What Is Grand Larceny?
Larceny is one of several types of offenses classified under the broader category of theft crime in Nevada. Others include shoplifting, burglary, robbery, fraud, and embezzlement. Larceny itself is broken down into two classifications: petit larceny and grand larceny, which differ based on the value of the stolen property.
Facing a theft crime charge in Nevada is a serious matter. While the penalties for different types of theft crimes vary based on the circumstances of the theft, the type of property stolen, and the value of that property, most theft crimes carry penalties of fines, imprisonment, payment of restitution, and more.
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Grand Larceny in Nevada
Nevada law defines grand larceny as a type of theft in which a person steals someone else’s property that has a value of $1,200 or more. The law specifies a number of different ways in which a person can commit grand larceny:
- Intentionally stealing personal goods or property
- Intentionally stealing bedding, furniture, or other property from a place of lodging
- Intentionally stealing property by severing it from someone else’s property
- Using someone else’s card to withdraw or transfer money to which one isn’t entitled
- Intentionally stealing livestock, domesticated animals, or domesticated birds by carrying, leading, driving, or enticing them away from their owner
- Altering markings or brandings on someone else’s livestock
- Selling or buying the hide or carcass of livestock with altered marking or branding
- Killing someone else’s at-large livestock, regardless of whether it’s marked or branded
- Killing someone else’s at-large domesticated animal or bird, regardless of whether it’s marked or branded
In all cases, the aggregate value of the stolen property must be $1,200 or more for the offense to be considered grand larceny.
Nevada also has separate grand larceny statutes about the theft of firearms and motor vehicles.
What Are the Penalties for Grand Larceny?
A grand larceny charge carries severe penalties, which increase as the value of the stolen property rises:
- Theft of property valued at less than $5,000 is a category D felony punishable by one to four years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
- Theft of property valued at between $5,000 and $25,000 is a category C felony punishable by one to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Theft of property valued at between $25,000 and $100,000 is a category B felony punishable by one to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Theft of property valued at $100,000 or more is a category B felony punishable by one to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
- Theft of a firearm is a category B felony punishable by one to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Theft of a motor vehicle, if a first offense, is a category C felony punishable by one to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Additional offenses within five years of the first offense are category B felonies punishable by one to six years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Some grand larceny convictions may result in a more severe penalty, depending on the circumstances and whether the theft violated any other specific statutes. The court will generally also require an individual convicted of grand larceny in Nevada to pay restitution to the victim of the theft.
Additionally, if the grand larceny involved the sale of stolen domesticated animals, livestock, hides, or carcasses, the court will seize any proceeds resulting from the sale.
What’s the Difference Between Larceny and Grand Larceny?
Larceny, referred to as petit larceny in the relevant Nevada statutes, differs from grand larceny primarily in the value of the stolen property. Petit larceny is a type of theft in which a person steals property with a value of less than $1,200. This includes personal goods or property, bedding and furniture, and domesticated animals or birds.
Petit larceny is a misdemeanor, punishable by requiring the offender to pay restitution to the victim. In some cases, the court may levy additional penalties.
Is Grand Larceny the Same as Grand Theft Auto?
Grand larceny and grand theft auto do not have identical meanings — grand larceny involves the theft of various types of property, whereas grand theft auto exclusively concerns the theft of motor vehicles. Nevada law does not use the term grand theft auto. However, the law specifically refers to grand larceny of a motor vehicle and outlines the penalties for this offense.
What Defense Strategies Might Work in Grand Larceny Cases?
Some of the typical defense strategies for grand larceny cases involve demonstrating that:
- You were the rightful owner of the property
- You did not intend to steal the property
- The property has a value of less than $1,200
- Law enforcement conducted an illegal search and seizure
- Law enforcement made procedural errors during your arrest
Retain a Las Vegas criminal defense attorney to represent you in a grand larceny case and they will review the facts and identify the defense strategy that’s most likely to succeed in getting the charge reduced or dismissed.
Contact a Las Vegas Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Grand larceny and other theft crimes are serious charges under Nevada law, and you need the representation of a skilled and knowledgeable attorney to fight them. Over the years, the criminal defense attorneys in Las Vegas, NV, at De Castroverde Law Group Criminal & Immigration have fought zealously to safeguard the rights of countless individuals facing grand larceny and other theft charges, and we’re prepared to put our decades of combined experience to work for you. Contact us today to discuss your legal options in a free consultation.