Larceny Defense Attorney in Quincy, Massachusetts

According to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, in 2019, there were about 81,317 reported incidents of property crimes in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, comprising 62,844 larceny-theft cases. In Massachusetts, the crime of theft is referred to as "larceny." Theft crimes include offenses such as larceny by stealing from a business, larceny by stealing from another person, larceny of rented property, and larceny by embezzlement.

If you have been arrested and charged with larceny or theft crimes, it is crucial that you hire an experienced Massachusetts criminal defense attorney immediately to outline a strong defense for your case. McBride Law is a firm committed to providing reliable and skilled legal services to individuals facing larceny charges. Attorney Devin McBride will fight aggressively on your side to protect your rights and fight the charges against you in pursuit of a favorable outcome.

McBride Law is also proud to serve clients throughout Quincy, Massachusetts, and the surrounding communities of Weymouth, Hingham, Norwell, and Boston.

Understanding Massachusetts Theft Law

Theft can be described as the act of stealing or taking another person's property unlawfully, without the owner's consent, and without any intention of returning it. According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266 Section 30, whoever steals, unlawfully converts, or hides away with intent to convert another person's property shall be found guilty of larceny. Examples of larceny include purse snatching, pickpocketing, shoplifting, and theft.

Types of Theft (Based on Value)

Generally, theft in Massachusetts is separated into two distinct categories - petty theft and grand theft.

Petty Theft

Petty theft is considered the lowest level theft offense in Massachusetts. If the value of the property stolen is at $250 or less, it is considered petty theft or petty larceny.

Grand Theft

Grand theft or grand larceny is defined as any act of theft when the value of the property stolen is more than $250.

Possible Penalties for Theft

In Massachusetts, the punishment for theft charges usually depends on a number of different factors. These factors include:

• The dollar value of the stolen property

• The type of property stolen

• The type of victim whom the property was stolen from.

If convicted, possible penalties include:

Larceny Based on Dollar Value of Property Stolen

• Property Value at $250 or Less: Punishable by a fine of no more than $300 or up to 1 year in jail.

• Property Value between $250 and $1,200: Punishable by a fine of no more than $1,500 or up to 1 year in jail.

• Property Value more than $1,200: Punishable by a fine of no more than $25,000 or up to 5 years in state prison.

Larceny Based on Type of Property Stolen

• Firearm: Punishable by up to 5 years in state prison, or up to 2 years in jail and a fine of no more than $25,000.

• Motor Vehicle or Trailer: Punishable by up to 15 years in state prison, or up to two-and-half years in jail or a house of correction and a fine of no more than $15,000.

• Merchandise from a Store (Shoplifting item less than $100): Punishable by a fine of up to $250.

• Merchandise from a Store (Shoplifting item more than $100): Punishable by up to two-and-half years in jail, a fine of no more than $1,000, or both.

Larceny Based on Type of Victim

• Directly From Another Person: Punishable by up to five years in state prison or up to two-and-half years in jail.

• Victims Aged 65 Years or Older: Punishable by up to five years in state prison or up to two-and-half years in jail. A minimum sentence of two years imprisonment for a second offense.

Possible Defenses for Larceny

If you're facing larceny allegations, your attorney may attempt to defend your charges using any one of the following defenses:

• The owner consented

• Lack of intent

• Mere presence

• Mistaken identity

Hire a Skilled Theft Defense
Attorney in Quincy, Massachusetts

Defending your Massachusetts theft charges on your own could increase your risk of suffering the maximum penalties. If convicted, you could be facing severe consequences, including substantial fines, lengthy prison sentences, and other social ramifications. Therefore, when facing any number of larceny charges, it is paramount that you have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side to provide a strong defense strategy that fits your unique situation.

Attorney Devin McBride has devoted his career to providing comprehensive representation on a wide range of larceny cases. As an experienced and knowledgeable Massachusetts criminal defense attorney, he will review every detail of your case, conduct a thorough investigation, and an aggressive defense strategy aimed at helping you pursue the best possible outcome for your case. If you or someone you know is facing larceny charges, contact McBride Law today for reliable legal counsel and representation.