Petit Larceny

petit-larcenyPetit larceny, also known as petty larceny or shoplifting, is probably by far the most common property crime in Las Vegas. This is basically shoplifting small ticket items at a retail store. In order to be charged with petit larceny one must intentionally steal, take and carry away, lead away or drive away with personal goods or property with a value of less than $650, owned by another person.

Petit Larceny Penalties

Petit larceny is a misdemeanor offense and can carry a fine of up to $1000 and jail of up to 6 months. Furthermore, restitution may be imposed.

Grand Larceny

Grand larceny is essentially the same as petit larceny, except that the property value is $650 or more and it carries harsher penalties.

Grand Larceny Penalties

$650 dollars may not seem like a lot in this day and age, but it will cause the offense to be elevated from a misdemeanor to a felony. If the property value is $650 or more, and less than $3,500, it may be charged as a category C felony. A category C felony carries a minimum 1-year in prison and a maximum term of 5 years in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000. Furthermore, the court may impose restitution.

If the value is $3,500 or more, you may be charge with a category B felony and minimum prison sentence of 1-year and a maximum prison sentence up to 10-years, and a fine of up to $10,000. Restitution may also be imposed.

If you receive a felony you will also lose many of your rights, such as the right to own a firearm.

Detained or Arrested

Sometimes people are just detained and released by security or law enforcement. If this is the case, you will most likely be summoned by the court to appear instead of an arrest warrant being issued by the judge. Law enforcement also gives you a citation with an appearance date on the bottom. If you retain an attorney he or she can appear at the Arraignment date or the appearance date at the bottom of the citation on your behalf and start working your case. If you fail to appear then your case will go into warrant.

Other times law enforcement might actually arrest you. If this happens you will need to post bail and get a return court date. If this happens speak to an attorney right away so he or she can start representing you.

Defenses

Some common defenses include no taking at all, lack of intent to take the item or the property belong to you. Furthermore, the state or city has the burden to prove the every element of larceny and their case might be weak or depend on a witness.

Your Record

A petit larceny is a misdemeanor offense and if you plea guilty, no contest or are found guilty at trial, you may seal your record in 2 years if your stay out of trouble. If your case is dismissed you can seal it right away.

Contact our office today at 702-895-9111 for a free consultation.

This is for informative purposes only. This does not create a client-attorney relationship. Always seek legal counsel.

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