Massachusetts Legal Developments Blog

What You Should Know About Theft Charges in Massachusetts

Recently, a woman in Massachusetts was arrested twice in relation to two separate incidents in Boston involving theft. The woman was first arrested and charged with shoplifting in Boston Municipal Court after she allegedly stole several items from a CVS. When a CVS worker confronted the woman, she responded by striking him with her purse. The women then grabbed more items and ran from the store. Later, after reviewing surveillance video, law enforcement officers patrolling the area found the woman and arrested her. At the Boston Police District station, the woman was spotted reaching through safety glass to grab a purse. When the woman was caught attempting to squeeze the purse through a hole in the partition, law enforcement placed the woman under arrest for causing a disturbance.

Theft in Massachusetts is classified as a serious offense that can have a significant impact on your career, educational pursuits, and many other aspects of your daily life. As a result, people who are charged with theft in Massachusetts should not hesitate to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. It is also helpful to understand the various Massachusetts theft laws.

Larceny in Massachusetts

Massachusetts considers theft a form of larceny, which is the act of taking someone’s property without permission. While this concept might be easy to understand, it is comprehensive and includes many different types of offenses. Some of the most common acts that constitute larceny in Massachusetts include burglary, credit card fraud, embezzlement, larceny by false pretenses, larceny by theft, receiving stolen property, and shoplifting. In each of these charges, the prosecution must establish that a person is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. As a result, individuals are often able to create strong defenses to the charges by arguing that law enforcement has failed to meet this burden.

Grand and Petty Theft

The value of the property that is stolen determines whether it is classified as grand or petty theft. While petty theft is a misdemeanor and includes stolen property worth less than $250, grand theft is a felony and encompasses the theft of an item worth more than $250. Grand theft can result in particularly severe penalties including up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000.

Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when a person uses someone else’s identifying information including birth date, driver’s license number, social security number, or bank account number to engage in financial transactions or receive any service. This crime often involves accessing a person’s financial accounts, but can include many other acts.

Speak to an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

Some of the other larceny-related offenses with which a person in Massachusetts can be charged include burglary, robbery, and receiving stolen property. No matter the specific offense, the potential penalties are often severe. Our legal counsel has helped defend many people who face serious crimes including theft. To make sure that you have the strongest defense possible, contact Edward R. Molari, Attorney at Law today to schedule a free case evaluation. We understand your rights and are prepared to fight for them.