Larceny / Shoplifting / Theft

Being charged with a theft offense isn’t as minor as many people think. Often when we think of the words “theft” and “shoplifting” we picture someone putting something of relatively small value in their pocket without paying.

Even minor criminal shoplifting offenses can severely impact your life and your future. And many theft crimes can be major felonies where you could be facing years in prison if convicted.

Perhaps it was a simple mistake—you forgot to pay something. However, maybe you thought you could get away, just this once, with taking something that wasn’t yours. Whatever happened to you, I am here to help.

You may have done nothing wrong, and been in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people. Or you may have just had a momentary lapse of judgement that lead to something that you now seriously regret.

Everyone makes mistakes. Don’t beat yourself up! But you need legal help to try to fix this problem with the minimum possible damage.

I’ve helped defend my clients against a variety of larceny and shoplifting cases and would like to help you with yours. Contact me immediately for a free consultation.

Massachusetts Larceny Laws

Larceny is defined under Massachusetts law as stealing or obtaining by false pretenses, the property of another. It also applies to cases of embezzlement and attempted conversion of property.

The penalty you face for a larceny charge depends on the value property in question.

If the value is less than $250, you will face up to one year in jail and fines reaching $300.

However, if the value exceeds $250, you will face up to 5 years in prison and $25,000 in fines.

There are circumstances when these potential sentences can be elevated depending on the nature of your specific charges. A consultation with a defense attorney will help make sense of the sentence you may be facing.

Ref: MGL c.266 §30

Massachusetts Shoplifting Laws & Penalties

Shoplifting doesn’t just mean walking out of a store with something stashed in your pocket or purse. You can also face shoplifting charges if you alter a tag to reflect a cheaper price or by replacing it in a container of another value.

Like larceny, the potential sentence you face depends on the value of the goods in question.

If the item is valued at more than $100, you can face up to 2 ½ years in prison and fines.

If the value is less than $100, you will face up to 2 years, but only if this if your third offense. Your first shoplifting charge of less than $100 is a $250 fine.

Ref: MGL c.266 §30A

I will look for every possible chance to get a criminal larceny or shoplifting charge dropped in exchange for restitution or other non-criminal penalties. But when you go to court for a charge like this, it is very possible that it will end in a plea agreement. The terms of that plea depend on the circumstances that led to the charges. It is critical that your attorney fight for the minimum sentence possible.

However, if you are innocent of the charges against you and want to fight them—I will have your back.

When you are up against theft charges an experienced defense attorney can make a difference in your results and your confidence level. Call me today and put your mind at ease. I can offer you some free legal advice and we can discuss different legal strategies.

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