[MEAT007SN]

When does retail theft goes from a misdeamenor to a felony?

[Fr_Chuck]

When it goes over a specific dollar value ( each state in the US has their own law on it)

[ballengerb1]

Quite true. Here is an example from Wisconsin law

"If the value of the money, funds, credits, securities, assets, property, proceeds from sale, or loan does not exceed $500.00, then the theft can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor, unless the person was previously convicted of a misdemeanor or felony for trespass, theft, possession of items to commit a burglary, unauthorized release of animals or wire fraud, then a Class I felony.

If the value of the stolen property exceeds $500, but is less than $10,000, then a Class H felony.
If the value of the stolen property exceeds $10,000, but is less than $100,000, then a Class G felony.
If the value of the stolen property exceeds $100,000, then a Class E felony.
"

[JudyKayTee]

In NY it's both dollar amount and how the theft occurred - such as with force, without force, false ID, whatever.