In Oklahoma, the law defines many different types of larceny. A larceny conviction can mean anything from a few days in a county jail to up to ten years in a state penitentiary along with thousands of dollars in fines. A theft or larceny charge is not something that should be taken lightly. Any mistakes in preparing your defense against such a charge could mean losing your freedom for a significant period of time.
As the top Oklahoma City criminal defense attorneys, The Oklahoma Criminal Defense Group has helped many defendants fight and win against larceny charges in Oklahoma’s courts. The type of knowledge and experience she possesses is absolutely crucial for mounting a successful defense against these charges. With so many individual crimes defined as a form of larceny by Oklahoma laws, you need to know that you’re working with a lawyer who understands what the definitions mean and how they can affect the charges you may be facing.
The Definition of Larceny Under Oklahoma State Law
At the most basic level, larceny is simply another word for theft. Oklahoma law, however, defines two separate degrees of larceny as well as several different forms of larceny that carry varying consequences for a conviction.
State statutes define larceny as the taking of personal property by stealth or fraud with the intent of depriving another person of that property.
The two degrees of larceny under Oklahoma law are grand larceny and petit larceny. A crime is considered grand larceny either when something with a value of more than $1,000 has been stolen or when something, regardless of value, has been stolen from someone’s person. Any other type of theft is considered petit larceny.
Punishment for Petit Larceny in Oklahoma
The possible punishment for petit larceny is fairly straightforward and not difficult to understand. If you are convicted of petit larceny—which would be theft of property valued at less than $1,000 that was not taken from the person of another—you could face the following:
- Fine of not less than $10 and not more than $500
- Up to six months imprisonment in county jail facilities
- Punishment by one or both options is at the discretion of the court
Punishment for Grand Larceny in Oklahoma
The possible punishment for grand larceny in Oklahoma is not so straightforward. Grand larceny is a felony offense and there are many specific circumstances that are recognized under the law, each with its own set of possible penalties. Following are some of the most common larceny charges and penalties.
- If the value of the property stolen is less than $1,000, a convicted defendant can be imprisoned in the county jail for up to one year or ordered to spend one or more nights or weekends in county jail or by a fine of up to $1,000, or both, at the discretion of the court.
- If the stolen property is one or more firearms, the value of the property is between $1,000 and $2,500, or the property was taken from the person of another, the defendant may be punished by up to two years in the custody of the Department of Corrections or up to one year imprisonment in the county jail, by a fine of up to $1,000, or both, at the discretion of the court.
- If the stolen property is valued between $2,500 and $15,000, someone convicted can serve time in a state prison for up to 5 years or be imprisoned in county jail for up to one year, be fined up to $1,000, or both, at the court’s discretion.
- If the stolen property is valued at more than $15,000 a convicted person can serve up to eight years in state prison and/or be fined up to $1,000.
- If it is found that larceny was committed within a dwelling house or vessel, the perpetrator of the crime can be punished by up to eight years in state prison.
- If it is found that property was stolen from the person of another during the night time, the person who committed the crime can be sentenced to up to ten years in state prison.
In all cases, the defendant will also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim of the theft.
Are You Facing Larceny Charges in Oklahoma?
The key to mounting a successful defense against larceny charges is working with a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorney who is familiar with Oklahoma’s laws and court processes. The more time your attorney has to go over the details of your case and plan your defense, the more likely you are to leave court with positive results. Consulting with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible is critical.
If you’d like to talk about your case, contact us for a free consultation and we’ll be happy to go over all the details and discuss what we can do to help you.