Grand Larceny by Extortion Lawyers
In many states extortion and larceny are separate crimes. Extortion involves coercion. The general definition of extortion is the act of taking money, services or property from the rightful owner by use of force, violence or threats.
The general definition for larceny is the intentional act of taking property from the rightful owner without permission. In addition of taking the property, the person accused of the crime has no intention of giving the property back to the owner.
In New York, the two crimes can be combined to create a type of theft crime. The crime is called larceny by extortion. If you are accused of larceny by extortion, contact a criminal lawyer immediately for assistance fighting the charge.
What is Larceny by Extortion?
Larceny by extortion is using force, threats or violence to take property from an owner without permission and with the intent to deprive them of the property. This means that you are accused of using threats, intimidation or violence to obtain property from someone and keep it. You wouldn’t have received the property if you hadn’t used some time of coercion.
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(212) 300-5196You were Charged with Grand Larceny by Extortion
All larceny charges are based on the dollar value of the stolen property. This means that you could be charged with a misdemeanor or felony depending on the cost of the property allegedly taken. Grand larceny by extortion is a felony.
Grand larceny by extortion is a felony charge. It is defined as using coercion to take property valued at more than $1,000 without the intention of returning it to the owner. The coercion is force, threat of violence or actual violence.
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Grand Larceny by Extortion is Separated into Classes
Grand larceny by extortion is further separated into classes. These classes are classified by the dollar value of the alleged stolen property. The are four grand larceny by extortion classes:
A business owner discovers that a former employee has been threatening to release fabricated evidence of tax fraud to clients and local media unless paid $50,000 in 'severance.' The business owner made two payments before realizing the demands would never stop and now faces both financial loss and reputational damage.
Can the person extorting me be charged with grand larceny by extortion, and what legal options do I have to recover the money I already paid?
Under New York Penal Law § 155.30, grand larceny in the fourth degree applies when property valued over $1,000 is obtained through extortion as defined in § 155.05(2)(e), making this a Class E felony carrying up to four years in prison. The extortion element is established when someone compels payment through threats to expose damaging information, regardless of whether that information is true or fabricated. You should immediately cease all payments, preserve any written or recorded communications documenting the threats, and file a criminal complaint so prosecutors can pursue charges while your attorney simultaneously files a civil action to recover the funds already paid. An experienced grand larceny defense attorney can also ensure you are protected throughout this process, as extortion cases sometimes involve counter-allegations that require careful legal navigation.
This is general information only. Contact us for advice specific to your situation.
- Class E involves taking property valued from $1,000 to $3,000.
- Class D involves taking property valued from $3,000 to $50,000.
- Class C involves taking property valued from $50,000 to $1 million.
- Class B involves taking property valued at more than $1 million.
For example, you allegedly threaten a victim to give you $3,000 or you’d tell of their affair. You would be charged with Class D grand larceny by extortion. Your penalty for a Class D felony would be different than if you were accused of any other type of larceny by extortion charge.
