Theft in Louisiana—Is It a Felony or a Misdemeanor

Dollar Value vs. the Consequences

Whenever theft is committed, the value of what was stolen will be identified to know whether the act counts as a felony or a misdemeanor. The total value stolen will also constitute the name of the act, where theft running $500 will be called petty theft, while higher amounts go to grand theft and federal grand theft.

With petty theft, low-value items are generally what is stolen. This usually follows a misdemeanor charge with a jail time of only up to six months. However, there’s always the risk that it can also end up being treated as a felony, depending on the dollar value of the stolen item.

Grand theft happens when the dollar value of what was stolen falls between $500 and $1,500. Grand theft can still be treated as a misdemeanor depending on the circumstance, but it can also be treated as a felony.

Regardless, the consequence of a grand theft includes either or both imprisonment for up to five years and a fine of over $2,000. Going past the $1,500 value of the stolen items, consequences include either or both incarceration of up to 10 years and a fine of $3,000.