Petit larceny, a term used in criminal law, refers to the theft of property valued below a certain amount. The spelling of "petit larceny" is pronounced /pəˈti lɑrsəni/ and follows the French word "petit" meaning small, and "larceny," an old English term for theft. The word petit larceny is commonly used in the United States and is sometimes referred to as retail theft or petty theft. It is considered a misdemeanor crime and may result in fines, community service, or imprisonment for a limited time.
Petit larceny, also known as petty larceny, is a legal term used to define a specific type of theft offense in many jurisdictions. It refers to the act of unlawfully taking someone else's property or belongings with a relatively low monetary value. The threshold for petit larceny varies by jurisdiction, but it typically involves the theft of items or services valued below a certain amount, typically ranging from $100 to $1,000.
Petit larceny is generally considered a less severe offense compared to grand larceny, which involves stealing property of higher value. It is commonly classified as a misdemeanor rather than a felony, although the specific classification may differ based on the jurisdiction and the circumstances of the crime. The punishment for petit larceny can include fines, probation, community service, and in some cases, short jail sentences.
The term "petit larceny" is derived from the French language, with "petit" meaning small or little and "larceny" referring to theft or the act of stealing. It is important to note that laws and definitions may vary between different legal systems or regions, so it is advisable to consult the specific statutes within a particular jurisdiction to determine the exact classification and consequences for petit larceny.
The term "petit larceny" comes from French, with "petit" meaning "small" and "larceny" originating from the Old French word "larcin", meaning "theft". In English, "larceny" refers to the crime of theft, specifically the unlawful taking and carrying away of another person's property. The usage of "petit" in this context denotes the lesser degree of theft, typically involving the theft of items of relatively low value, as opposed to "grand larceny", which involves the theft of more valuable items.