What are the Penalties for Grand Larceny in Nevada? Criminal Lawyer

Hey there! If you’re reading this, you probably want to know more about the crime of grand larceny here in Nevada and what kinds of penalties you might face if convicted. Well, you came to the right place!

As a criminal defense lawyer practicing here in Vegas, I’ve seen my fair share of grand larceny cases over the years. And let me tell you, the penalties can be pretty harsh if you’re found guilty. But before we get into all that, let’s start with the basics: what exactly is grand larceny in Nevada?

What is Grand Larceny in Nevada?

Simply put, grand larceny is the theft of someone else’s property valued at $1,200 or more. It’s considered a felony offense.

Some examples of grand larceny would be:

• Shoplifting merchandise worth $1,200 or more
• Stealing jewelry, electronics, or other valuables worth over $1,200
• Taking $1,200 or more out of someone’s bank account without permission

Basically if you intentionally take someone else’s valuable property without their consent, you could be looking at a grand larceny charge.

Now, how the stolen property is valued can make a big difference in the penalties you face if convicted. The higher the value, the more severe the punishment. More on that soon!

Determining the Value of Stolen Property

When you’re arrested for grand larceny, the cops and prosecutors have to show that the stuff you allegedly stole was worth at least $1,200.

They’ll look at things like:

• Price tags or receipts
• Testimony from the owner about the value
• Expert appraisals of the property’s fair market value

If it’s something like jewelry or electronics, they’ll want to determine the current replacement cost. Even if you stole it for way less than what it’s worth, they’ll go by the highest reasonable value.

The exact value of the stolen goods makes a huge difference when it comes to the penalties if you’re convicted. Let’s take a look…

Penalties for Grand Larceny in Nevada

The punishment for grand larceny depends on how much the stolen property is worth:

$1,200 – $5,000

This is a category D felony. The penalties include:

• 1 – 4 years in prison
• Up to $5,000 in fines
• Restitution to the victim for the value of property stolen

$5,000 – $25,000

Now we’re looking at a category C felony. The possible penalties increase to:

• 1 – 5 years in prison
• Up to $10,000 in fines
• Restitution to the victim

$25,000 – $100,000

For this range, it’s bumped up to a category B felony. The penalties can include:

• 1 – 10 years in prison
• Up to $10,000 in fines
• Restitution

$100,000 or More

This is also a category B felony but with even stiffer penalties:

• 1 – 20 years in prison
• Up to $15,000 in fines
• Restitution

As you can see, the more valuable the property stolen, the more time you could be facing behind bars if convicted. And don’t forget about those hefty fines and having to repay the victim!

Penalties for Stealing Special Property

There are also enhanced penalties for stealing certain types of property, no matter what it’s worth:

Firearm – This is an automatic category B felony punishable by 1 – 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines

Motor Vehicle – For a first offense, this is a category C felony with 1 – 5 years in prison plus restitution. A second offense within 5 years bumps it up to a category B felony.

Livestock – Killing or stealing livestock worth $1,200 or more is a category C felony.

Can a Grand Larceny Conviction Be Sealed?

Many people wonder if you can get a grand larceny conviction sealed from your criminal record. The answer is yes, but you have to wait at least 5 years after completing your sentence.

Getting your record sealed prevents many employers and landlords from seeing your conviction. It helps remove barriers to jobs, housing, loans, and other opportunities.

Possible Defenses for Grand Larceny

While the penalties for grand larceny seem pretty harsh, the good news is there are potential defenses that a criminal lawyer may be able to argue in your case:

• You had permission to take the property – If the owner consented, it’s not theft
• Lack of criminal intent – You took the property by mistake or accident
• False accusations – The alleged victim is lying about the theft
• Improper police conduct – Evidence was obtained illegally
• Misidentification – You were mistakenly identified as the thief
• Rightful ownership – You had a legal right to take the property

A skilled lawyer will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your case to determine if any viable defenses can get your charges reduced or dismissed.

What Happens After an Arrest for Grand Larceny?

If you’ve been arrested for grand larceny in Nevada, here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:

• You’ll be booked into jail and have to post bail to get released until your court date. Bail amounts vary.
• The prosecutor will review the police reports and evidence to decide which charges to file against you.
• You’ll be formally charged and have your “arraignment” where you enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest).
• Your lawyer will begin negotiating with the prosecutor, working to get charges reduced or dismissed through a plea bargain.
• If no plea deal is reached, your case could go to trial where a jury decides your guilt.

Bottom line: being arrested for grand larceny is serious business with potentially life-changing consequences. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in your corner from the start is critical.

Conclusion

I hope this breakdown gives you a better understanding of what constitutes grand larceny in Nevada and how severely it’s punished. The penalties get harsher as the value of the stolen property increases.

While the charges seem intimidating, know that an skilled attorney can thoroughly examine your case for any possible defenses. In many instances, we can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce charges significantly or even get them dismissed.

If you or someone you care about is facing grand larceny accusations, please give me a call today. I offer free case evaluations, and I’m here to answer all your questions and discuss your best legal options going forward. Don’t wait – early intervention by an attorney can make all the difference!