Grand Larceny in Las Vegas
Considered as a serious offense and a felony crime, grand larceny carries high fines and long-term prison time. One of the consequences of grand larceny is having a criminal record that would prevent prospective future employers from hiring you.
Nevada Revised Statute Section 205.220: Grand Larceny
This law defines larceny as intentional stealing of another person’s property, items, or valuables that amounts at more than $650. Majority of the cases of grand larceny involve:
- Using an ATM that is not yours to withdraw its money;
- Stealing furniture or other articles from a hotel where you stayed;
- Taking money or property from a store;
- Stealing someone else’s farm animals.
Stealing items or properties that are below $650 is not grand larceny. These cases may be reduced to petit larceny or petty theft.
Defenses
A defense attorney can use different arguments to fight your grand larceny charges. Some of the defenses are:
- The property or the item was yours.
Stealing a property that is rightfully yours should not be called or even charged as larceny. If the prosecutor cannot prove that the alleged stolen item is not yours, then grand larceny charge would not stand at court and should be dismissed.
- The property was not valuable enough.
An experienced lawyer can show that the alleged stolen item was worth less than $250, the charges should be reduced to petty larceny which is a misdemeanor offense in Las Vegas.
- You did not mean to steal.
There are instances where shoppers did not really intend to steal. These scenarios should not be held the shoppers liable and prosecutors may allow negotiation to reduce larceny charges.
Penalties
Depending on the amount of the alleged stolen item or property, penalties for grand larceny are:
Item/Property at least $650 but less than $3,500
- Category C Felony
- 1 to 5 years imprisonment;
- Restitution of the items allegedly stolen.
If the value is $3,500 or more
- Category B Felony
- 1 to 10 years imprisonment;
- Fines up to $10,000;
- Restitution of the items allegedly stolen
Deportation consequences
Immigrants that are convicted of grand larceny in Las Vegas may be deported depending on the case. It is necessary that immigrants hire an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney who is highly skilled with Nevada Laws and try to reduce the charges.
Theft Crimes Lawyer
A criminal Defense Attorney can help you reduce your grand larceny charges or even get the charges dropped. Contact one today!