Nevada criminal statutes provide detailed definitions of, and penalties for, theft and larceny.
Nevada criminal statutes provide a detailed definition of theft that encompasses a number of specific actions. Examples of theft include:
(Nev. Rev. Stat. § 205.0832 (2020).)
Nevada laws also include a detailed definition of larceny, which is a specific type of theft. Here are a few examples of grand larceny:
(Nev. Rev. Stat. § 205.220 (2020).)
Like many other states, Nevada classifies its theft-related offenses as felonies or misdemeanors according to the dollar value of the property involved in the offense. Larceny crimes are classified in a similar fashion but referred to as grand larceny (felonies) and petit larceny (misdemeanors). Let's take a closer look at the different levels of theft and larceny in Nevada.
Theft and larceny are considered misdemeanors in Nevada if the value of the goods, services, or property stolen is less than $1,200. A person convicted of a misdemeanor faces up to six months in jail and a fine of $1,000.
Theft and larceny become felonies when the property stolen is valued at $1,200 or more or the stolen item is a firearm or motor vehicle. The penalty increases as the value of the stolen property increases.
Category D felonies. Theft and grand larceny are considered category D felonies if the value of the property or services involved is more than $1,200 but less than $5,000. Category D felonies may be punished by one to four years in prison and a fine up to $5,000.
Category C felonies. If the value of property or services stolen is between $5,000 and $25,000, the crime constitutes a category C felony, punishable by one to five years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Stealing a motor vehicle (any value) is also a category C felony (unless it's a repeat offense as described below).
Category B felonies. Nevada divides category B felonies into three levels of punishment as follows:
For all levels of theft and larceny offenses, Nevada law requires an offender to pay restitution to the theft victim. Restitution is different from a fine. Fine money is paid to the government, while restitution is money paid to a victim to make them whole.
(Nev. Rev. Stat. §§ 193.130; 205.0835, .222, .226, .228, .240 (2020).)
Shoplifting merchandise can result in both criminal and civil penalties.
Shoplifting offenses generally fall under the crime of theft. In most cases, the penalties outlined above apply. (Involvement in organized retail theft, however, involves much more serious penalties.)
In addition to criminal penalties, a person who commits shoplifting in Nevada (or the parent or legal guardian of a minor who commits shoplifting) may be civilly liable to the store owner for:
(Nev. Rev. Stat. §§ 597.860, 597.870 (2020).)
If you face charges for theft or larceny, it's best to speak with an attorney. A criminal defense lawyer can help you navigate the criminal justice system, protect your rights, and help you understand the potential penalties and consequences. Even misdemeanor charges, which might seem like no big deal, can result in serious consequences that can follow you for years, making it more difficult to obtain a job, housing, or loans. An attorney can explain how decisions in the short term might affect you in the long term.