There are multiple types of Larceny Crimes in Nevada, but they all involve stealing something that does not belong to you. Depending on the manner of theft, and the value of the items stolen, larceny can be treated either as low as a misdemeanor for Petit Larceny, or as high as a Category C Felony, for Larceny from the Person.
Petit Larceny
NRS 205.240 criminalizes Petit Larceny in Nevada. Petit Larceny is the least serious form of larceny charges in Nevada. Petit larceny is the crime of intentionally stealing someone else's property when the value of the items is less than $1,200.00. The offense is a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors in Nevada can be punished with up to 6 months in jail, fines of up to $1,000.00, and restitution to the victim.
Can Petit Larceny be Dismissed?
Many prosecutors in Nevada will be willing to negotiate a dismissal of a petit larceny charge, assuming you are not facing more serious additional charges, and assuming you do not have a bad criminal history. Prosecutors will sometimes agree to a negotiated plea deal where the defendant pays a fine, pays restitution, and completes petit larceny school.
What are Some Examples of Petit Larceny?
- Some examples of facts which would constitute petit larceny offenses may include:
- Shoplifting items worth less than $1,200.00 from a store
- Stealing Amazon packages off someone's porch
- Taking home items from your employer to keep for yourself
What is 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."
What are some Defenses to Petit Larceny?
Every case is different, but some defenses to Petit Larceny in Nevada might include:
- Nothing was stolen.
- You took something, but the thing you took is your own property.
- You took something, but you had the legal authority to borrow it.
- There was no criminal intent (i.e. you inadvertently carried something away)
- Mistaken Identity – someone stole something, but it was not you.
Liberators Can Help
If you have been accused of petit larceny, we are here to help. We will fight your case and work to get you the best result possible. In every petit larceny case, our first goal is to get a dismissal. While we cannot guarantee a dismissal, give us a call today and we will meet with you to conduct a free initial review of your case.