What Constitutes Grand Larceny?

Grand LarcenyIn accordance with NRS 205.220, when somebody takes personal property belonging to somebody else with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of that property, a theft or larceny has been committed. If the value of that property is $1,200 or more, grand theft or grand larceny has been committed. If it’s less than $1,200, petit larceny can be charged. For example, stealing a Rolex watch from a jewelry store or pick pocketing $1,500 from an individual would be examples of grand larceny.

Defenses to Grand Larceny in Nevada

Here at Nobles & Yanez, we have employed a variety of defenses to our clients who have been charged with grand larceny. Here are some of them:

  • Although the defendant was charged with the theft of the property, he or she was the lawful owner of it.
  • The value of the property was less than $1,200. There are different ways of proving the value, including price tags at the same commercial establishment on identical goods.
  • The defendant had no intent of committing a theft. The prosecution must prove that the defendant intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property from it, so no crime was committed.
  • The owner of the property consented to the defendant being in possession of it, so it couldn’t have been stolen.
  • Law enforcement violated the defendant’s 4th or 5th Amendment rights.

Sentencing for a Conviction of Grand Larceny in Nevada

When the value of the property taken from an owner with the intent to permanently deprive him or her of the property and it exceeds $1,200, a felony has been committed. The theft of a firearm or motor vehicle is also a felony. These felonies increase in seriousness in accordance with the value of the property. Here’s how the sliding scale works on these felonies:

  • Class D: This applies when the value of the property taken was between $1,200 and $5,000. Conviction of a Class D felony in Nevada is punishable by between one and four years in prison and a fine not to exceed $5,000.
  • Class C: When the value of the property that was stolen was between $5,000 and $25,000, a Nevada conviction can be punished by up to five years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000. Nevada grand larceny also contemplates the theft of a motor vehicle of any value is also a Class C felony.
  • Class B: Nevada and Las Vegas grand larceny Class B convictions are categorized three ways. First, repeat offenses of the theft of a motor vehicle within five years of each other is a Class B felony that’s punishable by up to six years in prison and a fine not to exceed $5,000. Next, a grand larceny conviction for stealing property of which the value is between $25,000 to $100,000 or a firearm of any value is punishable by one to 10 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000. Lastly, if property or services are stolen, and the value thereof is in excess of $100,000, the penalty is up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

What if I get charges with Grand Larceny?

If you’ve been charged with grand larceny in Las Vegas, be careful in your selection of who will be representing you. There are many attorneys here in Las Vegas who have little or no experience in criminal defense. You’ll want one of the preeminent Nevada law firms representing you and your future. Don’t give the police the evidence that they need to convict you.  After any grand larceny arrest, contact us at Nobles & Yanez as soon as you possibly can for a confidential consultation and case review.