Larceny/Theft is the unlawful taking of property belonging to another without consent and with the intent to permanently deprive the rightful owner of the property. Larceny/theft is the most common crime committed in the United States, nationwide and within the individual states. The Federal Bureau of Investigations Uniform Crime Reports found that in 2016, larceny/theft made up approximately 60% of the crimes reported in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
https://muninet.harris.uchicago.edu/2018/01/05/u-s-state-crime-rates/
In Massachusetts, larceny/theft is governed by M.G.L. c. 266 sec. 30 and states that it is prohibited for a person to steal, or obtain property through fraud, with the intent steal or convert ownership of property to another. Punishment for larceny/theft ranges from incarceration to extensive fines and is based upon the nature and value of the stolen property.
If the property is a firearm, trade secret, or worth over $250.00, the punishment is up to five years in prison or up to two years in jail and a fine of up to $25,000.00. If the value of the stolen property is $250.00 or less, the punishment is up to one year in jail or a fine of up to $300.00. The punishment is more severe if the age of the victim is 65 years or older.
https://statelaws.findlaw.com/massachusetts-law/massachusetts-theft-laws.html
To read the full statute click the link below:
https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter266/Section30
If you have been charged with larceny in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and need an attorney, we are here to help.
