Larceny means taking someone’s property without consent. Theft is Nevada’s broader offense, covering property or services obtained through several methods, including deception. Robbery means taking property from a person by force or fear, and it is a category B felony under NRS 200.380.
| Larceny | Theft | Robbery | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core conduct | Taking property with intent to steal | Broader offense, including taking or obtaining property or services by certain methods | Taking property from a person or in their presence by force or fear |
| Nevada law | NRS 205.2175 to 205.2705 | NRS 205.0821 to 205.0835 | NRS 200.380 |
| Under $1,200 | Petit larceny, a misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Value does not matter |
| $1,200 or more | Grand larceny, a felony | Felony | Value does not matter |
| Prison range | Depends on value | Depends on value | 2 to 15 years; an additional term may apply with a deadly weapon |
The main difference between larceny and theft is that larceny refers specifically to the unlawful taking of physical property, while theft is a broader term that includes various crimes like fraud, embezzlement, and identity theft. All larceny is theft, but not all theft is larceny.
Larceny, theft, and robbery all mean that something was stolen from the person who owned it by a person who took it. Yet, according to the law, these words are not completely interchangeable.
How the law views these words is very different. Understanding how they are different helps you, the victim of a crime, understand how the law will proceed.
What Is Larceny?
Larceny is actually an all-encompassing term referring to other types of theft and robbery. It is a category of crime referring to the theft of property or assets by someone who intends to never return what he or she has stolen. There are other subcategories of stealing under the banner of larceny, and that is what the law looks at to determine the seriousness of the crime.
What Is Theft?
Theft and larceny are essentially the same thing, although theft may occur with or without the victim’s knowledge. Once the theft is known and is reported to the police, it becomes a form of larceny, even though it may still be referred to as theft.
For example, petty theft is stealing anything less than a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Grand theft auto, on the other hand, is the stealing of a valuable vehicle with the potential for violence or threat of violence. Theft has its own subcategories, just as theft is a subcategory under larceny.
What Is Robbery?
Robbery is theft with violence or threat of violence involved. Usually, the victim is threatened with a gun, knife, or other weapon prior to being robbed. The victim can identify the robber by various means, which makes it the most dangerous form of stealing because the victim is more likely to come to harm or a fatality.
Nevada’s $1,200 Threshold
In Nevada, the line between petit and grand larceny is $1,200. Theft and larceny of $1,200 or more are felonies, and penalties rise with value. See our guide to felony vs. misdemeanor theft for the value tiers.
Burglary vs. Robbery
Robbery involves force or fear against a person. Burglary generally means entering a structure or vehicle with intent to commit certain crimes, even if nothing is taken and no one is present. Penalties under NRS 205.060 depend on the location and whether a deadly weapon was involved.
Examples
- Taking a coworker’s unattended laptop: larceny or theft, depending on how it is charged
- Lying to obtain a customer’s payment: may be charged as theft
- Taking a purse by threatening the owner: robbery, regardless of the purse’s value
- Entering a closed store to steal: may be charged as burglary
FAQs
Is shoplifting larceny or theft in Nevada?
Shoplifting is generally charged as petit or grand larceny depending on whether the value is under $1,200 or $1,200 or more.
What is the grand larceny threshold in Nevada?
$1,200. Below that, the charge is generally petit larceny, a misdemeanor.
Is robbery always a felony in Nevada?
Yes. Robbery is a category B felony punishable by 2 to 15 years in prison, and a deadly weapon can add time.
Can a larceny charge be reduced?
Sometimes. It depends on the facts, the evidence and negotiations with the prosecutor. A criminal defense attorney can review your options.
What’s the difference between robbery and burglary?
Robbery involves taking property from a person by force or fear. Burglary focuses on unlawful entry with criminal intent.
A note about our practice: This article is general information, not legal advice. Criminal defense is not one of Beckstrom & Beckstrom’s listed practice areas. If you need help with this kind of matter, speak with a licensed Nevada attorney who handles it, or use the State Bar of Nevada Lawyer Referral Service. If you have a related civil dispute, our civil litigation attorneys may be able to help.
Seeking Restitution
In many cases of larceny, it is unlikely that you will ever see your property again. However, you should still file a report and get updates from the police. If they do find the thief or robber, you can press charges, hire a lawyer, and seek restitution.
