Grand Larceny Defense in New York City

New York City Attorney for Grand Larceny Charges

Grand larceny is a serious theft crime involving the unlawful taking of property or assets of value from another person without their consent, and with the intent to permanently deprive them of that property. The term “larceny” is derived from a French word meaning “theft.” In legal terms, the classification of larceny—whether it is “grand” or “petit”—depends primarily on the value of the property stolen.

Need a Lawyer for Grand Larceny in NYC?

In New York City, theft of property valued at $1,000 or more qualifies as grand larceny. However, certain items are classified as grand larceny regardless of their value. For example, stealing a firearm automatically falls into this category even if the weapon is worth less than $1,000.

New York law defines multiple degrees of grand larceny, each with varying penalties. Depending on the specific charge and circumstances, penalties can range from one year to twelve years of imprisonment.

If you are facing grand larceny charges, it is crucial to seek experienced legal counsel immediately. An attorney can help protect your rights, analyze the evidence, and develop a strategic defense on your behalf.

Aggressive Defense for Grand Larceny

The most straightforward defense against a theft charge is to examine the elements of the crime as defined by law. To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove each of the following components beyond a reasonable doubt:

- Was an item actually taken by you?
- Did the item belong to someone else?
- Was it taken without the owner's consent?
- Did you intend to permanently keep it?

If the answer to any one of these questions is "no," the prosecution may be unable to establish that a theft occurred, making it difficult to secure a conviction.

While there are additional defenses that may apply depending on the specific circumstances, this foundational analysis is often the first step in building a strong legal strategy. The most important action you can take is to retain a skilled criminal defense team who will assert your rights and fight vigorously on your behalf.