Grand Larceny (Larceny Over $250)

Grand larceny is a felony. Larceny is considered grand larceny when the value of the stolen property exceeds $250.

At common law, larceny was defined as the trespassory taking and carrying away of the property of another person with the intent to steal. The word “trespassory” means without right. “Intent to steal” means the intent to deprive the other person of the property permanently. So, for example, there is no intent to steal where one merely intends to borrow property or where one mistakenly believes the property to be his own. Typical examples of larceny include pick pocketing, purse snatching, and theft.

Larceny at common law was separate and distinct from embezzlement and obtaining property by false pretenses. Massachusetts, however, has by statute made some changes to the common law. In our Commonwealth, larceny, embezzlement and obtaining property by false pretenses all come under one statute, and they are collectively called “larceny.”

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266 Section 30 defines larceny. In addition to including embezzlement and obtaining property by false pretenses under the “larceny” umbrella, this statute significantly expands the types of property that can be the subject of larceny. In Massachusetts, “property” includes money, a variety of different types of commercial paper, contracts, public records, real property, pets, electronic data, and more.

Punishment

Grand larceny is punishable by up to five years in state prison, a fine of up to $25,000, or imprisonment in jail for up to two years.

Speak With an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Today at 617.492.3000 or 800.481.6199

When facing serious jail time and an exorbitant fine, it is often in your best interests to call a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. In larceny cases, a criminal defense lawyer with experience can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. Since illegal search and seizure often comes into play in these cases, a good defense lawyer can often get larceny charges dropped or reduced. The experienced criminal defense team at the Greater Boston Law Firm of Altman & Altman LLP has more than four decades of experience handling larceny and all other crimes in Massachusetts. Our team can come up with the best strategy for your case.

If you or a loved one is facing charges of Grand Larceny over $250, please call the experienced criminal defense attorneys of Altman & Altman LLP at 617.492.3000 or 800.481.6199 toll-free, or contact us online for to schedule a Free Initial Consultation with one of our MA Criminal Defense Lawyers. We are available around the clock to answer all of your questions – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.