Larceny by Stealing

Boston Larceny by Stealing – Massachusetts Grand Theft Defense Attorney

Larceny by Stealing

Boston Theft Crime Lawyer Steven J. Topazio

According to Massachusetts General Laws chapter 30 section 266, “Whoever steals . . . the property of another . . . shall be guilty of larceny . . . .” Larceny is a crime involving the unlawful taking of the personal property of another person with the intent to permanently deprive that person of the possession of that property.

Larceny typically refers to a nonviolent theft and was developed to punish the taking of property in nonviolent face-to-face encounters so as to set it apart from robbery. Robbery is a larceny but involves some measure of violence in connection with the theft and is treated much more seriously.

Grand Theft or Grand Larceny

Larceny over $250

Grand theft or grand larceny is a category used to rank the severity of crime associated with the theft. Grand larceny occurs when the value of the goods, money or stolen property exceeds $250, and is a felony. When the value of property stolen is $250 or more, the penalty is imprisonment in state prison for not more than 5 years, or by a fine of not more than $25,000 and imprisonment in the House of Corrections for not more than 2 years.

Larceny under $250 or Petit Larceny

Larceny under $250 or petit larceny is a misdemeanor.  In cases where the value of the goods, money or stolen property is less than $250, the penalty is imprisonment in the House of Corrections for not more than one year or by a fine or not more than $300.

The Crime of Larceny has three elements

In order to prove the defendant guilty of larceny, the Commonwealth must prove three things beyond a reasonable doubt:
First: That the defendant took and carried away property;
Second: That the property was owned or possessed by someone other than the defendant; and
Third: That the defendant did so with the intent to deprive that person of the property permanently.

Larceny Defense

Boston Criminal Defense Attorney Topazio is prepared to investigate every aspect of the allegations and circumstances of your case, in order to identify the right strategy and build an aggressive defense on your behalf. If you are facing charges you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who can adequately protect your rights and raise a strong defense on your behalf contact Boston Criminal Defense Attorney Steven J. Topazio online for a free consultation.