Theft offenses ranging from burglary and robbery to shoplifting are among the most common crimes prosecuted in Idaho. State prosecutors bring charges against those accused of fraud or theft from retail establishments. The penalties possible include fines and orders of restitution, as well as incarceration. People convicted of theft offenses may have to repay the affected party for the value of the property or cash taken from them. The exact penalties depend on the nature of the charges the state pursues.
People sometimes fail to understand how serious theft offenses can be until they find themselves facing charges. They think of theft as a minor crime when compared with violent offenses, especially if the offense does not involve the use of a weapon or home invasion. Contrary to what many people assume, not all theft scenarios result in misdemeanor charges. State prosecutors can bring felony charges against those accused of misappropriating property that belongs to others.
When can a theft offense cross the line and be classified as a felony under state statutes?
Charges vary based on property value and type
Idaho has two different classes of theft offenses. Petit theft is a less serious crime when compared with grand theft. In most cases, allegations of grand theft lead to felony charges. Both the value of the items taken and the nature of those assets can influence which charges the state brings.
A theft offense becomes grand theft when the value of the assets taken reaches $1,000 or more. Those accused of theft amounting to less than $1,000 worth of property or cash may face misdemeanor petit theft charges. People can face felony grand theft charges over one incident or a series of offenses over the course of three days or less involving property worth at least $1,000.
Certain other activities can also lead to grand theft charges. The state can charge a defendant with felony grand theft when they kill livestock or other animals with a value of $150 or more. The theft of livestock is also grand theft, regardless of the animals’ value. So is the theft of a firearm, a public record, checks, debit cards, credit cards or anhydrous ammonia.
Understanding the rules that apply when facing theft charges can help people decide how to respond. Those hoping to avoid a conviction may need help developing a criminal defense strategy, and that’s okay.