What Are the Penalties for Petty Theft in South Carolina? 2025

Even though petty theft is considered a misdemeanor in South Carolina, a conviction could still result in lifelong consequences, which you may not be prepared to deal with. If convicted, you will have a criminal record that will follow you for life. A criminal record can prevent you from seeking certain job opportunities, hurt your social standing, and negatively affect your personal relationships. You may wonder, “What are the penalties for petty theft in South Carolina?” They can be rough.

The last thing you want is to end up saddled with a criminal record. It will get in the way of many different aspects of your life and prevent you from moving on. An experienced theft lawyer can beat the charges being made against you and prevent a conviction from ever taking place. The Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III understands the kind of legal help you are going to need as you navigate your case. The more help you have, the better.

What Are the Penalties for Petty Theft in South Carolina?

The penalties for a petty theft charge in South Carolina may not be that significant when compared to those for a felony theft charge, but they can still be enough to cause significant damage to your life and future. According to South Carolina state law, if you are charged with petty theft, which is also called petit larceny in the state, you could face a jail sentence of 30 days and a fine of up to $1,000. This applies if the value of the stolen property is less than $2,000.

Someone commits the crime of theft when they willingly take something that does not belong to them, with no intention of ever returning it. Securing a conviction for a theft charge, even for petty theft, may not be as easy as you think. The prosecutor must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and that’s not always easy to accomplish. They will also need to prove intent. Without intent, their case may not be as strong as you’ve been led to believe.

According to data gathered by the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), there were over 91,000 incidents of larceny reported in the state throughout 2023. That means the larceny rate in South Carolina that year was approximately 170.31. Larceny includes various kinds of theft, including petty theft. In Richland County, there were more than 9,500 reported incidents of larceny, with a clearance rate of 11%.

If you are being charged with petty theft, it may be affecting your mental health in ways you might not even notice. Fortunately, your attorney can also provide support and reassurance throughout the difficulties of your case. They can let you know what to expect as it proceeds. That way, you can be prepared for each stage of the legal process as it comes.

Getting Arrested for Petty Theft

It can be frustrating and humiliating to get arrested for anything, including petty theft charges. You may be feeling defeated and unsure of what’s going to happen next for you. It’s understandable to be uncertain, but it’s also important that you never lose hope. Never forget that you are always innocent until proven guilty, regardless of the crime you are being charged with. Don’t be afraid to exercise your constitutional rights, especially when interacting with the police.

When you are arrested and taken to the police station, you should exercise your right to legal counsel and your right to remain silent. The police may have less evidence against you than you may think. They could be relying on your confession to clinch their case. Don’t give them anything that could incriminate you. You can say nothing if you want. Simply wait for your lawyer and let them do the talking for you.

FAQs

What Is Petty Theft in South Carolina?

Petty theft in South Carolina is also known as petit larceny. It’s a crime that’s considered a misdemeanor. If convicted of petty theft, you could be looking at a possible sentence of 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. For a petty theft charge to be considered a misdemeanor, the total value of the stolen property has to be less than $2,000.

What Is the First Offense Charge for Shoplifting in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, a first offense charge for shoplifting is generally going to be a misdemeanor, provided the total value of the stolen property does not exceed $2,000. For a first offense, you could receive a penalty of 30 days in jail or a fine of up to $1,000. If the value of the stolen property is greater than $2,000, you will likely be looking at felony charges.

How Much Do You Have to Steal for It to Be a Felony in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, for a theft charge to rise from a misdemeanor to a felony, the total value of the stolen property has to exceed $2,000. After that, the larceny charge becomes grand larceny, and the penalty for such a charge could be five years in prison. If the total value of the property exceeds $10,000, the amount of prison time could rise to 10 years.

What Is the Most Frequent Type of Larceny Theft?

Generally, the most frequent type of larceny theft is theft from motor vehicles. This involves taking objects from parked cars, including money, electronics, and various items of value. If you are arrested for stealing from a parked car, it is vital to your case that you immediately reach out to a theft lawyer who can start building a case for your defense.

Reach Out to a Lawyer Today

The Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III can figure out a strong defense against theft charges. We can build your case, gather evidence, and protect your interests throughout the legal process. Contact us to speak to someone on our team about what we can do for you.