When most of us think of “larceny,” we think of petty theft, shoplifting, etc. But did you know that under North Carolina larceny laws, some larceny convictions are felonies? You may not even know you've crossed the line between misdemeanor larceny and felony larceny until it's too late. That's why it's so important to talk with a criminal defense attorney if you are charged with felony larceny or any other crime in Charlotte.
According to North Carolina larceny laws, you can be charged with felony larceny under the following circumstances:
- Theft of property is valued at more than $1,000
- Theft of property from another person, no matter the value of that property
- Theft of property in connection to a burglary offense
- Theft of any explosive or incendiary device or substance, no matter the value, but not including fireworks, gasoline, butane gas, natural gas, or any explosive or incendiary properties that serve legitimate non-destructive and non-legal uses
- Theft of any firearm, no matter the value
- Theft of any record or paper in the custody of the North Carolina State Archives
- Theft of property of any value when you have at least four prior theft convictions
- Receiving or possessing any of the stolen goods outlined above while knowing or having reasonable grounds to believe the goods were stolen.
Felony Larceny Convictions in North Carolina Mean Harsh Consequences
Felony larceny is almost always charged as a Class H felony. If convicted, you can be sentenced to jail time for as little as 4 months or for over 2 years. The length of your sentence depends on the details of your case.
With such a difference between the maximum and minimum terms, your criminal history, mitigating factors, and more determine the recommended punishment. In addition to what could be a devastating sentence, you also face possible collateral consequences for the rest of your life.
A felony conviction can impact your ability to get a job, get an education, or buy a house. You could be ineligible for certain professional licenses or prohibited from joining certain organizations. A felony larceny conviction could lead prospective employers to question your ethics, blocking your chances for advancement.
How Your Criminal Defense Attorney Defends Felony Larceny Charges
Because of the complexity of criminal law in Charlotte and across the state and the high level of monetary value involved, defending these charges can be a challenge. But that complexity also creates gray areas that an experienced criminal lawyer can use to your advantage.
Here are some of the defenses that have minimized or even dropped felony larceny charges in the past:
- The defendant claims they did not commit the crime and have been mistaken for someone else.
- The defendant claims they mistakenly took the property thinking it was their own.
- There is a lack of evidence such as no security cameras, witnesses, or other supporting evidence from the prosecution.
Now that you can see being charged with felony larceny in North Carolina may be more serious than you thought, don't risk going it alone. If you or someone you know has been charged with drug possession, let the Law Offices of Jason H. Reece guide you to the best possible outcome. Contact us today, and put a Charlotte criminal defense attorney in your corner.
