Understanding Bail for Theft Charges
Theft charges range from minor shoplifting to grand theft and organized retail crime. The bail amount depends on the value of what was stolen, the circumstances of the theft, and the defendant's criminal history. This guide covers bail for all types of theft charges to help you understand what to expect.
Petit Theft / Misdemeanor Shoplifting
Petit theft (also called petty theft or misdemeanor shoplifting) involves stealing items below the state's felony threshold. In most states, this threshold is between $500 and $1,000, though it varies significantly:
- Texas: Under $2,500 is a misdemeanor
- California: Under $950 is a misdemeanor
- Florida: Under $750 is petit theft
- New York: Under $1,000 is petit larceny
Bail for petit theft is typically low — $250 to $5,000. Many first-time shoplifters are given a cite and release, meaning they receive a citation with a court date and aren't booked into jail at all. For those who are booked, bail is usually posted quickly.
Grand Theft / Felony Theft
When the value of stolen property exceeds the state's felony threshold, the charge becomes grand theft — a felony. Bail for grand theft is significantly higher:
- Grand theft (property under $10,000): $5,000 — $25,000
- Grand theft (property $10,000-$50,000): $10,000 — $50,000
- Grand theft (property over $50,000): $25,000 — $100,000+
- Grand theft auto: $10,000 — $50,000
Organized Retail Theft
Many states have enacted specific laws targeting organized retail theft (ORT) — coordinated stealing from retail stores, often involving groups. ORT charges carry higher bail because they're treated as more serious felonies. Bail can range from $25,000 to $250,000 depending on the scale and dollar amounts involved.
Burglary vs. Theft
If theft involved entering a building illegally (breaking and entering), the charge may be burglary rather than simple theft. Burglary carries significantly higher bail:
- Commercial burglary: $20,000 — $50,000
- Residential burglary: $50,000 — $150,000
Burglary of a residence is treated as a violent crime in many states, even if no one was home, because of the potential for confrontation.
Robbery (Theft with Force)
Robbery — theft accomplished through force, threat, or intimidation — carries the highest bail amounts of any theft-related charge:
- Simple robbery: $50,000 — $150,000
- Armed robbery: $100,000 — $500,000+
What to Do If Arrested for Theft
If you or someone you know is arrested for any theft charge, the most important steps are: remain calm and cooperate with officers, exercise your right to remain silent, contact a criminal defense attorney, and arrange bail as quickly as possible. A bail bondsman can help with the financial side while your attorney works on the legal defense.
Find a bail bondsman at BailBondFinders.com.