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FACT BRIEF

Has theft been decriminalized in Nevada?

By Todd Butterworth on 03/28/2023

NO

Since July 2020, property theft up to $1,200 in value has been a misdemeanor in Nevada, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. The misdemeanor threshold was increased from $650.

Attorneys say some thieves, especially first-time offenders, may avoid prosecution by paying a fine and restitution, and completing an educational course about shoplifting consequences.

In a 2022 survey by the National Retail Federation, 70.8% of respondents reported a moderate or substantial increase in Organized Retail Crime where felony theft thresholds were increased. ORC is large-scale theft with the intent to resell the items. In January 2023, a bill was introduced in Congress to combat ORC nationally.

However, the NRF survey also reported overall retail industry inventory losses were similar to the previous five years. Additionally, while external theft is the largest source of inventory loss (37%), internal theft and process failures comprise 54% of losses. 

This Fact Brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

Sources

Nevada Legislature AB236 Text

Nevada Legislature NRS 193.150

Shouse Law Group Petty larceny fine and class

North American Learning Institute Nevada Theft Awareness Class

National Retail Federation 2022 Retail Security Survey

CSP National Retail Federation Backs House Legislation to Fight Organized Retail Crime

National Retail Federation About Organized Retail Crime

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