petit larceny
Small-scale stealing offense
Petit larceny is theft of property below a certain value, distinguished from grand larceny by the amount stolen.
The threshold varies by jurisdiction—often a few hundred dollars.
The term appears in legal contexts: He was charged with petit larceny for shoplifting.
Also spelled petty larceny, which is now more common.
Stealing store merchandise
- pilferingMinor, sneaky theft
- pickpocketingTheft from pockets
- filchingStealing small items
- swipingTaking something swiftly
pocketing · lifting · pinching · boosting · pilferage · nicking · palming · five-finger discount
Lesser criminal charge
- criminal chargeFormal accusation of lawbreaking
- minor offenseLess serious legal violation
- infractionMinor rule breach
- arraignmentCharge-reading court session
citation · fine · probation · restitution · plea bargain · diversion program · criminal record · statute
Serious criminal offense
- grand theftMajor-value property crime
- property valueMonetary worth of real estate
- classificationSystematic grouping by traits
- escalationProgressive increase in intensity
shoplifting
Stealing store merchandise
- pilferingMinor, sneaky theft
- pickpocketingTheft from pockets
- filchingStealing small items
swiping · pocketing · lifting · pinching · boosting · pilferage · nicking · palming · five-finger discount
misdemeanor
Lesser criminal charge
- criminal chargeFormal accusation of lawbreaking
- minor offenseLess serious legal violation
- infractionMinor rule breach
arraignment · citation · fine · probation · restitution · plea bargain · diversion program · criminal record · statute · penal code
felony
Serious criminal offense
- grand theftMajor-value property crime
- property valueMonetary worth of real estate
- classificationSystematic grouping by traits
- theftstealing, steal, burglary, robbery, shoplifting
- misdemeanorsmisdemeanor, disorderly conduct, public intoxication, shoplifting, loitering
petit larcenygrand larceny
Theft exceeding statutory amount
grand theft · armed robbery · bank robbery · grand theft auto · robbery
petit larcenygift
Item given freely
rightful ownership · fair trade · donation · inheritance · earning
petit, petite, petty, larceny, larcenist, larcenous, pettiness, pettier, pettiest