.
Defenses to 4th Degree Theft
There are several defenses that a defendant may use to defend against charges of 4th degree theft, including:
• Lack of intent: The defendant may argue that they did not intend to steal the property, but rather took it by mistake or in a moment of weakness.
• Consent: The defendant may argue that the owner of the property gave them permission to take it.
• Duress: The defendant may argue that they were forced to take the property by someone else, such as a threat or a physical attack.
Table: 4th Degree Theft Laws by State
State | Value Limit | Penalty |
---|---|---|
Alabama | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Alaska | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Arizona | $500 | Up to 4 months in jail, fine up to $2,500 |
Arkansas | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
California | $950 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Colorado | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Connecticut | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Delaware | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Florida | $300 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Georgia | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Hawaii | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Idaho | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Illinois | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Indiana | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Iowa | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Kansas | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Kentucky | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Louisiana | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Maine | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Maryland | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Massachusetts | $500 | Up to 2 years in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Michigan | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Minnesota | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Mississippi | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Missouri | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Montana | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Nebraska | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Nevada | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
New Hampshire | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
New Jersey | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
New Mexico | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
New York | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
North Carolina | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
North Dakota | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Ohio | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Oklahoma | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Oregon | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Pennsylvania | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Rhode Island | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
South Carolina | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
South Dakota | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Tennessee | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Texas | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Utah | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Vermont | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Virginia | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Washington | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
West Virginia | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Wisconsin | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Wyoming | $500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, 4th degree theft is a type of theft that involves the taking of property valued at less than $500. This type of theft is considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine and/or a sentence in jail. The penalties for 4th degree theft vary depending on the state and the specific circumstances of the crime. It is important to understand the laws and penalties associated with 4th degree theft in your state to ensure that you are aware of the potential consequences of this crime.