What’s the difference between petit and grand larceny in Nevada?
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What’s the Difference Between Petit and Grand Larceny in Nevada?
At Spodek Law Group, we understand how stressful it can be to face criminal charges like petit or grand larceny in Nevada. You may be wondering – what’s the difference between these two offenses? How serious are the penalties? Will I go to jail?Our experienced criminal defense attorneys are here to help. We’ve defended countless clients against larceny charges and know the ins-and-outs of Nevada law. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about petit vs grand larceny, including definitions, examples, punishments, and potential defenses.By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of your situation and options. Remember, you don’t have to face this alone. If you‘ve been charged with any type of larceny in Nevada, contact our law firm right away for a free and confidential consultation. Call us 24/7 at 212-300-5196 to get started.
Defining Petit Larceny and Grand Larceny
First, let‘s define what petit and grand larceny actually mean under Nevada law:
- Petit larceny (NRS 205.240) is stealing property valued at less than $1,200. It’s a misdemeanor offense.
- Grand larceny (NRS 205.220) is stealing property valued at $1,200 or more. It’s a felony offense with harsher penalties.
The main difference is the dollar value of the allegedly stolen goods. But both charges require the same basic elements:
- Intentionally stealing, taking, carrying away, leading away or driving away
- The property of another person
- Without the owner’s consent
Some common examples of larceny include:
- Shoplifting from a store
- Stealing a hotel’s furniture or bedding
- Taking someone’s money from an ATM without permission
- Stealing farm animals or pets
However, the specific facts of each case are unique. Just because you’re accused of larceny doesn‘t mean you’ll be convicted. Defenses may be available to get your charges reduced or dismissed entirely.
Penalties for Petit Larceny
If you‘re convicted of petit larceny in Nevada, the maximum punishment is:
- Up to 6 months in jail, and/or
- Up to a $1,000 fine
- Restitution to the victim
For first-time offenders, jail is rare. The judge may grant probation instead, requiring you to complete classes, community service, and pay restitution. In some cases, petit larceny charges can even be dismissed if you pay a fine, return the property, and stay out of trouble.But while petit larceny is “just” a misdemeanor, it can still have serious consequences. The conviction will go on your criminal record, which can impact your ability to get a job, housing, professional licenses and more. That’s why it‘s crucial to consult with a skilled larceny defense lawyer as soon as possible to explore your options.
Penalties for Grand Larceny
The punishments for grand larceny are much more severe since it’s a felony offense. The specific penalties depend on the value of the stolen property:
| Value of Property | Category | Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| $1,200 – $4,999 | D felony | 1-4 years prison |
| $5,000 – $24,999 | C felony | 1-5 years prison |
| $25,000 – $99,999 | B felony | 1-10 years prison |
| $100,000 or more | B felony | 1-20 years prison |
As you can see, grand larceny convictions come with substantial prison sentences, especially as the dollar value increases. You may also have to pay hefty fines up to $10,000 or more, plus full restitution to the victim.In addition to incarceration, a grand larceny conviction has other life-changing ramifications. You could lose your right to own a firearm, vote, or hold public office. Immigration consequences like deportation may arise for non-citizens. And the stigma of a felony on your record can haunt you for years.But remember, an arrest is not a conviction. No matter how bleak your situation may seem, there are always defense strategies we can explore. Perhaps the value of the property was less than $1,200, so the charge should be petit larceny. Maybe you had consent to borrow the item or it actually belonged to you. The bottom line is, don’t give up hope before consulting with our battle-tested larceny defense attorneys.
Real-Life Examples
To illustrate the differences between petit and grand larceny, let‘s look at a couple hypothetical scenarios:
Example 1: John is shopping at a local department store. On impulse, he slips a $50 watch into his pocket without paying. Store security stops John and calls the police. Since the watch is valued under $1,200, John would likely be charged with petit larceny, a misdemeanor.
Example 2: Jane works as a bookkeeper for a small business. Over the course of a year, she secretly transfers $50,000 from the company account to her own bank account. When the theft is discovered, Jane is arrested and charged with grand larceny, a B felony. If convicted, she could face 1-10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.As you can see, the main factor is the value of the stolen property. But whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony, any larceny charge is a serious matter that requires immediate attention from an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Defending Against Larceny Charges
At Spodek Law Group, we’ve successfully defended countless clients against petit and grand larceny charges in Nevada. Some common defenses we may explore include:
- Lack of intent (i.e. the taking was an accident or misunderstanding)
- Mistaken identity or false accusations
- Lack of evidence proving the value of property
- Unlawful search and seizure by police
- Entrapment or coerced confessions
- Returning the property before charges were filed
- Negotiating a plea to a lesser offense
- Arguing for reduced penalties based on mitigating factors
Every case is different, which is why we take a personalized approach. When you hire our firm, we‘ll thoroughly investigate the facts, explain your options, and craft a tailored defense strategy for your unique needs. We leave no stones unturned in fighting for the best possible outcome.