Larceny is one of the oldest common law crimes. Larceny, essentially, means stealing. It is generally defined in the law as, “the taking and carrying away of the property of another with the intent to permanently deprive of the owner thereof.” Under Rhode Island law, larceny is the same as theft. If you have been charged with larceny, it means that the State of Rhode Island alleges you have stolen something. The value of the property stolen determines whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony.
The Rhode Island General Laws divides larceny into several statutes. Rhode Island General Laws 11-41-1 defines larceny, while Rhode Island General Laws 11-41-5 specifies the potential penalties for larceny. Whatever type of larceny charge you are facing, you do not have to fight the charges alone. Attorney David Ellison is an experienced Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer who has represented many people on larceny charges.
If you have been charged with larceny or theft in Rhode Island, contact a Rhode Island Larceny Attorney who is committed to providing each client with that level of representation and providing the best possible legal defense. Call Attorney David Ellison at (401) 230-5520 about your larceny case today.
WHAT IS CONSIDERED A FELONY LARCENY AND MISDEMEANOR LARCENY?
Whether you are charged with a felony or misdemeanor depends on the dollar amount of the property you are alleged to have stolen. Under R.I.G.L. 11-41-5, larceny under $1,500 is a misdemeanor. If the value of the property involved exceeds $1,500, the larceny can be charged as a felony.
WHAT IS ATTEMPTED LARCENY IN RHODE ISLAND?
Under Rhode Island Law, if you commit an act towards attempting a larceny but fail, you can be charged with attempted larceny. However, even though your larceny may not have been successful, the penalties for attempted larceny will be the same as if you had succeeded.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR LARCENY IN RHODE ISLAND?
Larceny over $5,000 but less than $10,000 is a felony and carrieswith itthe following penalties:
- Up to 6 years in jail; and
- Fine up to $3,000
- Potential Felony criminal conviction
- Potential Probation
Larceny over $1,500 but less than $5,000 is also a felony and subject to the following penalties:
- Up to 3 years in jail; and
- Fine up to $1,500
- Potential Felony criminal conviction
- Potential Probation
Larceny of property or money which does not exceed $1,500 is charged as a misdemeanor and carries with it the following penalties:
- Up to 1 year in jail; and
- Fine up to a $500
- Potential Misdemeanor criminal conviction
- Potential Probation
In addition to jail and monetary penalties, an individual convicted of larceny may be required to pay restitution to the victim for the value of the stolen property. These penalties can be more severe if the victim is over 65 or a minor.
The criminal charge of Larceny can take many different legal forms. Like most areas of the law, every larceny case is different and requires and thorough review of the charges to formulate the best defense strategy. Attorney David Ellison is an experienced criminal defense attorney who has seen and defended all types of larceny charges. If you have been charged with larceny, contact David Ellison today at (401) 230-5520.