This week’s #fridayfacts discusses the theft of personal property—Larceny.
Under New York Penal Law Article 155, larceny occurs when someone steals property from another. The value (and sometimes the type) of property sets the charge level:
- Petit Larceny (≤ $1,000): Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days in jail). By statute, taking a loaf of bread and a $1,000 TV both fall under the same offense—value drives the charge, not the item’s nature.
- Grand Larceny in the 4th Degree (>$1,000–$3,000): Class E felony (up to 4 years).
- Grand Larceny in the 3rd Degree (>$3,000–$50,000): Class D felony (up to 7 years).
- Grand Larceny in the 2nd Degree (>$50,000–$1,000,000): Class C felony (up to 15 years).
- Grand Larceny in the 1st Degree (>$1,000,000): Class B felony (up to 25 years).
Certain property types elevate the charge to a felony regardless of overall value, including a motor vehicle, credit/debit card, or a firearm (among others).
Larceny doesn’t require force or a particular location. But if force is used to take property, prosecutors may charge Robbery (forcible stealing). If property is stolen inside a dwelling after unlawful entry (or remaining unlawfully) with intent to commit a crime, Burglary may also apply. Different facts can turn a simple larceny into a far more serious felony.
If you’re accused of larceny or related offenses, get experienced counsel to assess value, property type, and facts that affect charge level and potential defenses.