If an individual commits petty theft with prior convictions, what charge do they face?

When an individual commits petty theft and has prior convictions for theft-related offenses, they may face elevated charges due to the principle of "three strikes" or enhanced sentencing laws applicable in many jurisdictions. In this case, instead of being charged with a misdemeanor, the crime can be escalated to a felony. This reflects the legal system's approach to recidivism, where repeat offenders are subjected to harsher penalties to deter further criminal behavior. The severity of prior convictions plays a crucial role in this scenario, allowing prosecutors to seek a felony charge rather than a lesser penalty that would apply to someone without such a history.