Las Vegas Petit Larceny Attorney
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Experienced Petit Larceny Lawyer In Las Vegas, NV
Larceny is a ubiquitous crime in the city of Las Vegas, with waves of vacationers and bustling shopping hubs. Nevada law enforcement takes a zero-tolerance policy on this offense, potentially leading to hefty fines or imprisonment for those convicted of such an act. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware that larceny carries serious consequences if one chooses to partake.
Though some may downplay a theft conviction as just a misdemeanor, it should be taken seriously. After all, this sort of offense is classified as one which breaches trust and can have severe consequences on your future. If an employer were to discover such charges during their background check process, you could potentially find yourself disqualified from the job in short order. No matter how minor or major the crime is perceived by others; any type of theft charge carries far-reaching implications for your life ahead.
In this situation, it is essential to locate the proper Las Vegas petit larceny lawyer to represent you. Your criminal defense attorney will have the capability of making pleading on your behalf and vouching for your rights as you go through legal proceedings. With a skilled professional advocating for their client’s interests, individuals can rest assured that their best interests are being protected in court. Contact our office today for a consultation and learn more about how we can help.
Petit Larceny Laws in Nevada
Chapter 205 of the Nevada Revised Code contains precise legal terminology on larceny charges. As remarked in NRS §205.240, an individual is found guilty of petit larceny if they intentionally steals, takes and carries away, leads away, or drives away:
- Personal goods or property, with a value of less than $650, owned by another person
- Bedding, furniture, or other property, with a value of less than $650, which the person, as a lodger, is to use in or with his or her lodging and which is owned by another person; or
- Real property, with a value of less than $650, that the person has converted into personal property by severing it from real property owned by another person
- Intentionally steals, takes and carries away, leads away, drives away, or entices away one or more domesticated animals or domesticated birds, with an aggregate value of less than $650, owned by another person.
Examples of Petit Larceny
Petit larceny is an offense that can be charged for a variety of actions, including:
- Stealing someone’s personal property, but not off their person or with the use of force
- Shoplifting
- Stealing items such as towels or robes from a hotel room, resort, or lodging
- Stripping items from someone’s home or building and carrying them away
- Theft of pets or domesticated animals
Petit Larceny Penalties in Las Vegas
It is a misconception that misdemeanor cases are not taken seriously or will result in insignificant punishments. Even shoplifting or petty theft offenses can lead to up to half a year of county jail time and/or an eye-watering fine of $1,000 – so don’t be fooled into believing these crimes aren’t held accountable!
If an offender is convicted of petit larceny, this offense will be reflected on their criminal record. Unfortunately, any type of theft-related conviction—even for the smallest of thefts—can have a significant impact when potential employers conduct a background check. Unchecked petty theft may even result in more serious charges if certain items with values less than $650 are taken; such examples include:
- Theft of a device intended for use in preventing, controlling, extinguishing, or giving warning of a fire with a value of less than $650 is a gross misdemeanor;
- Intentionally stealing, taking, and carrying away scrap metal or utility property with a value of less than $650 is still a misdemeanor, but is also punishable by 100 hours of community service for the first offense, 200 hours of community service for the second offense, and up to 300 hours of community service for the third or subsequent offense;
- Intentionally stealing, taking, and carrying away one or more traps, snares or similar devices owned by another person with an aggregate value of less than $650 is a gross misdemeanor;
- Intentionally stealing, taking and carrying away, driving away, or otherwise removing a motor vehicle owned by another person with a value less than $3,500 is a category C felony; and
- Intentionally stealing, taking, and carrying away a firearm owned by another person is a Category B felony.
Shoplifting Charges In Clark County
In Las Vegas, there are two distinct routes to be accused of petit larceny under Nevada Revised Statute § 200.240; one is if the offender deliberately steals, takes away, or drives off:
- Personal goods or property, with a value of less than $650, owned by another person;
- Bedding, furniture, or other property, with a value of less than $650, which the person, as a lodger, is to use in or with his or her lodging and which is owned by another person; or
- Real property, with a value of less than $650, that the person has converted into personal property by severing it from real property owned by another person.
If someone deliberately steals, takes away, or lures one or more domesticated animals/birds owned by another person with an overall value below $650, they can be prosecuted for this offense. All of these acts are misdemeanors and are subject to criminal penalties. If you’re facing shoplifting charges in Nevada, contact our Las Vegas petit larceny lawyer right away.
