Felony Theft Amount and Penalties in Massachusetts

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

Short answer: Larceny of property worth more than $1,200, or of a firearm, can be punished by up to five years in state prison, or by a fine of up to $25,000 and up to two years in jail. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 266, § 30(1)

How much theft is a felony	Larceny of property worth more than $1,200, or of a firearm, can be punished by up to five years in state prison, or by a fine of up to $25,000 and up to two years in jail. Larceny of property worth $1,200 or less (other than a firearm) can be punished by up to one year in jail or a fine of up to $1,500. In Massachusetts a crime punishable by state prison is a felony (G.L. c. 274, § 1). Source: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 266, § 30(1)
Felony classes and maximum sentences	Massachusetts does not divide felonies into classes. 'A crime punishable by death or imprisonment in the state prison is a felony.' Maximum terms and fines are set in each offense's own statute (for example, rape of a child under 16 is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years, G.L. c. 265, § 23). Source: G.L. c. 274, § 1
Misdemeanor classes and maximum penalties	'All other crimes are misdemeanors' — that is, any crime not punishable by death or imprisonment in the state prison. Misdemeanors are not divided into classes; each offense statute sets its own penalty. Some conduct is made only a civil offense (for example, possession of 3 ounces or less of marijuana, G.L. c. 94C, § 32L). Source: G.L. c. 274, § 1

More Massachusetts criminal law

FAQ

How much do you have to steal for it to be a felony in Massachusetts?

Larceny of property worth more than $1,200, or of a firearm, can be punished by up to five years in state prison, or by a fine of up to $25,000 and up to two years in jail. Larceny of property worth $1,200 or less (other than a firearm) can be punished by up to one year in jail or a fine of up to $1,500.

What are the felony classes and maximum sentences in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts does not divide felonies into classes. 'A crime punishable by death or imprisonment in the state prison is a felony.' Maximum terms and fines are set in each offense's own statute (for example, rape of a child under 16 is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years, G.L. c. 265, § 23).

What are the misdemeanor classes and penalties in Massachusetts?

'All other crimes are misdemeanors' — that is, any crime not punishable by death or imprisonment in the state prison. Misdemeanors are not divided into classes; each offense statute sets its own penalty. Some conduct is made only a civil offense (for example, possession of 3 ounces or less of marijuana, G.L. c. 94C, § 32L).

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.