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Is a theft crime a misdemeanor or a felony offense?

On Behalf of | Oct 18, 2024 | Criminal Defense

Theft can involve embezzlement, burglary or shoplifting. People misappropriate assets that belong to others in a variety of different ways. Those accused of stealing property that belongs to other people or businesses may face significant criminal charges and a variety of penalties depending on the circumstances.

If other people end up hurt during the theft, for example, that could lead to more serious consequences. Without complicating factors, many people might expect the state to pursue misdemeanor charges against them for basic theft allegations.

The reality is that there are many different classes of theft offenses prosecuted in Wisconsin. The main determining factor regarding whether the case is a misdemeanor or a felony in many scenarios is the overall value of the property involved.

When does theft become a felony?

Individuals accused of stealing particularly high-value assets could face felony charges. There are two categories of misdemeanor theft charges possible in Wisconsin, and the highest financial value of the property for misdemeanor theft in Wisconsin is $2,500. In scenarios where the overall value of the property is higher than that, the state can pursue felony charges.

There are four different categories of felony theft, with a Class F felony being the most significant. People have to steal assets worth more than $100,000 to face Class F felony charges. The rules are different in cases involving theft from retail establishments. In retail theft scenarios, the property taken only needs to be worth $501 or more for the state to pursue felony charges.

Certain other factors can complicate theft charges. The theft of less valuable assets can sometimes lead to felony charges. In scenarios where people use weapons to commit a theft crime, they could be at risk of felony prosecution. The theft of a weapon, theft of a domestic animal, theft from a vulnerable person or the attempt to engage in looting could also result in felony charges.

A review of the state’s allegations with the assistance of a skilled legal team can sometimes help a defendant make sense of the charges they face and the different defense strategies that might be available to them. Responding effectively to pending theft charges requires careful preparation. Defendants who learn more about Wisconsin’s statutes can use that knowledge in their efforts to defend against pending criminal charges.