Petty Theft

• A petty theft charge results from the unlawful taking of property that has a value of less than $400. Petty theft is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 or both (as of 2010).
  
  

Grand Theft

• A grand theft involves the unlawful taking of property valued at more than $400. Grand theft can be prosecuted as a felony or misdemeanor, at the discretion of the prosecutor. Felony grand theft is punishable by up to one year in jail (as of 2010).
  
  

Civil Infraction

• If the value of the stolen item is less than $50, the theft charge can be filed as a non-criminal civil infraction. A conviction can result in fines of up to $250.