Regrettably, many individuals fail to grasp the gravity of theft. Whether committed for momentary thrills or due to financial hardship, theft can result in significant monetary fines and a lengthy term of imprisonment. Larceny is a severe criminal offense that can negatively impact various aspects of your life. Most larceny charges are considered misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the value of the property stolen. If you’re facing a grand larceny charge, it’s in your best interests to contact a skilled Rockland County Shoplifting Attorney who can help you fight to have your charges mitigated or dropped altogether. Please continue reading to learn the potential penalties you may face for a felony theft conviction in New York.
What is Grand Larceny?
In New York, the crime of theft or larceny occurs when someone takes another’s property with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of that property. It’s crucial to note that this crime occurs without the use of force. A theft crime will escalate to a felony offense if the value of the stolen property exceeds $1,000. If the stolen property were valued under $1,000, it would be considered petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor.
What Are the Penalties for Felony Theft Convictions in New York?
If you’ve been charged with grand larceny, it’s crucial to understand the potential consequences you may face. As mentioned above, whether you face a misdemeanor or felony offense depends on the value of the stolen property. That said, if the stolen property exceeded $1,000 in value, it would be considered grand larceny in the fourth degree, a Class E felony. Grand larceny in the fourth degree is punishable by up to 4 years in prison (minimum one year). If the stolen property exceeded $3,000 in value, it would be considered grand larceny in the third degree, a Class D felony. Grand larceny in the third degree is punishable by up to 7 years in prison (min. one year).
Moreover, if the stolen property exceeded $50,000 in value, it would be considered grand larceny in the second degree, a Class C felony. Grand larceny in the second degree is punishable by up to 15 years in prison (min. one year). If the stolen property exceeded $1 million in value, it would be considered grand larceny in the first degree, a Class B felony. Grand larceny is the most serious theft charge you can face, and it’s punishable by up to 25 years in prison (min. one year). It’s important to note that in addition to imprisonment, you will face fines that are either double the value of the property stolen or $5,000 (whichever is greater).
If you’ve been charged with grand larceny, please don’t hesitate to contact a proficient attorney from The Law Office of Carl Spector, who can help protect you from a future burdened by overwhelming monetary fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record. Allow our firm to represent your interests today to maximize your chances of achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
