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Larceny and theft defense
In Connecticut the value of the property decides how serious a theft charge is. A shoplifting arrest can be a misdemeanor, and a larger amount can be a felony. The office defends larceny, shoplifting and embezzlement charges from an attorney who spent 27 years as a Norwalk police officer.
Connecticut calls theft larceny (section 53a-119), and divides it into six degrees by the value of what was taken. Sixth degree, $500 or less, is a class C misdemeanor. Fifth degree, over $500, is a class B misdemeanor and fourth degree, over $1,000, a class A misdemeanor. From third degree up the charge is a felony: over $2,000 is class D, over $10,000 class C, and over $20,000 class B. Some kinds of theft, such as taking property from a person or from an elderly or disabled victim, are charged higher than the amount alone would be. Employee theft, called embezzlement, shoplifting and receiving stolen property are all charged under the same larceny statutes.
A larceny case turns on what the State can actually prove: the value, that the person took or withheld the property, and that they meant to keep it. Value is often contested, as are identification from store video and whether a person who left with an item meant to steal it. Attorney Saraceni reviews the State's case, including how the value was set and how the evidence was handled, before advising on a plea or a trial.
What the office handles
- ShopliftingUsually a lower-degree larceny. A first charge deserves a lawyer, because a conviction can follow you into a job or a license application.
- Larceny by degreeSix degrees, set by the value of the property: $500 or less, over $500, over $1,000 (misdemeanors), over $2,000, over $10,000 and over $20,000 (felonies).
- EmbezzlementTaking money or property you were trusted with, such as an employer's funds. Charged under the larceny statutes.
- Receiving stolen propertyCharged when someone is found with stolen property and the State says they knew it.
- Identity theft and fraudRelated charges that often come with a theft arrest.
- RestitutionPaying back what was taken can matter to how a prosecutor views a case, and to the court at sentencing.
How a case starts
- Call(203) 853-2700. Say whether someone is being held and when the court date is.
- Free consultationThe first 30 minutes are free, in the office on Mott Avenue or by phone, by appointment. Bring the summons or the paper you were given at booking.
- The fileThe police report, any store video, the loss figures and witness statements. Attorney Saraceni reviews the State's case before advising on a plea or a trial.
- CourtHe appears with you in Stamford, Bridgeport, Danbury, Torrington or New Haven Superior Court.
Questions people ask first
How is a theft charge classified in Connecticut?
By the value of the property. The statute sets six degrees, with higher values charged as higher degrees. The degree on your paperwork is what the State intends to prove.
Is shoplifting a crime that stays on my record?
A conviction does. Whether a case can be resolved without one depends on the facts and the record. That is worth a first call.
What if I meant to return the item, or pay for it?
Intent matters. The State has to prove the person meant to deprive the owner of the property. What happened at the register, on the video and in the statement all bear on that.
Can the value be challenged?
Yes. The value the store or the police put on the property drives the degree of the charge, and it is not always accurate.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case turns on its own facts. Nothing on this site is legal advice, and contacting the office does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Talk to the office before you talk to anyone else.
The first 30 minutes are free. Call, or tell us about your case and the office will call you.
(203) 853-2700