The term Grand Theft means stealing an amount exceeding a predetermined state statutory amount and is a way of ranking how severe the crime is. Each state has a slightly different definition of what that amount is. For example, in California Grand theft is committed when the value of the stolen property exceeds $400.00. The value of stolen property in Texas must be more than $500, while in New York, it consists of stealing property worth $1,000 or more. Items included in this definition are usually firearms, motor vehicles, animals (such as horses, farm animals or assistance dogs) and even the United States flag.
Many people who have been convicted of grand larceny are not who you would expect. They are not poor or homeless but rather individuals with a great deal of money that either have mental issues or do it for the thrill. Some of the most interesting stories that deal with theft include celebrities. Probably one of the most well known shoplifting cases is the 2001 arrest of Winona Ryder for stealing $5,500 worth of designer clothes and accessories from a Saks Fifth Avenue store in Beverly Hills. She was able to plea bargain and ended up with 3 years probation, 480 hours of community service, $3,700 in fines, $6,355 in restitution to Saks and was ordered to attend psychiatric and drug counseling programs.
Coincidentally a woman last year was accused of stealing $2,500 worth of clothes from a San Francisco Neiman Marcus store. The woman seemed like she had the funds to pay for the items she paid for (she is married to a judge and holds a position as a lawmaker). There are many theft addicts that have the desire to feel the rush of stealing. The people who find themselves facing prosecution for grand theft are the ones that never get their theft addiction problems resolved.
As you can see from the results of Winona Ryder’s arrest, punishment can be severe and completely disrupt your life. In her situation, she took a 4-year hiatus from acting to get counseling and get her career back on track. During that time she had trouble making movies because insurance companies wouldn’t insure her due to her history of erratic behavior.
Before you let your life get to this point, get help! One good way of beginning this process is by taking online classes designed to help individuals overcome their desire to steal. Theft classes online can be taken from the convenience of your own home, from any Internet based computer. These classes are completely private so no one else needs to know that you are taking them. They will help you understand why you have the impulse to steal and how this behavior can be altered and prevented. If you choose a quality course, then a qualified practicing therapist is available to speak with for additional support as well.
Online Theft classes are also available for individuals who have already been convicted of shoplifting or theft and need to fulfill a court mandate. Confirm with the court that they will accept a high quality online course, and you alleviate the cost and hassle of having to drive to and from a classroom at a specific time. A certificate of completion is issued at the end of these courses to prove that you successfully took the course and passed the final exam.
