Theft Charges in Massachusetts
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Being accused of a theft crime is a serious offense in Massachusetts. Regardless if you’re facing robbery, larceny, shoplifting, or any other theft crime charges, it’s important to have a Massachusetts theft defense lawyer by your side. For years, MA theft lawyer John L. Calcagni III has successfully produced favorable outcomes for those accused of theft crimes. If you’ve been charged with a theft crime, contact the law office of John L. Calcagni III today to learn more about what an experienced theft defense attorney can do for you.
Theft Crimes Defense
Massachusetts theft defense lawyer John L. Calcagni, III provides legal services to those charged with:
Without strong representation for a theft crime, you may face severe punishments and penalties, including extensive jail time and costly fines. Learn more about what MA theft defense lawyer John L. Calcagni can do for you. Contact our law office today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding MA Theft Crimes
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers to shed light on Massachusetts theft laws and penalties.
What is considered “property” in a theft crime?
According to Massachusetts law, the term “property” includes money, deeds, contracts, land, things attached to real estate, personal property, domestic animals, promissory notes, bonds, telecommunication services, personal stored data, and more. Stealing property, such as any of the items mentioned above, that exceeds $250 in value can lead to a felony larceny crime in Massachusetts. To learn more about how MA defines property theft, contact our law firm today to speak with a Massachusetts theft defense lawyer.
What are the elements of larceny in Massachusetts?
Larceny is the act of wrongfully taking away another person’s property with the intent to permanently deprive that person of their property. A larceny charge needs proof of specific elements for a defendant to be found guilty. These elements are broken down according to each larceny category under Massachusetts law: Larceny by Stealing and Larceny by False Pretenses.
Elements of Larceny by Stealing
To be found guilty of Larceny by Stealing, the state must provide the following evidence:
- the defendant took and carried away property;
- that the property was owned or possessed by someone other than the defendant; and
- the defendant did so with the intent to permanently deprive that person of the property.
Elements of Larceny by False Pretenses
To be found guilty of Larceny by False Pretenses, the state must provide the following evidence:
- that the defendant made a false statement of fact;
- that the defendant knew or believed that the statement was false when he or she made it;
- that the defendant made the false statement of fact with the intent that the alleged victim rely on it as true; and
- that the alleged victim did rely on the statement as true and as a result of that reliance, subsequently parted with the property in question.
After a Larceny by Stealing or a Larceny by False Pretenses, you must speak with a Massachusetts theft defense attorney as soon as possible. Contact or law office today to speak with a theft lawyer about your case.
What are the penalties for larceny in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 266, Section 30 lays out the punishments and penalties for larceny if convicted.
Section 30. (1) Whoever steals, or with intent to defraud obtains by a false pretense, or whoever unlawfully, and with intent to steal or embezzle, converts, or secretes with intent to convert, the property of another as defined in this section, whether such property is or is not in his possession at the time of such conversion or secreting, shall be guilty of larceny, and shall, if the property stolen is a firearm, as defined in section one hundred and twenty-one of chapter one hundred and forty, or,
- If the value of the property stolen exceeds $1,200, be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than five years, or by a fine of not more than $25,000 and imprisonment in jail for not more than 2 years;
- If the value of the property stolen, other than a firearm as so defined, does not exceed $1,200 shall be punished by imprisonment in jail for not more than 1 year or by a fine of not more than $1,500.
- If the the property of another is a person 60 years of age or older, or of a person with a disability, and the value of the property exceeds $250, be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than ten years or in the house of correction for not more than two and one-half years, or by a fine of not more than $50,000 or by both such fine and imprisonment;
- If the value of the property does not exceed $250, shall be punished by imprisonment in the house of correction for not more than two and one-half years or by a fine of not more than $1,000.
As you can see, the penalties for larceny range widely according to factors such as the value of the stolen property and the characteristics of the victim of the crime. A theft lawyer can explain these penalties and how they apply to your charges. To learn more about the consequences of a larceny crime, contact our law office to speak with a Massachusetts theft defense attorney.
What’s the difference between larceny and robbery?
Larceny and robbery both involve stealing property from another person. However, with robbery, there’s an added element of force or violence. Robbery charges are broken down into two categories: unarmed robbery and armed robbery. Unarmed robbery involves actual force and violence towards the alleged victim’s body or enforced threatening words or gestures towards the alleged victim. There must be evidence that the defendant was armed with a weapon to be charged with armed robbery. To understand more about the various theft crimes, including larceny, robbery, or shoplifting and their differences, contact our law office to speak with Massachusetts theft defense lawyer John L Calcagni III.
Do I need to hire a Massachusetts theft defense lawyer?
If you are arrested and charged with a theft crime, it’s highly recommended to work closely with an experienced Massachusetts theft defense lawyer. A theft attorney can provide guidance and legal support as you work through the criminal justice system. Remember that a theft offense such as larceny, armed robbery, unarmed robbery, or shoplifting are all severe crimes in the state of Massachusetts. A theft crime can lead to harsh punishments and long-term consequences that can affect your life well into your future. A theft defense attorney can examine your case from multiple perspectives and design a defense strategy that’s specific to your circumstances. A MA theft lawyer can also negotiate on your behalf to achieve the best possible results. Your theft defense lawyer will always have your best interest in mind.
Contact Massachusetts Theft Defense Lawyer John L. Calcagni, III
After a theft arrest, it’s important to speak with a theft charges lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you call, the better your outcome will be. John L. Calcagni III is a Massachusetts theft defense attorney that’s provided successful results for a long list of MA residents accused of theft. Contact the law office of John L. Calcagni III today to schedule a consultation.