Last Updated on: 28th July 2023, 08:57 pm

A charge of grand larceny can carry severe repercussions, and it’s wise to consult with a Long Island grand larceny lawyer to prepare your defense.

We have lawyers available who can represent you in your case. If you’ve been charged with grand larceny, here’s what you need to know.

Degrees of Grand Larceny and Their Punishments

Grand larceny is a charge for stealing property. There are four degrees of grand larceny in New York, with the degree corresponding to the value of the stolen property. The severity of the punishment also increases for higher degrees of grand larceny.

Grand larceny starts when the value of the stolen property is over $1,000. Stolen property worth $1,000 or less falls under the category of petit larceny, which is a misdemeanor.

If the value of the stolen property was over $1,000 but not more than $3,000, then the charge is grand larceny in the 4th degree. This is a class E felony, which means that the maximum punishment is four years in prison.

Note that there are situations where you can be charged with grand larceny in the 4th degree for other types of thefts. For example, if you steal a public record, a credit or debit card, or secret scientific material, these would all fall under grand larceny in the 4th degree, regardless of the property’s actual value.

This is true even if you didn’t know you were stealing one of these items. Let’s say that you allegedly stole a wallet which had less than $100 in it. A $100-theft would normally be petit larceny. If the wallet had a credit or debit card in it, even if the card isn’t active, that automatically results in a charge of grand larceny in the 4th degree.

If the value of the stolen property was over $3,000 but not more than $50,000, then the charge is grand larceny in the 3rd degree. This is a class D felony, which means that the maximum punishment is seven years in prison.

If the value of the stolen property was over $50,000 but not more than $1 million, then the charge is grand larceny in the 2nd degree. This is a class C felony, which means that the maximum punishment is 15 years in prison.

Finally, if the value of the stolen property was over $1 million, then the charge is grand larceny in the 1st degree. This is a class B felony, which means that the maximum punishment is up to 25 years in prison.

How Attempted Grand Larceny Differs

Just like with other types of crimes, if the grand larceny was only attempted but not completed, then the charge goes down by one degree. This is an important point, since it can result in a much less severe punishment.

For example, if you are charged with the theft of $25,000, that would typically be grand larceny in the 3rd degree. If you are charged with an attempted theft of $25,000, it drops to a charge of grand larceny in the 4th degree.

For attempted grand larceny over $1,000 but no more than $3,000, it will drop from grand larceny in the 4th degree to a petit larceny misdemeanor.

Preparing a Defense Against Grand Larceny Charges

There are quite a few factors that go into your defense when charged with grand larceny. The smart decision is to consult with an experienced Long Island grand larceny attorney who can examine all the factors of your case. He can work on a defense for you and negotiate with the prosecutor about a plea bargain.

What are some common defenses when charged with grand larceny?

If you weren’t apprehended at the scene, identity is a key issue. It’s up to the prosecution to prove that you committed the grand larceny, beyond a reasonable doubt. If they don’t have the evidence to do this, then they won’t be able to build a strong case.

Arguing the property value won’t necessarily result in a not guilty verdict, but it can result in a reduced penalty or a better plea bargain. The prosecutor may claim that the stolen property has a much higher value than it actually does. If your lawyer can prove that this valuation is inaccurate, it could lead to a grand larceny charge in a lower degree or a petit larceny charge.

A felony conviction can affect you for the rest of your life. You don’t want to miss an opportunity at a better plea deal or a strong defense, which is why you need a grand larceny lawyer. Contact us right away and we can start preparing a strategy for your case. The earlier in the process you get in touch with us, the better.