Top NYC Grand Larceny Lawyer

Grand Larceny in NYC is a serious offense, and even first-time theft offenders can receive a jail sentence as criminal punishment. By default theft, referred to as larceny in New York law is a misdemeanor offense called petit larceny. However, the theft of certain property is considered more egregious and is, therefore, charged as a felony. These heightened theft charges are called grand larceny.

The elements of grand larceny are:

• Wrongfully or unlawfully;
• Withholding, taking or controlling the property valued over $1,000; and
• With the intent to deprive the rightful owner of such property.

If you take, withhold, or control the property of another person without the consent of the owner, then it is considered wrongful or unlawful. In New York, the value of stolen property is determined according to New York Penal Law section 155.20, which states that value is as of the time and place of the theft. If this exact value cannot be ascertained, then the value is the cost of replacing the stolen property.

The element of intent is also imperative to a grand larceny conviction. The defendant must have had the requisite intent, at the time the larceny was committed. Refuting intent is a common approach taken by an NYC grand theft lawyer, such as those at Greco Neyland.

Just as larceny is divided into petit and grand larceny charges, the offense of grand larceny is further categorized into degrees. There are four degrees of grand larceny, with the exact charges based on the value of stolen property.

• Grand larceny in the fourth degree is stealing property valued more than $1,000 but at or less than $3,000 is a class E felony, which in New York carries a maximum prison sentence of four years in state prison.
• Grand larceny in the third degree is stealing property valued more than $3,000 but at or less than $50,00 is a class D felony, which in New York carries a maximum prison sentence of seven years in state prison.
• Grand larceny in the second degree is stealing property valued more than $50,000 but at or less than $1,000,000 is a class C felony, which in New York carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years in state prison.
• Grand larceny in the first degree is stealing property valued more than $1,000,000 is a class B felony, which in New York is the most serious theft offense and carries a maximum prison sentence of 25 years in state prison.

The theft of certain property is considered more serious. Larceny of a motor vehicle valued over $100 must be charged as grand larceny in the fourth degree, a class E felony, and irrespective of value, theft of the following is grand larceny in the fourth degree:

• Public records or instruments;
• Scientific material;
• Credit or debit card;
• Firearms, rifles, and shotguns;
• Religious vestment, scroll or vessel containing religious symbols;
• Access device with the intent to obtain telephone service; or
• Anhydrous ammonia.

Felony convictions in New York City have immediate and irreparable ramifications, and facing felony charges of larceny are no different. If you’re facing charges of grand theft, it’s in your best interest to engage an NYC grand theft lawyer.

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Greco Neyland Fights for Acquittal of Grand Larceny Charges in New York City

The district attorney’s office treats grand larceny charges as a substantial and serious offense, and so should you. The first step in building a defense to these charges is contacting a tough criminal lawyer in NYC. At Greco Neyland, we not only have the knowledge and capacity to create a defense to grand larceny charges, but we also fight hard for your acquittal.

Greco Neyland, PC has convenient offices in Midtown Manhattan, White Plains and New Jersey to serve clients in all five boroughs of NYC and the greater Tri-State area. To schedule a free initial consultation regarding grand larceny charges, call us at (212) 951-1300.