Theft, Larceny & Robbery

Criminal prosecutors look at crime solely as what took place at the exact moment the crime allegedly occurred. The state is determined to show exactly what happened in those few minutes or hours and how it happened. A criminal defense attorneys job is to show that much occurs prior to an event that can explain or excuse the defendant’s behavior.

What is Larceny?

In layman’s terms, a larceny is a stealing of another’s property. It is codified in Mass. Gen. Laws c. 266 § 30 and for a conviction, the Commonwealth must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant took possession of another’s property and intended to deprive them of the property permanently. The term “property” might be money, tools, food, animals, or even data from a computer. If the stolen property is worth less than $1,200 the crime would be a misdemeanor and if it is above $1,200, the Commonwealth can charge for felony level larceny.

Larceny By Fraud and White Collar Crimes

Your basic larceny is easy to spot. We have all heard stories of people taking items from convenience stores or automobile thefts. However, as the internet expands and commercial transactions become more complicated, there has been a rise in “white collar” crimes, which includes larceny by fraud.

Larceny by fraud can be found in M.G.L. c. 266 § 34. For a conviction of larceny by fraud or false pretenses, the Commonwealth is required to show four elements. First, there was a false statement of fact. Second, the defendant knew or thought that the statement was false at the time he said it. Third, the defendant must have intended to deceive the other person. Fourt, the victim must have relied on that false statement and gave up the property.

Theft, Larceny & Robbery

At Marcotte Law Firm in Lowell, Massachusetts, we approach our theft defense practice with a combination of common sense and proven skill. Each of our attorneys is experienced and dedicated to providing clients with effective and efficient representation in order to reduce or eliminate the negative consequences of your charges.

Merrimack Valley Robbery Lawyers

Robbery offenses are very serious in Massachusetts and can result in lengthy sentences. Whether you have been charged with armed robbery or robbery, we will use our attorneys’ more than 150 years of combined legal experience to fight for your rights. We have represented clients in many theft-related charges, including:

• Robbery and armed robbery
• Larceny
• Embezzlement
• Burglary
• Shoplifting
• Receiving stolen property

No matter what criminal charge you are facing, our theft defense lawyers will protect you in court against the prosecution.

Sound and Rational Advocacy to Minimize the Consequences of Your Charges

At Marcotte Law Firm, our Massachusetts and New Hampshire criminal defense attorneys use our proven trial techniques and negotiating skills to help obtain the best results possible in your theft case. We work to keep you out of jail and avoid other penalties, such as fines, community service and restitution.

Call us today for a free consultation at 978-458-1229.