Petty Theft and Shoplifting Laws

Petty theft is a relatively low-level offense--except when it's committed repeatedly.

Shoplifting is taking merchandise that's worth less than a certain amount, set by law.

For information on the petty theft threshold, classification of other theft offenses, and potential punishments in a specific state, check out the information and links below.

People who are charged with petty theft often have these questions.

If you or someone you know has been arrested, you'll want to talk to a criminal defense lawyer to ensure the case is handled properly. With very, very few exceptions, defendants should not attempt to handle their cases on their own.