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Building A Larceny Defense

If you have been accused of stealing something, you are probably being accused of larceny in Connecticut. When someone accuses you of taking something, you probably feel embarrassed and frightened. The police and prosecution rarely care about the full story, and don't understand who you are as a person. As a result, you might find that no one is interested in your side of the story. This is where we come in.

At Cummings Law Firm, we are dedicated to supporting our clients and helping them through this difficult time. With our experience in larceny and other property crime cases, we can help build a defense to protect you and your rights at this time. Contact our office today for a free consultation in which our attorney can discuss your case and how we can help you through it. We serve in Waterbury, Danbury, Torrington, Bridgeport and throughout the region.

Forms And Degrees Of Larceny Charges

There are two major forms of larceny. One form occurs when a professional operation utilizes technology to steal from companies and stores and resell products in a continuing operation. The second type of larceny occurs when a person accesses and misdirects funds for his or her own personal use. The second situation is much more common than the first.

In the state of Connecticut, there are six degrees of larceny. Each degree depends on the amount of money that was allegedly stolen, and each degree has different consequences.

  • The most serious degree of larceny is first-degree larceny. This occurs when the amount of property stolen exceeds $10,000. This is a class B felony, meaning that if you are convicted, you face a $15,000 fine and a prison sentence of 1-20 years.
  • Second-degree larceny is also serious, but slightly less serious than first-degree larceny. Second-degree larceny occurs when someone steals something worth $5,000. This is a class C felony, and it can result in a $10,000 fine and a prison sentence of 1-10 years.
  • Third-degree larceny is defined as someone who steals something worth $1,000. This is a class D felony, and it will result in 1-5 years in prison and a fine of $5,000.
  • Fourth-degree larceny is a form of larceny that occurs when something worth $500 is stolen. This is a class A misdemeanor, and is punishable by a fine of $2,000 and up to a year in jail.
  • Fifth-degree larceny is a form of larceny that occurs when something worth $250 is stolen. This is a class B misdemeanor, and is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
  • The final form of larceny is sixth-degree larceny. This occurs when someone steals something worth $250 or less. This is a class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500 and a jail sentence of up to three months.

Intent In Larceny Cases

Sometimes, when people forget to return property or take property as a joke, they are charged with larceny. For example, let's say that you borrowed your neighbor's lawn mower, and you forgot to give it back. Can you be convicted of larceny in this situation? The fact of the matter is that in order to be convicted of larceny, it must be proven that you intended not to give the property back. So, if your neighbor presses charges, but you can explain in court that not returning the lawn mower was an honest mistake through the use of evidence, the charges will most likely be dropped. On the other hand, if you told your neighbor that you wouldn't return the lawn mower, the larceny charges might stick.

The same rule applies to taking something as a practical joke. If you did not intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property, proving larceny in court will be difficult. However, this is a tricky situation, and it is in your best interest to avoid this issue and not take other people's property at all. Proving that you did not intend to keep another person's property can be difficult, because in court it will likely just be your word against the other party's.

Charged With Larceny? Talk To Us.

If you have been charged with larceny, you need the help of an aggressive criminal defense lawyer. Cummings Law Firm has a lawyer for you. To learn more, please contact our office: 203-754-7779 for a free consultation.

Contact Us Today

Cummings Law Firm is committed to answering your questions about Criminal Defense, Family Law, Business Law, Estate Planning, Real Estate law issues in Waterbury, CT and its surrounding counties.

We'll gladly discuss your case with you at your convenience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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