Portsmouth Larceny Lawyer
Larceny, also known as theft, is defined as the unlawful and intentional taking of a thing of value from another. A conviction for a larceny charge could have serious consequences including jail time and high fines.
If you are facing larceny charges, you should reach out to a seasoned defense attorney as soon as possible. A Portsmouth larceny lawyer could advocate on your behalf and help you build a defense. With the help of a skilled attorney, you may be able to avoid the harsh consequences of a conviction.
Types of Larceny Charges
There are two types of larceny offenses, including petit larceny and grand larceny. These offenses are extremely similar but have two important exceptions. The first is the amount of money involved in the theft. The second is the potential sentence following a conviction.
Petit Larceny
Petit larceny involves the taking of a thing of value worth less than $200. In most cases, petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A conviction could lead to a jail term of no more than 12 months. It also carries a fine of up to $2,500. It is possible for a petit larceny charge to become a felony case. Anyone with two or more prior convictions of petit larceny will have a third petit larceny offense treated as a Class 6 felony. This could lead to a prison sentence of up to five years.
Grand Larceny
The charge of grand larceny applies to the theft of anything worth at least $200. One important distinction involves the theft of firearms. A stolen firearm will lead to felony charges no matter the value of the gun.
The penalties for grand larceny are far steeper than those for a misdemeanor charge. As a felony, a conviction for grand larceny could lead to between 1 and 20 years in state prison. The courts do have jurisdiction to reduce a grand larceny charge to a misdemeanor if the defendant has no criminal record. An experienced Larceny attorney in Portsmouth could play a crucial role in reducing the charge from a felony to a misdemeanor offense.
Potential Defenses in a Larceny Prosecution
Every larceny case is different, and defenses can vary. Ultimately, an attorney is best situated to evaluate potential defense in a Portsmouth larceny case. Some of the defenses commonly used in these cases include:
- Constitutional violations
- Mistaken identity
- Lack of evidence
- Lack of intent to permanently deprive
- Statute of limitations
- Mistake of fact
It is best to retain the services of a seasoned larceny attorney in Portsmouth to determine the best defense for a specific situation.
Contact a Portsmouth Larceny Attorney As Soon As Possible
Due to the serious consequences, a conviction for larceny can bring those who have been charged with a crime should seek help from a tenacious defense attorney. A skilled attorney could work from the time of the arrest until after trial. They could investigate the accusation and collect evidence to help prove your case.
You should not try to handle your case on your own. A diligent Portsmouth larceny lawyer could work to help you avoid the consequences of a conviction. Call today to schedule a consultation.
