Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary The generic
term for all crimes in which a person intentionally takes
personal property of another without permission or consent and
with the intent to convert it to the taker's use (including
potential sale). In many states, when the value of the property
taken is low (for example, less than $500) the crime is "petty
theft" and a misdemeanor; but it is "grand theft" and a felony
for larger amounts. Theft is synonymous with "larceny." Although
robbery (taking by force), burglary (taking after entering
unlawfully), and embezzlement (stealing from an employer) are
all commonly thought of as theft, they are distinguished by the
means and methods used, and are separately designated as
specific types of crimes in criminal charges and statutory
punishments. (See also: larceny Definition provided by Nolo’s
Plain-English Law Dictionary. August 19, 2010, 5:25 pm