Larceny in Michigan is graded by the value of the property. Under $200 is a misdemeanor with up to 93 days. $200 to under $1,000 carries up to 1 year. $1,000 to under $20,000 is a felony with up to 5 years, and $20,000 or more is a felony with up to 10 years. The charge is set by MCL 750.356.
Reviewed by Attorney Kevin Bessant, Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates. Last reviewed October 2026.
Larceny at a glance
| Under $200 | Misdemeanor: up to 93 days, a fine of up to $500 or 3 times the value, or both (MCL 750.356(5)) |
|---|---|
| $200 to under $1,000 | Misdemeanor: up to 1 year, a fine of up to $2,000 or 3 times the value, or both (MCL 750.356(4)(a)) |
| $1,000 to under $20,000 | Felony: up to 5 years, a fine of up to $10,000 or 3 times the value, or both (MCL 750.356(3)(a)) |
| $20,000 or more | Felony: up to 10 years, a fine of up to $15,000 or 3 times the value, or both (MCL 750.356(2)(a)) |
| Prior convictions | Prior larceny-type convictions can raise a lower-value charge to the next tier |
Where a fine is stated as an amount or 3 times the value, the statute uses whichever is greater. A lawyer should review which priors count in your case.
How does a larceny case move through court?
- Arraignment in district court.
- Preliminary examination for felony charges, with possible bindover to circuit court.
- Resolution by dismissal, reduction, plea, or trial.
What matters in the defense
- Value. A lower proven value means a lower charge.
- Intent. The prosecutor must prove you meant to take property that was not yours.
- Ownership and permission. Disputes over who owns the property are common.
- Record impact. Some first-time cases can be resolved without a lasting conviction. See expungement.
Related pages: retail fraud and misdemeanor or felony offense.
Frequently asked questions
At what amount does larceny become a felony in Michigan?
At $1,000 or more, or sooner with qualifying prior convictions, under MCL 750.356.
What is the maximum penalty for larceny?
Up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000 or 3 times the value when the property is worth $20,000 or more.
Talk to a Detroit theft charge attorney
Call Attorney Kevin Bessant at 313-658-8159 for a free consultation.
Legal Authority
See MCL 750.356 in the Michigan Legislature’s text. This page is general information, not legal advice.