Connecticut Theft Lawyer
Larceny, theft and shoplifting arrests are all considered the same crime in Connecticut. Connecticut shoplifting charges range from something as simple as borrowing an item from a neighbor without returning it, to complex criminal embezzlement and extortion. State laws concerning theft are fairly straightforward and punish violations depending upon the value of the items taken.
Charges for theft can range from relatively minor misdemeanor charges to severe Class B felonies. All convictions carry a potential jail sentence and a permanent criminal record. Any of the top Connecticut theft lawyers may be able to help people avoid a criminal conviction. Our defense attorneys can work with people to understand their defenses, file legal motions in court to preserve evidence, and can eventually cross-examine witnesses at trial to defend people against charges of theft and shoplifting.
What Is Larceny?
Shoplifting and theft arrests are also known as larceny under Connecticut law. It’s defined under CGS 53a-119 as any wrongful taking of any property from a third person with the intent to deprive that person of ownership. In other words, to intentionally take and keep another’s property. The statute provides several examples including embezzlement, extortion, theft by deception, and shoplifting.
It is important to note that shoplifting is one example of a theft charge that can result in a larceny arrest even if the individual never actually takes the property out of a store. If a person simply conceals the object while still in the store, Connecticut police can arrest you for larceny or shoplifting. Speak to a Connecticut robbery lawyer to start building your defense against the theft charges.
What are the Jail Penalties for Larceny in CT?
Theft and larceny arrests can range in seriousness from a minor misdemeanor to a serious felony. There are six distinct degrees of larceny under Connecticut law. The most serious is a class B felony, punishable by a prison term of over 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000. This is larceny in the first degree.
The least serious charge is larceny in the sixth degree. This is a class C misdemeanor that carries a potential jail sentence of up to three months and a fine of up to $500. A Connecticut lawyer could help someone mitigate the penalties for a larceny offense.
Other Types of Theft Charges
The seriousness of the larceny charge depends mainly upon the value of the allegedly stolen items. If someone takes multiple items, the total value is counted towards the seriousness of the charge. In total, the larceny charges are:
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- Larceny in the first degree (CGS 53a-122): All items in excess of $20,000
- Larceny in the second degree (CGS 53a-123): Items valued between $10,000 and $20,000
- Larceny in the third degree: (CGS 53a-124): Items valued between $2,000 and $10,000
- Larceny in the fourth degree (CGS 53a-125): Items valued between $1,000 and $2,000
- Larceny in the fifth degree (CGS 53a-125a): Items valued between $500 and $1,000
- Larceny in the sixth degree (CGS 53a-125b): Items valued at less than $500
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There are also certain types of theft that increase the seriousness of the potential punishment, regardless of the value of the items. For example, theft of a car is always a serious allegation. As is extortion or theft off of a person’s body. All theft allegations carry a potential jail sentence and can result in a person having a criminal record.
Consult a Top Connecticut Theft Attorney Today
Any allegation of theft is a serious matter. The penalties for theft and larceny of an item worth only a few dollars can result in a jail sentence, especially if you are charged in Connecticut as a Persistent Larceny Offender. This will have a permanent impact on a person’s record and background checks, and the offense may be discovered in job applications and rental and mortgage applications. It is important that people defend themselves at every opportunity.
A local theft attorney can help defend you in the criminal courts against any degree of larceny or shoplifting charge. Whether you are facing charges for a misdemeanor level offense or for a large-scale crime, a top Connecticut larceny and theft lawyer can help. Contact an attorney today to discuss your case.