Jacksonville Larceny Attorney

Defense for Theft & Shoplifting Charges in North Carolina

Walmart, Belk, Sears, and almost every other merchant in Onslow County have installed sophisticated camera and inventory systems for preventing thefts. Many people don’t realize that removing or disabling an electronic tag on an item to steal it is a felony. Very few things are more harmful to your record than a conviction for stealing. At The Trevor J. Avery Law Firm, our Jacksonville larceny lawyer works hard for our clients to avoid a conviction.

What Is the Difference Between Theft and Larceny in North Carolina?

Generally, any crime in which the offender takes the property of another will be considered larceny. However, North Carolina statutes do identify a few specific larceny offenses, including:

• Receiving or possessing stolen property
• Larceny of gasoline at a gas station
• Concealment of merchandise in a store.

What is the Penalty for Misdemeanor Larceny in North Carolina?

Most larceny crimes are charged as misdemeanors, but that does not mean you should take them lightly. A misdemeanor conviction can result in heavy fines and jail time, but the most serious consequence is the permanent mark it will have on your criminal record. Any time a potential employer or landlord runs a background check, they will see that you were convicted of larceny. Furthermore, if you are convicted of larceny a second time, the penalties will be more severe. It is always worth it to discuss your options with an attorney.

What is Felony Larceny in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, larceny is considered a felony crime if the property stolen is valued over $1000. There are certain circumstances, however, that could result in you being charged with a felony regardless of the value of the stolen property.

Conviction for a felony theft in North Carolina could result in a significant prison sentence. Additionally, both misdemeanor and felony larceny could make you liable for civil penalties to reimburse the alleged victim of the crime.

Start Your Defense Today

If you made a mistake and were caught stealing, the law may give you a second chance. There are programs for first-time offenders that can lead to a dismissal of the charges against you, and we are happy to discuss these options with you. If you have been wrongly accused of theft, our larceny attorney in Jacksonville is prepared to stand up for you and fight for your reputation.