Facing a larceny from the person charge in Massachusetts is a serious matter that can have lasting consequences on your life. This specific type of theft crime is treated differently from other theft offenses and carries severe penalties, including potential jail time. If you or a loved one has been accused of larceny from the person, it’s crucial to understand the nature of the charge and to seek experienced legal representation immediately.
At Riccio Law, Attorney Anthony Riccio specializes in criminal defense and has extensive experience defending clients against larceny charges. He is committed to protecting your rights and providing the aggressive defense you need.
Contact Riccio Law today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266, Section 30, larceny occurs when someone unlawfully takes and carries away the personal property of another with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it.
It’s important to note that larceny is an intent-based crime. If the property was taken with the intention to return it, or under a reasonable belief that it belonged to the defendant, it may not meet the legal definition of larceny.
While both larceny and robbery involve theft, they are distinct crimes under Massachusetts law.
Example: If someone’s purse is stolen from the back of a chair without them noticing, it’s larceny. If the thief uses a weapon or threatens harm to take the purse, it’s robbery.
Robbery is considered a more severe offense and carries harsher penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences for repeat offenders.
The primary difference lies in where the property is taken from:
In larceny from the person, the property is taken from the victim’s body or from within their immediate control, such as a purse they’re holding or a wallet in their pocket.
In Massachusetts, larceny from the person is a felony offense, regardless of the value of the property stolen. Penalties may include:
Unlike other theft crimes, the penalties for larceny from the person do not depend on the value of the property taken.
If the victim is 65 years or older, the penalties become more severe, especially for repeat offenses:
This reflects the state’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations from theft crimes.
Common scenarios of larceny from the person include:
These crimes are often committed without the use of force or the victim’s immediate awareness.
Importance of Experienced Legal Representation
Being charged with larceny from the person is a serious matter that requires immediate legal attention. An experienced defense attorney can:
At Riccio Law, Attorney Anthony Riccio brings extensive experience in criminal defense, specifically in theft-related cases. When you choose Riccio Law, you receive:
Don’t face these charges alone. Contact Riccio Law today for a free consultation and let us help protect your future.
If you are charged with larceny from the person:
Taking these steps can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Larceny from the person is punishable by up to 5 years in state prison or up to 2 years in a county jail, regardless of the property’s value.
Larceny requires intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. If you intended to return it, this may be a valid defense.
Larceny from the person involves theft without force or threats, while robbery includes the use of force, violence, or intimidation during the theft.
Contact an attorney immediately to discuss your situation. Mistakenly taking property may be a defense if there was no intent to steal.
Yes, if the victim is 65 years or older, penalties can be more severe, including mandatory minimum sentences for repeat offenses.
Facing a larceny from the person charge can be overwhelming and frightening. The consequences of a conviction are severe and can include lengthy prison sentences and a permanent criminal record, which can affect employment, housing, and other aspects of your life.
It’s essential to act quickly and secure experienced legal representation to protect your rights and build a strong defense. Attorney Anthony Riccio is dedicated to providing aggressive and effective defense strategies tailored to your case.
Don’t risk your future. Contact Riccio Law today for a free consultation and take the first step towards safeguarding your rights and freedom.