What is the classification of petty theft of a value less than $950?

The classification of petty theft, which involves the unlawful taking of someone else's property valued at less than $950, is designated as a misdemeanor. This means that while the act is criminal and punishable under the law, it does not carry the severity associated with felonies. Misdemeanors often lead to sentences that may include fines, community service, probation, or jail time, typically of one year or less.

This classification is significant because it reflects the legislature's intent to differentiate between more serious crimes, such as felonies, and lesser offenses, allowing for a range of penalties that are proportional to the crime's severity. Infraction and violation categorizations generally apply to lesser offenses, typically minor legal breaches that do not carry jail time, and do not assist in addressing the potential impact on victims' rights and community safety that misdemeanors aim to uphold.