What Is Larceny In New York?

Larceny is an umbrella term that covers a type of property-related crime. Specifically, it refers to all actions that involve criminally taking, obtaining, or withholding, property from its rightful owner, with the intent to deprive them of it. This can include obtaining property under false pretenses, extortion, theft, tricking, or embezzlement. It may also include knowingly keeping lost property.

In the context of larceny, “depriving” someone of their property can either mean keeping it permanently (or for so long that the owner loses a most of the property’s benefit or value), or disposing of it in a way that makes it unlikely for the owner to ever find it and/or get it back.

What Types Of Property Can Be Taken Through Larceny?

The property involved can be:

• Money
• Physical items owned by the person
• Computer data or programs owned by the person
• Evidence or representation of debt or a contract
• Things of value provided for a charge (such as gas, water, or electricity).

How Is Larceny Classified In New York?

Larceny is sorted into categories, or classifications, depending on how much money the stolen property was worth. Each classification of larceny comes with its own prescribed sentencing. They are:

• Petit Larceny: The lowest level of larceny, petit larceny involves stolen property worth $1,000 or less. It is a class A misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of up to 364 days in jail and an $1,000 fine.
• Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree: Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree refers to a number of types of theft. These include thefts of
• Property worth over $1,000
• A credit or debit card
• Property taken from another’s person (like a pick-pocketed wallet)
• Property taken by extorsion using threats against a person’s business or reputation
• Rifles, firearms, shotguns, and all associated items
• Motor vehicles worth over $100

Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree is a class E felony. It carries a penalty of up to 4 years in prison and a fine of $5,000 or double the offender’s gain from the crime.

• Grand Larceny in the Third Degree: This classification refers to one of two types of theft, where the stolen property was either:
• Worth over $3,000; or,
• An automated teller machine (ATM)

Grand Larceny in the Third Degree is a class D felony. It carries a penalty of up to 7 years in prison and a fine of $5,000 or double the offender’s gain from the crime.

• Grand Larceny in the Second Degree: This classification refers to several kings of theft, including thefts of:
  • Property worth over $50,000
  • Property obtained by extorsion using threats of property damage, physical harm, or the abuse of one’s position as a public servant.

Grand Larceny in the Second Degree is a class C felony. It carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of $5,000 or double the offender’s gain from the crime.

• Grand Larceny in the First Degree: This classification refers theft of property worth over one million dollars. It is a class B felony that carries a penalty of up to 25 years in prison and a fine of $5,000 or double the offender’s gain from the crime.

What Should I Do If I Have Been Charged With A Larceny?

If you or a loved one has been charged with larceny, the best thing you can do for yourself is to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. Attorney Michael Kramer can help. Attorney Kramer provides high-quality legal defense to clients in the White Plains, NY area. Let him help you put your best case forward. Call (914) 709-7161 for a free consultation today.