New York Grand Larceny Sentencing Guidelines Lawyer

Introduction

Hey there! My name is John and I’m a criminal defense attorney practicing in New York. If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking for some info on New York’s grand larceny laws and potential sentences. I totally get it – a grand larceny charge can be scary. But don’t worry, I’m here to walk you through it and answer all your questions.

What is Grand Larceny?

First off, what exactly is grand larceny? Basically, it’s stealing property worth over $1,000. There’s a few different levels of grand larceny charges in New York:

• Grand larceny in the fourth degree – property worth more than $1,000 but less than $3,000
• Grand larceny in the third degree – property worth more than $3,000 but less than $50,000
• Grand larceny in the second degree – property worth more than $50,000 but less than $1 million
• Grand larceny in the first degree – property worth over $1 million

As you can see, the more valuable the property, the higher the degree of grand larceny. And of course, the higher the charge, the harsher the potential sentence if convicted. Let’s break down the sentencing guidelines:

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Legal Scenario: What Would You Do?

Scenario

You were arrested after police discovered you used a stolen credit card to purchase $8,500 worth of electronics from multiple stores across Manhattan over a two-week period. The DA's office is now charging you with grand larceny in the third degree, and you have no prior criminal record.

What kind of sentence am I realistically facing for a third-degree grand larceny charge in New York, and is there any way to avoid prison time?

Attorney's Answer

Under New York Penal Law § 155.35, grand larceny in the third degree applies when the value of stolen property exceeds $3,000, and it's classified as a class D felony carrying a potential sentence of up to 7 years in state prison. However, as a first-time offender, you have several options that could keep you out of prison — a skilled attorney may be able to negotiate a plea down to a lesser charge like petit larceny, or pursue a sentence of probation with restitution instead of incarceration. New York courts also consider mitigating factors such as your background, employment history, and willingness to make the victims whole financially. I would immediately begin working on a restitution plan and gathering character references, as judges in these cases respond favorably to defendants who demonstrate accountability before sentencing.

This is general information only. Contact us for advice specific to your situation.

Grand Larceny Fourth Degree Sentencing