The difference between petty and grand larceny in Rhode Island is the value of the property taken. Petty larceny is taking property worth less than $1,500, charged as a misdemeanor with up to 1 year jail and fines up to $500. Grand larceny is taking property worth $1,500 or more, charged as a felony with up to 10 years prison and fines up to $5,000. The dollar threshold matters enormously because misdemeanor and felony convictions have dramatically different long-term consequences (permanent felony record vs misdemeanor record, firearm rights, employment impact). Defense work sometimes focuses on contesting the value of the property to keep the charge at the misdemeanor level.
