Petit Larceny vs. Grand Larceny

By Daniel G. Rodgers, Esq.

  In Suffolk County, New York, the key difference between petit larceny and grand larceny is the value of the stolen property. Petit larceny is a misdemeanor and applies to property worth $1,000 or less. Grand larceny, a felony, is for property valued above $1,000, or when specific items like credit cards, firearms, or motor vehicles are stolen, regardless of value. 

Petit Larceny (Misdemeanor):

• Value: Property worth $1,000 or less.
• Class: Class A misdemeanor.
• Sentence: Up to 364 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
• Example: Shoplifting a few items with a total value of less than $1,000. 

Grand Larceny (Felony):

• Value: Property worth more than $1,000. 
• Class: Class E felony or higher, depending on the value of the property or the nature of the theft. 
• Sentence: Can range from up to four years in prison for a Class E felony to up to 25 years for a Class B felony. 
• You should speak with an experienced Suffolk County Defense lawyer who handles cases involving theft or petit larceny or grand larceny.