---
title: "What is the difference between petty larceny and grand larceny in Rhode Island?"
description: "The difference is dollar value and court. Petty larceny covers takings at or below the statutory threshold and is prosecuted as a misdemeanor in District Court, with a maximum of up to one year in..."
url: https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-petty-larceny-and-grand-larceny-in-rhode-island/
date: 2026-04-22
modified: 2026-04-22
author: "Bank and Munns"
type: avada_faq
lang: en
---

# What is the difference between petty larceny and grand larceny in Rhode Island?

The difference is dollar value and court. Petty larceny covers takings at or below the statutory threshold and is prosecuted as a misdemeanor in District Court, with a maximum of up to one year in jail. Grand larceny covers takings above the threshold (commonly understood to be $1,500 under RIGL § 11-41-5) and is prosecuted as a felony in Superior Court, with multi-year state-prison exposure and permanent felony-record consequences. Value is an element the state must prove, and a good **Rhode Island larceny lawyer** will challenge inflated valuations to keep a case in District Court whenever possible. Always confirm the present dollar figure with your lawyer, because the statute is periodically updated.