Understanding The Statutory Language
“NRS 205.240 states that:
- Except as otherwise provided in NRS 205.220, 205.226, 205.228, 475.105 and 501.3765, a person commits petit larceny if the person:
(a) Intentionally steals, takes and carries away, leads away or drives away:
(1) Personal goods or property, with a value of less than $1,200, owned by another person;
(2) Bedding, furniture or other property, with a value of less than $1,200, which the person, as a lodger, is to use in or with his or her lodging and which is owned by another person; or
(3) Real property, with a value of less than $1,200, that the person has converted into personal property by severing it from real property owned by another person.
(b) Intentionally steals, takes and carries away, leads away, drives away or entices away one or more domesticated animals or domesticated birds, with an aggregate value of less than $1,200, owned by another person.
- Unless a greater penalty is provided pursuant to NRS 205.267, a person who commits petit larceny is guilty of a misdemeanor. In addition to any other penalty, the court shall order the person to pay restitution.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Defenses To Petit Larceny Charges In Nevada?
The City Attorney and the District Attorney’s office both have the authority to prosecute someone with misdemeanor Petit Larceny. However, just because charges are filed does not guarantee that a conviction will be handed down. Defensive strategies for Petit Larceny vary greatly depending on each unique situation. With an effective defense strategy in place, you can potentially see your case dismissed or reduced – or even barred from prosecution if brought to trial!
When trying to establish a petit larceny charge, it is crucial that the prosecutor can demonstrate intent. If they cannot prove beyond reasonable doubt that an individual deliberately obtained stolen goods, then this charge will be disproved. Additionally, if someone was not aware of the theft and innocently received property as a gift or reward then petit larceny should not stand. As such, in order for the prosecution to succeed with this allegation intentional taking must be proven.
When defending a client in court, your Las Vegas petit larceny attorney may contest that their property was taken by mistake or accident. Perhaps the individual absentmindedly took something from a store without realizing it. In Nevada, individuals have the legal right to take what belongs to them; one cannot be held responsible for theft if they are the rightful owner of said item. Should prosecutors fail to demonstrate beyond reasonable doubt that someone is not entitled to certain items being disputed, then petit larceny charges must inevitably be dropped.
Can Petit Larceny Charges Be Sealed From My Record?
If a defendant has been convicted of petty larceny, they may request to have the charge sealed from their criminal record after one year. However, if the case is dismissed and no conviction is issued, immediate action can be taken to seal these records. It’s highly recommended for individuals with any type of theft crime on their record to pursue a record seal as it can present difficulty in securing employment or carries an unfavorable social stigma.
Is Petit Larceny A Felony In Nevada?
In the state of Nevada, petit larceny laws generally categorize petty theft as a misdemeanor offense. However, if stolen property surpasses an aggregate value of $1,200 or more then grand larceny is applicable, and will be charged with a category D felony at a minimum depending on its worth. Additionally, certain types of goods are subject to higher fines and stricter punishments no matter their valuation when stolen including:
- Fire extinguishing equipment or smoke/fire detectors (Gross misdemeanor)
- Traps or snares (Gross misdemeanor)
- Motor vehicles (Category C felony)
- Firearms (Category B)
Can I Get Deported For Petit Larceny Charges In Nevada?
Despite being a deportable offense, an individual with only one conviction of petty larceny is likely safe from deportation. Petty larceny falls under the “petty offense” exception due to its maximum possible jail time of six months or less. Nevertheless, as immigration law changes quickly and can be convoluted, anyone charged with petty larceny should seek advice from a Las Vegas petit larceny lawyer without delay in order to attempt to get their charge dismissed.
How Does the Law Define Property?
Property law encompasses a wide range of offenses that can occur with both movable and immovable assets. Examples of such possessions that could be unlawfully taken are, but are not limited to:
- Real property, or immovable items, including land and things attached to that land;
- Tangible or moveable property, including:
- cars;
- computers;
- jewelry;
- cash;
- other items;
- Documents, including certificates, bonds, tiles, etc.;
- Information that may include an individual’s identifying data, a company’s trade secrets, etc
- Personal services, including service of food at a restaurant, also commonly known as dine and dash.
Contact Our Las Vegas Petit Larceny Lawyer Today
If you are facing a petty theft or shoplifting investigation in Nevada, do not hesitate to reach out to the Spartacus Law Firm for your legal defense needs. Our Las Vegas petit larceny lawyer has an extensive understanding of evidentiary rules – all of which can be used to build a formidable case against these claims. With his help, you have a greater chance of achieving success in court. Contact our office today for a consultation and learn more about how we can help defend you against these charges.