Muskogee, Oklahoma law defines the circumstances under which theft is considered grand larceny. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1703
Theft is grand larceny if:
• the property stolen has a value exceeding $1,000, or
• what is stolen is taken from the person of another — even if it does not exceed $1,000 in value.
In addition, if you pick something up left in a public place — such as a cell phone worth $500 or more — you will be charged with grand larceny.
How Serious is Grand Larceny?
Grand larceny is considered a felony under Oklahoma law and is, therefore, a serious crime.
Other Types of Larceny
Theft that is not considered grand larceny is petit larceny. That means the property stolen is not worth more than $1,000, and it was not taken from someone’s person.
So, if you take something worth $250, you will be charged with petit larceny.
Petit is a French word which means small. Grand is French for large.
In Oklahoma, you can also be charged with larceny for not returning something you have found. If you find a laptop with a name and address on it and instead of returning it to the owner, you decide to keep it — you could be charged with larceny if found with the laptop.
Penalties
The punishment for a grand larceny conviction is up to five years in prison, a fine of $5,000, or both. These penalties apply when the item stolen is worth $1,000 or more. You also must pay the cost of the property to the rightful owner; this is called restitution.
For stolen property valued at less than $1,000, the punishment could be up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. In some cases, someone convicted of larceny could serve his or her jail sentence at nights and on the weekends.
The punishment meted also depends on the particular kind of item stolen. For example, stolen firearms or cash may lead to harsher penalties and additional charges.
Where the grand larceny was committed also determines the severity of the punishment. For example, crimes committed in a house or other dwelling can lead to as much as eight years in prison.
A petit larceny conviction can carry a fine of $10-$500, up to six months in jail, or both.
Low-cost Consultation: Muskogee Criminal Defense Attorney
Oklahoma courts treat grand larceny crimes rather harshly.
Only experienced criminal defense attorneys in Muskogee can work to build a strong defense for you. What may look like insignificant issues to an inexperienced attorney may, in the end, determine your case.
Details matter when piecing together the evidence for your defense. Our Muskogee attorneys will stand up for you against bogus criminal charges or negotiate a better outcome if you did indeed commit a crime.
Our attorneys know how to present in court the details that can make a significant effect on the result of the criminal case.
Call a Muskogee criminal defense attorney today at 918-884-7774 with your questions. You may also schedule a low-cost, confidential consultation.