Connecticut Larceny/Shoplifting Laws &
Penalties
Under Connecticut Criminal Laws, larceny is
a charge that includes any
kind of theft like shoplifting,
receiving stolen property, or auto
theft. It also includes embezzlement, false
pretenses, and theft by fraud.
If you are accused of a felony larceny or grand
larceny charge, you need to be concerned with the
serious consequences a felony conviction can have,
including possible jail time. For lesser larceny
charges, you still need to consider the impact of a
criminal record, and how you may be able to get your
charges dismissed.
If you are facing a shoplifting, larceny, or
related charge, consult with an experienced
Connecticut criminal defense attorney to find out
what your options are in defending your rights and
minimizing or eliminating the consequences of a
criminal conviction.
What is Larceny?
To commit larceny is to steal items of value. The act of larceny is defined
under Connecticut Penal Law as "intent to deprive
another of property or to ... wrongfully take,
obtain or withhold such property from an owner."
Larceny/Shoplifting Penalties
Larceny penalties are based on the value of the
items involved.
| Degree |
Value of Items |
Penalty |
Classification |
| First Degree Larceny (Grand
Larceny) |
Over $10,000 |
- Up to 20 years in Prison
- Fines up to $15,000
|
Class B Felony |
| Second (2nd) Degree Larceny |
$5001-$10,000 |
- Up to 10 years in Prison
- Fines up to $10,000
|
Class C Felony |
| Third (3rd) Degree Larceny |
$1001-$5000 |
- Up to 5 years in Prison
- Fines up to $5,000
|
Class D Felony |
| Forth (4th) Degree Larceny |
$501-$1000 |
- Up to 1 year in Jail
- Fines up to $2,000
|
Class A Misdemeanor |
| Fifth (5th) Degree Larceny |
$250-$500 |
- Up to 6 months in Jail
- Fines up to $1,000
|
Class B Misdemeanor |
| Sixth (6th) Degree Larceny |
$250 or Less |
- Up to 3 months in Jail
- Fines up to $500
|
Class C Misdemeanor |
How to Beat a CT Shoplifting or Larceny Charge
For a first offense larceny or shoplifting
charge, it is often possible to get the charge
dropped in exchange for restitution and a community
service, which would prevent you from having a
criminal record.
I will also argue for Accelerated Rehabilitation,
which will allow you to be put on probation and have
the charges dropped from your record after 13
months, if you don't commit any additional offenses.
With more serious felony charges, we can dispute
the severity of the case and the value of the items
stole, and argue that they should be reduced to a
point where the penalties are less severe.
References:
CT Penal Law -
Larceny: Sec. 53a-119. Larceny
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