In Connecticut, a larceny attorney can help navigate the entire process of being charged with a crime. Larceny can be classified as a felony or misdemeanor, usually depending on the value of the property that was stolen.

Larceny charges

In the felony categories, larceny can be categorized from the First to the Third Degree, with the First being the most serious and decreasing in severity. 

• First Degree – over $10,000 (class B felony)
• Second Degree – over $5,000 (class C felony)
• Third Degree – over $1,000 (class D felony)

Similarly, if a misdemeanor, larceny can be categorized from the Fourth to the Sixth Degree, with a similar decrease in severity.  

• Fourth Degree – over $500 (class A misdemeanor)
• Fifth Degree – over $250 (class B misdemeanor)
• Sixth Degree – $250 or less (class C misdemeanor)

In addition to that more standard understanding, larceny can also exist via extortion, constituting larceny in the first degree.  Another special classification takes form in larceny of public records or any scientific or technical property, constituting larceny in the third degree. 

Shoplifting

In general, shoplifting is the most common form of larceny.  Though generally considered a fairly minor crime, preparing the proper defense is still important and should be taken seriously. A person can be charged with shoplifting when they intentionally take and keep an item without paying for the product. The most significant component of this crime is the intentionality element.

As a result, proving intent can sometimes be very difficult. For example, if it was a genuine mistake to leave an establishment without paying for the item, this claim of innocence or accident can be used as a valid defense. However, a declaration of innocence or mistake will usually be insufficient to adequately defend oneself against this charge. Depending on the stolen item, the prosecution can try to prove that intentions existed to steal the item, regardless of whether that is true.  

Hiring a larceny attorney

As a result, hiring a larceny attorney is of the utmost importance when facing either a more minor misdemeanor charge or a more serious felony charge. Being convicted of any crime always creates problems both in the immediate future and later in life. After paying any monetary fines and possible jail time, later problems can include increased difficulties when completing college, job, or housing applications. 

As a result, to avoid a conviction, hire a larceny attorney to ensure the best defense is prepared. A defense attorney can help by not only taking the stress off of you but also reviewing the evidence gathered to present the defense to Connecticut prosecutors. Evidence, existing in the form of character reviews to video footage, can be used to bolster arguments of innocence and mistake.  In addition, an attorney can help secure negotiations and possible plea bargains to reduce the possible sentence and make sure the punishment fits the crime.  

For more information or to schedule a consultation with us, call our New Haven office at (203) 624-6115.

Call Knight & Cerritelli today. NOTE: This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

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