Arrested or Charged with Grand Larceny (NRS 205.220) in Nevada? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’ve been arrested for grand larceny in Nevada, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed, scared, and uncertain about your future. Grand larceny is a serious theft crime that carries hefty penalties, including substantial fines and lengthy prison sentences. But facing charges doesn’t mean you’re automatically guilty – you have legal rights and defenses in a larceny case.

As experienced Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys, we’ve helped countless clients navigate Nevada’s theft laws and achieve the best possible outcomes in their grand larceny cases. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about grand larceny charges in Nevada and how a skilled lawyer can fight for your freedom.

What is Grand Larceny Under Nevada Law?

In Nevada, larceny (also known as theft) is divided into two main categories: petit larceny and grand larceny. The main difference is the value of the property stolen. Under NRS 205.220, a person commits grand larceny if they intentionally steal, take, or carry away:

• Personal goods or property valued at $1,200 or more
• A firearm or firearm component, regardless of value
• A motor vehicle, regardless of value

Grand larceny also includes incidents where someone severs and converts personal property from real property (like ripping copper wiring out of the walls of a home that belongs to someone else). Any theft that doesn’t meet the grand larceny threshold is considered petit larceny, a misdemeanor.

Some common examples of grand larceny include:

• Shoplifting high-value merchandise from a store
• Stealing cash or valuable items from someone’s home or person
• Failing to return a rental car or other borrowed property
• Embezzling large sums of money from an employer
• Swiping someone’s firearm or valuable jewelry

It’s important to note that you don’t have to successfully steal the property to face charges – the mere attempt or intent is enough. And if you’re found possessing stolen property you know is hot, you could be charged with grand larceny as well.

Penalties for a Grand Larceny Conviction

Nevada doesn’t take kindly to theft crimes, especially when valuable property is involved. The punishment for grand larceny depends primarily on what was stolen:

• Theft of goods valued at $1,200 – $5,000: category D felony, punishable by 1-4 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines
• Theft of goods valued at $5,000 – $25,000: category C felony, punishable by 1-5 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines
• Theft of goods valued at $25,000 – $100,000: category B felony, punishable by 1-10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines
• Theft of goods valued over $100,000: category B felony, punishable by 1-20 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines
• Theft of any firearm or firearm component: category B felony, punishable by 1-10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines
• Theft of any motor vehicle: category C felony, punishable by 1-5 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines

Beyond prison time and hefty fines, a grand larceny conviction carries other life-changing consequences. You could lose your job, professional licenses, and housing. You’ll be saddled with a felony record that makes it harder to find work or get approved for loans. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, you could face deportation. The stigma alone is a heavy burden to bear.

That’s why if you’re facing grand larceny charges in Nevada, you need an aggressive criminal defense attorney on your side from day one. A conviction isn’t a foregone conclusion – there are many ways a lawyer can fight the charges and work toward a dismissal or reduction.

Defenses to Grand Larceny Charges

Just because you’ve been arrested for grand larceny doesn’t mean the prosecution can prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Some common defenses to grand theft allegations include:

• Lack of intent (you didn’t mean to steal or thought the property was yours)
• Misidentification or false accusations (you didn’t actually take the property)
• Incorrect valuation (the goods were worth less than the grand larceny threshold)
• Entrapment or duress (you were coerced into the theft by law enforcement or threats)
• Intoxication or diminished capacity (you couldn’t form the intent to steal)

An experienced Las Vegas theft crimes lawyer will scrutinize every shred of the evidence against you and develop the strongest possible defense strategy for your unique case. From challenging illegal searches to negotiating plea deals to advocating for alternative sentencing, your attorney should explore every available avenue to protect your freedom and future.

You Have Rights – Exercise Them

If you’re arrested or charged with grand larceny in Nevada, remember, you have constitutional rights. These include:

• The right to remain silent (you don’t have to answer police questions or give a statement)
• The right to an attorney (you can request a lawyer be present during any questioning)
• The right to a speedy trial (the state must bring you to trial within a reasonable time or dismiss the case)
• The right to confront witnesses and evidence against you (your lawyer can cross-examine accusers)

Don’t try to talk your way out of the situation or explain yourself to law enforcement – you could unintentionally say something that’s later twisted and used against you. Instead, politely assert your rights and insist on speaking to a defense attorney before answering any questions about your case.

Acting quickly is key, as any delays could cause valuable evidence to disappear or be destroyed. Your lawyer needs time to collect surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and build your defense against theft charges. The sooner you get a skilled legal team in your corner, the better your chances of beating grand larceny charges in Nevada.

We’re Ready to Fight for You

At Benjamin Durham Law Firm, we understand how frightening it is to face grand larceny charges. You’re worried about your freedom, your reputation, and your family. But know this: you don’t have to go through this alone. Our battle-tested Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys have spent decades successfully defending clients against even the most serious theft allegations.

We’ll be there for you at every step, from arrest to trial to appeals, working tirelessly to get you the second chance you deserve. We offer free and confidential case evaluations, so you have nothing to lose by reaching out and learning your options. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact our caring legal team today and let us start building your defense.