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According to the latest crime data in Nevada, more than 60,000 criminal theft offenses (larceny, burglary, and motor vehicle theft) occur in the state each year. That’s not including the more than 20,000 instances of identity theft.
Individuals charged with theft face a criminal conviction (misdemeanor or felony), potential jail time, fines, and restitution payments. Theft crimes are frequently brought by the District Attorney’s Office. Having the right lawyer by your side who knows how to handle these types of charges is very important.
If you’ve been charged with theft in Las Vegas, it’s in your best interest to consult with an attorney familiar with theft and theft-related charges. Contact the Vegas Lawyers today at (702) 707-7000 for your free initial consultation.
According to NRS 205.0832, individuals who knowingly engage in the following actions – without lawful authority, are guilty of theft. They include, but are not limited to:
Theft covers a wide array of circumstances (i.e., robbery, burglary, embezzlement, etc.). Larceny is more specific. It specifically covers the theft of physical property. According to NRS 205.220, individuals in Nevada who knowingly engages in the following, are guilty of larceny:
Defendants may face misdemeanor or felony larceny charges. Ultimately, it depends on the type of property stolen, its value, and many other factors.
Nevada theft laws address many types of theft-related crimes. Learn more about the most common theft charges in Las Vegas below. If you have questions related to your case, contact us today and speak with a proven theft lawyer in Las Vegas.
It’s illegal to use a false identity to endanger another person or take something valuable that is not yours. Generally, the most common identity theft laws prosecuted in Nevada include, but are not limited to:
Identity theft is illegal in Nevada, even if the victim is not harmed. Depending on the particular circumstances of the case, the prosecution can charge identity theft violations as a misdemeanor or felony offense.
According to NRS 205.240, a person is guilty of petit larceny in Nevada if (but not limited to):
Common examples of petit larceny include shoplifting, stealing items from an “Airbnb,” theft of domesticated animals, etc.
Individuals convicted of petit larceny in Las Vegas face up to six months in jail, $1,000 in fines, potential restitution payments to victims, and a misdemeanor conviction.
Grand larceny is a felony in Nevada. NRS 205.220 defines grand larceny as:
The felony category assigned to grand larceny charges depends on the value of the property the individual is accused of stealing:
Nevada prosecutors estimate the value of an item by researching receipts, market value, advertised price, and expert testimony. Ultimately, judges determine the value of stolen property by considering the “highest reasonable value” based on the information presented.
Individuals charged with grand larceny in Las Vegas (or anywhere else in Nevada) face 1 – 20 years in prison, restitution payments, and fines from $5,000 – $15,000.
Pick-pocketing, legally known as larceny from another person (NRS 205.270), occurs when someone takes property from another person without permission. Pick-pocketing is not as serious as Robbery, but much more consequential than petit larceny.
Pick-pocketers in Nevada face a category C felony conviction. That’s true, even if it’s the first offense. Additionally, individuals accused of pick-pocketing in Las Vegas potentially face harsher consequences depending on the value of the stolen item(s), the physical/mental condition of the victim, and a few more considerations. For example, taking casino chips from another person could qualify as a form of pick-pocketing or, depending upon the value of the chips, even grand larceny.
The difference between pickpocketing and robbery is the use of force or threats. Individuals who unlawfully take property from an individual through force, violence, or threat of harm are guilty of robbery (NRS 200.380).
It’s important to note that “attempting” to rob someone and successfully robbing someone both amount to category B felony charges. The penalties for robbery in Nevada include, but are not limited to:
Individuals who rob or attempt to rob someone else while using a gun (or other deadly weapons) can result in aggravated charges. In that case, defendants face up to 20 years (or more) in prison.
According to NRS 205.060, an individual who enters a business, residence, vehicle, or the like with an intent to commit battery, assault, larceny, or any other felony offense while inside is guilty of burglary.
The penalties for burglary charges in Las Vegas depend on the type of building (or vehicle) the crime occurs in, if the burglary was committed while possessing a deadly weapon, and more.
Individuals charged with burglary potentially face the following consequences:
Penalties are subject to increase with subsequent offenses.
In addition to theft and larceny charges, NRS 205.275 declares it illegal for an individual to intentionally receive, buy or possess property they know to be stolen (or reasonably should know is stolen). Generally, the courts determine if the defendant knew or should have known the property was stolen by considering if:
An individual can be convicted of being in possession of stolen property in Nevada even if the person they obtained the stolen property from is never prosecuted. The mere receipt and possession of stolen property is itself a crime.
The punishment for possession of stolen property depends on the worth of the stolen goods. For example, if the value of the stolen property is less than $1,200, the defendant is likely to face misdemeanor charges.
However, when the property value is more significant, it can bring harsher penalties – like up to 20 years in prison and a category B felony conviction. The penalties for possessing stolen goods are essentially the same as the consequences for petit and grand larceny.
“Finders keepers” rarely works for children and is never a viable defense for possessing lost property in Nevada. According to NRS 205.0832(d), individuals who “find” or take another person’s property without the purpose or attempt of returning the property face criminal theft charges in Nevada. Those convicted face fines, restitution payments, and potentially worse.
Under NRS 205.300, a person is guilty of embezzlement in Nevada if they steal money or property from a person or business that entrusted them with the property. Common examples of embezzlement include, but are not limited to, the following:
Generally, embezzlement is considered a workplace crime. However, it can happen with family, friends, volunteer groups, etc.
Much like similar theft charges in Nevada, the criminal penalties for embezzlement depend on the value of the embezzled goods or money. The higher the value, the harsher the penalties.
Individuals charged with theft or theft-related offenses can face misdemeanor or felony charges. The penalties depend on the following factors:
In some cases, first-time petit theft (or similar) offenders are only charged with misdemeanors. In more serious cases, defendants can expect felony charges.
Aside from the particulars of your case, the success of any theft charge defense in Nevada hinges on the experience and skill of your criminal defense attorney. Some of the most common defenses used against theft charges in Las Vegas include, but are not limited to, the following:
Just because you’re charged with theft doesn’t mean that your case will end with a conviction. Contact the Vegas Lawyers to discuss the details of your case today.
Non-citizen immigrants can be deported for many types of crimes. While lesser charges like petit theft are not as likely to lead to deportation, it’s still possible.
Non-citizen immigrants who commit crimes like grand larceny, burglary, or any types of aggravated theft-related charges are most at risk for deportation.
If you’re charged with theft in Nevada while on an immigrant visa, it’s in your best interest to consult with a proven immigration lawyer skilled in deportation defense.
Most crimes in Nevada are eligible for a criminal record seal. How long it takes to become eligible depends on the crime, the outcome of the case, and many other factors.
Are you facing theft charges in Las Vegas? If so, you need a highly experienced and proven Las Vegas criminal defense lawyer who understands what it takes to win.
Don’t take a gamble with your choice of lawyer. Your liberty depends upon making the right choice. The penalties for theft crimes are serious. Make the right choice in getting the best lawyer possible for your situation.
Our highly skilled team of legal professionals will help you get the least amount of penalties possible under the circumstances. We know how to win in the courtroom. At The Vegas Lawyers, criminal defense is all that we do! Contact us through this website or give us a call at (702) 707-7000 for your free initial consultation today.
At The Vegas Lawyers, we know that it’s not just about your case… it’s about your life!
Anthony Abbatangelo ESQ.
Michael Humphreys ESQ.
Arelice Parra
Paul Padda ESQ.
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Disclaimers: The information contained herein is not intended, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice. Because each situation is different, a person seeking advice regarding a particular situation should consult in person with an attorney.
