Felony Theft Amount and Penalties in District of Columbia

The dollar amount that makes theft a felony in District of Columbia, and the felony and misdemeanor classes and penalties that apply.

Short answer: Theft in the first degree applies when the value of the property obtained or used is $1,000 or more (or two or more thefts within 6 months with an aggregate value of $1,000 or more); D.C. Code § 22-3212

How much theft is a felony	Theft in the first degree applies when the value of the property obtained or used is $1,000 or more (or two or more thefts within 6 months with an aggregate value of $1,000 or more); penalty up to 10 years of incarceration and/or a fine under § 22-3571.01. Theft in the second degree applies if the property has some value; penalty not more than 180 days and/or a fine. A person with two or more prior theft convictions (not committed on the same occasion) faces not more than 15 years, with a mandatory minimum of not less than one year. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 22-3212
Felony classes and maximum sentences	The D.C. Code sets the prison term in each offense's own section rather than through lettered felony classes. Maximum fines are keyed to the offense's maximum prison term (§ 22-3571.01(b)): $12,500 if punishable by 5 years or less but more than one year; $25,000 if 10 years or less but more than 5 years; $37,500 if 15 years or less but more than 10 years; $50,000 if 20 years or less but more than 15 years; $75,000 if 30 years or less but more than 20 years; $125,000 if more than 30 years; $250,000 if the offense resulted in death. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 22-3571.01(b)
Misdemeanor classes and maximum penalties	Jail terms are set in each offense's section. Maximum fines by maximum jail term (§ 22-3571.01(b)): $100 if punishable by 10 days or less; $250 if 30 days (one month) or less but more than 10 days; $500 if 90 days (3 months) or less but more than 30 days; $1,000 if 180 days (6 months) or less but more than 90 days; $2,500 if one year or less but more than 180 days. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 22-3571.01(b)

More District of Columbia criminal law

FAQ

How much do you have to steal for it to be a felony in District of Columbia?

Theft in the first degree applies when the value of the property obtained or used is $1,000 or more (or two or more thefts within 6 months with an aggregate value of $1,000 or more); penalty up to 10 years of incarceration and/or a fine under § 22-3571.01. Theft in the second degree applies if the property has some value; penalty not more than 180 days and/or a fine. A person with two or more prior theft convictions (not committed on the same occasion) faces not more than 15 years, with a mandatory minimum of not less than one year.

What are the felony classes and maximum sentences in District of Columbia?

The D.C. Code sets the prison term in each offense's own section rather than through lettered felony classes. Maximum fines are keyed to the offense's maximum prison term (§ 22-3571.01(b)): $12,500 if punishable by 5 years or less but more than one year; $25,000 if 10 years or less but more than 5 years; $37,500 if 15 years or less but more than 10 years; $50,000 if 20 years or less but more than 15 years; $75,000 if 30 years or less but more than 20 years; $125,000 if more than 30 years; $250,000 if the offense resulted in death.

What are the misdemeanor classes and penalties in District of Columbia?

Jail terms are set in each offense's section. Maximum fines by maximum jail term (§ 22-3571.01(b)): $100 if punishable by 10 days or less; $250 if 30 days (one month) or less but more than 10 days; $500 if 90 days (3 months) or less but more than 30 days; $1,000 if 180 days (6 months) or less but more than 90 days; $2,500 if one year or less but more than 180 days.

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.