The Theft Ladder
G.L. c. 266, § 30 — $1,200 is the line for larceny, and $250 for shoplifting
| Larceny of property worth | Punished by |
|---|---|
| Larceny of property worth$1,200 or less | Punished byUp to one year in jail or a fine of up to $1,500 |
| Larceny of property worthMore than $1,200, or any firearm | Punished byUp to five years in state prison, or up to twenty-five thousand dollars and up to two years in jail |
In Massachusetts, larceny includes stealing, obtaining property by a false pretense with intent to defraud, and converting another's property with intent to steal or embezzle.
| Shoplifting goods worth less than $250 | Fine |
|---|---|
| Shoplifting goods worth less than $250First offense | FineUp to two hundred and fifty dollars |
| Shoplifting goods worth less than $250Second offense | FineOne hundred to five hundred dollars |
| Shoplifting goods worth less than $250Third or later | FineUp to five hundred dollars or up to two years in jail, or both |
Shoplifting covers taking or concealing merchandise, switching price tags or containers, recording a lower price, and taking a shopping cart, each with intent to deprive the merchant. At $250 or more, it is punished by up to one thousand dollars or up to two and one-half years, or both.
An officer may arrest for shoplifting without a warrant on probable cause, and a merchant's or employee's statement that a person shoplifted is probable cause.
Sources for this section (2)
- G.L. c. 266, § 30 — Larceny
- G.L. c. 266, § 30A — Shoplifting
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Massachusetts attorney.