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Criminal charges

theft

A person commits the criminal offense (crime) of theft—also known as stealing—by unlawfully taking or appropriating the property of another person or entity with the intent to deprive the owner of the property.

Taking or appropriating property is generally unlawful if it is done without the owner's effective consent—for example, if the property was taken by threat, deception, or extortion.

In South Carolina, theft, also referred to as larceny, is defined under state law as the unlawful taking, carrying, leading, or riding away of property from the possession or constructive possession of another person with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. South Carolina does not differentiate between petty theft and grand theft; instead, the value of the stolen property determines the severity of the crime. If the value of the property is $2,000 or less, it is considered petit larceny, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a fine. If the value is more than $2,000 but less than $10,000, it is considered grand larceny, a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. Theft of property valued at $10,000 or more also constitutes grand larceny and can result in up to 10 years in prison. Theft by threat, deception, or extortion is also illegal and is prosecuted under the same statutes that govern theft by taking without consent.

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Criminal charges

theft

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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South-Carolina State Code

South-Carolina State Code

Criminal charges

theft

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