Grand Larceny in Connecticut: Everything You Should Know

Under Connecticut law, Grand Larceny, or Larceny in the First Degree, is outlined in General Statutes § 53a-122. This offense occurs when an individual unlawfully appropriates property or a motor vehicle with a value exceeding $20,000. It’s crucial to note that if the stolen property’s value falls below the $20,000 threshold, the charge may be reduced to a lesser degree of larceny. This distinction is significant in understanding the severity of the charges one might face and the potential legal consequences that follow.

Are you or a loved one facing a criminal charge for larceny in Connecticut? Larceny laws are wordy and complex, and they cover a wide range of theft crimes. In many cases, defendants didn’t know that their actions violated these laws. 

In this guide, our team discusses everything you need to know about grand larceny, including the different variations of this offense and the available defenses.

What Is Grand Larceny in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, Grand Larceny—also known as Larceny in the First Degree—is a serious offense that carries substantial legal repercussions. Defined under General Statutes § 53a-122, this crime is committed when an individual illicitly takes possession of another person’s property or motor vehicle, and its value is estimated at $20,000 or more. The specific value of the stolen property is a key determinant in the degree of larceny charged. Should the value of the appropriated property be less than $20,000, the law considers this as a lower degree of larceny, which could result in less severe penalties. Understanding these distinctions is crucial as it helps provide a clearer perspective on the potential charges one might face and the subsequent legal consequences.

For example, if a person receives a product or service under false pretenses, they commit larceny. Similarly, if you find lost property and keep it without trying to find the owner, you may commit larceny.

Types of Grand Larceny

Under Connecticut law, there are various degrees of larceny, and these classifications depend on the value of the property. The degree of larceny also determines the penalty a defendant can expect upon receiving a guilty verdict.

• • First-degree larceny: The most severe degree of larceny involves the theft of property worth $10,000 or more, and it is a class B felony. The penalties for this offense include a fine of up to $15,000 or a prison sentence of up to 20 years.

• • Second-degree larceny: When someone steals property with a value ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, they commit second-degree larceny. The penalties for this class C felony include a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to 10 years.

• • Third-degree larceny: Stealing an item worth $1,000 or more is a class D felony. This offense’s penalties include a fine of up to $5,000 or a prison sentence of one to five years.

• • Fourth-degree larceny: The theft of property valued at $500 is a class A misdemeanor. Offenders may face a fine of up to $2,000 or a prison sentence of up to one year.

• • Fifth-degree larceny: When stealing property worth $250 or more, you commit a class B misdemeanor that is punishable by a prison sentence of up to six months or a fine of up to $1,000.

• • Sixth-degree larceny: The theft of property with a value lower than $250 is a class C misdemeanor. The penalties for this offense include a $500 fine or a three-month prison sentence.

What Is the Difference Between Grand Larceny and Petty Larceny?

What is grand theft, and how does it differ from petty larceny? Generally, “grand larceny” refers to the variations of this offense that are felonies. In other words, the theft of property valued at $1,000 or higher is grand theft.

Petty larceny is less severe than grand larceny. In Connecticut, petty larceny is when someone steals property worth less than $1,000.

Defenses Against a Grand Larceny Charge

Various defenses are available to those facing larceny charges.

Intent is an element of larceny, which means that the offender purposefully stole the property to take permanent possession. As a result, lack of intent is one of the most common defenses against larceny.

For example, suppose you take your co-worker’s leather briefcase because you want to polish it as a special favor, and you intend to give the briefcase back. In this case, if your co-worker lays a criminal larceny charge against you, you can use lack of intent as a defense.

Consent can also be a defense against a larceny charge. For example, suppose you and your neighbor have a standing agreement that you can use their lawnmower once per week. In exchange, your neighbor can use your leaf blower.

In this case, taking the lawnmower out of your neighbor’s yard while they are not home is not larceny, as you took the lawnmower with your neighbor’s consent.

Need Bail Bonds in Connecticut?

We at Connecticut Bail Bonds Group can help if you need bail for larceny. With our bail bond services, we can get your loved one out of jail so they can meet with their legal team and start working on their defense.

Our bail bondsmen are available 24/7, including public holidays and weekdays, and you don’t need to wait for office hours. Please schedule a consultation with us today.