The Theft Ladder
G.S. 14-72 — $1,000 is the line between a misdemeanor and a felony
| Larceny, or receiving or possessing stolen goods | Class |
|---|---|
| Larceny, or receiving or possessing stolen goodsWorth $1,000 or less | ClassClass 1 misdemeanor |
| Larceny, or receiving or possessing stolen goodsWorth more than $1,000 | ClassClass H felony |
| Larceny, or receiving or possessing stolen goodsFrom the person, whatever the value | ClassClass H felony |
Receiving or possessing stolen goods is the crime when the person knows, or has reasonable grounds to believe, the goods are stolen. Where the value is in doubt, the jury fixes it in the verdict.
Concealing goods in the store is its own offense. In North Carolina, willfully concealing a store's unpurchased goods while still on the premises is a misdemeanor, and goods found concealed on the person are evidence of willful concealment. So is switching a price tag or product code to a lower price and presenting the goods to buy.
| Concealment conviction | Class | Imprisonment suspended only on |
|---|---|---|
| Concealment convictionFirst | ClassClass 3 misdemeanor | Imprisonment suspended only onAt least 24 hours of community service |
| Concealment convictionSecond within three years | ClassClass 2 misdemeanor | Imprisonment suspended only onAt least 72 hours in jail as special probation, 72 hours of community service, or both |
| Concealment convictionThird within five years of two others | ClassClass 1 misdemeanor | Imprisonment suspended only onAt least 11 days in jail as special probation |
A merchant, employee or officer who detains a person on or near the store's premises, reasonably and for a reasonable time, with probable cause to believe they concealed goods, is not civilly liable for the detention. When the person detained is a minor under 18, the merchant makes a reasonable effort to notify a parent or guardian during the detention.
Sources for this section (2)
- G.S. 14-72 — Larceny of property; receiving or possessing stolen goods
- G.S. 14-72.1 — Concealment of merchandise in mercantile establishments
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed North Carolina attorney.