Grand Larceny
Practice Areas
Greenville, SC Grand Larceny Lawyer
Grand larceny is a serious charge in South Carolina, and anyone accused should treat it with the utmost urgency. A conviction can lead to severe penalties, including years in prison, steep fines, and a number of other long-lasting personal repercussions. Because theft involving property valued over $2,000 is classified as a felony, a conviction will result in a permanent criminal record that can impact your future opportunities.
At AnneMarie Odom Law, we recognize how damaging grand larceny charges can be, not just legally, but personally and professionally. Our Greenville theft crime attorneys are committed to fighting on your behalf and working toward the strongest possible outcome for your situation.
To discuss your case with a dedicated Greenville, SC grand larceny lawyer, call (864) 775-5833 or reach out online for a confidential consultation. The sooner you contact our office, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and helping you move forward.
What is Grand Larceny in South Carolina?
South Carolina laws divide larceny into two categories based on the value of stolen property: grand larceny and petit larceny. Grand larceny is the more severe theft offense and usually results in significant jail time.
While both offenses involve stealing another’s property, the value of that property is what separates the two larceny charges. Petit theft occurs when someone takes the property of another that is worth less than $2,000. When someone takes another’s property valued over $2,000, they can face grand larceny charges.
It’s important to note, however, that not all stolen property is punishable as grand larceny. Certain types of property have their own larceny laws, regardless of whether the value of the property falls under the grand larceny requirements. For example, theft crimes involving shoplifting, livestock, boats, and works of art all have different criminal statutes.
Unlike robbery, larceny crimes do not involve force or violence. Robbery charges in South Carolina apply when someone uses or threatens force while stealing another person’s property. If force is involved, the offense may be charged as one of the following:
- Armed robbery, if a deadly weapon is used
- Strong-armed robbery, if no weapon is involved
These charges carry significantly harsher penalties than larceny and should also be taken seriously.
South Carolina Code of Laws § 16-13-30
South Carolina’s Code of Law (§ 16-13-30) defines simple and grand larceny. According to the statute, if someone steals goods, bank bills, bills receivable, chattels, or other personal property worth $2,000 or less, it’s considered petit larceny, which falls under misdemeanor theft charges. These cases are usually handled in municipal court or a magistrate’s court. If convicted, the person could face up to 30 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
If the value of the stolen property is more than $2,000, the crime becomes grand larceny and is charged as a felony. If the stolen property is worth more than $2,000 but less than $10,000, the person may face up to 5 years in prison. If the property is worth $10,000 or more, the penalty increases to up to ten years in prison.
Whether you’re facing charges for petit misdemeanor larceny or grand larceny, South Carolina criminal defense attorney AnneMarie Odom can help. As a former prosecuting attorney, Attorney Odom has experience handling theft crimes on both sides of the courtroom and will use that knowledge to fight the charges against you. Contact our law firm to discuss your case and explore your available legal defenses right away.
Is Grand Larceny a Felony in SC?
Yes – in South Carolina, grand larceny is considered a felony crime and is punishable by significant prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. However, the exact sentence for grand larceny charges depends on the value of the property allegedly stolen.
Penalties for SC Grand Larceny
All theft crimes are considered serious offenses in South Carolina and can result in harsh consequences for those convicted. Any property stolen with a value of less than $2,000 is typically charged as petty theft (aka petit larceny in SC), which is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to 30 days in jail or up to $1,000 in fines.
Grand larceny is charged as a felony offense, which means penalties are much harsher, though they vary based on the value of the stolen goods or personal property. These theft offenses are divided into two categories according to the dollar value of the stolen property:
- Stolen property valued between $2,000 to $10,000 – Up to five years in prison.
- Stolen property worth over $10,000 – Up to ten years in prison.
In addition to prison time and fines, you could be required to pay restitution to the alleged victim and also be put on probation.
If you’ve been charged with petit or grand larceny but you already have two or more larceny convictions on your record, your penalties could fall under South Carolina’s property crime enhancement statute. According to SC Code Section 16-1-57, any person charged with a property crime whose penalties are determined by the property’s value can face a maximum 10-year prison sentence, regardless of the property’s value. For example, if you have two petit larceny convictions on your record and are arrested for another petit larceny charge, even for property worth as little as $10, you could be sentenced to 10 years in prison if you’re convicted.
Are Grand Larceny Charges Eligible for Expungement?
A grand larceny conviction is not eligible for expungement under South Carolina law, which is why hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney is crucial when facing these charges. If convicted (unless it qualifies for a narrow exception), these charges will remain on your criminal record forever.
One specific exception is if it is a first offense under the Youthful Offender Act, where the individual must plead guilty and successfully complete their sentence or a pretrial diversion program. In these cases, expungement may be possible after completion
To better understand your options, contact a knowledgeable Greenville, SC expungement lawyer at AnneMarie Odom Law to help you protect your future and determine the best path forward.
How To Beat a Grand Larceny Charge
Facing a theft charge for grand larceny is a serious legal matter with severe consequences. As such, attempting to represent yourself in these cases is risky and rarely effective. Your best chance of avoiding a felony record or minimizing penalties comes from working with a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorney.
A South Carolina grand larceny lawyer like AnneMarie Odom can help avoid a criminal conviction by:
- Examining the evidence and identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
- Challenging whether the accused intended to permanently deprive the owner of their property
- Exploring all potential defenses, including lack of criminal intent or insufficient proof
- Arguing that the prosecution has not met the burden of reasonable doubt
- Seeking reduced charges, such as reclassification to a misdemeanor crime, or negotiating entry into a pretrial diversion program or probation in place of incarceration
A theft conviction like grand larceny can follow you around for life, limiting your ability to secure housing, employment, or financial assistance. With so much on the line, it’s critical to have a skilled legal advocate on your side who can fight for your future from the very beginning.
Call Greenville Grand Larceny Defense Attorney AnneMarie Odom Today
If you’ve been charged with grand larceny in SC, the potential penalties you face are serious and nothing to take lightly. When the stakes are this high, you need experienced legal representation that understands how to handle complex criminal charges like yours.
At AnneMarie Odom Law, our Greenville criminal defense lawyers have successfully represented clients in a wide range of theft cases across the region, including grand larceny charges and various other felony theft offenses. We’re prepared to build a strong defense strategy and use every available legal resource to fight for the best possible result in your case.
If you’re facing a criminal charge for grand larceny in South Carolina, don’t wait. Call (864) 775-5833 or reach out online to speak with a trusted South Carolina criminal defense attorney about your case today.
Call our law office today to schedule a free consultation to go over your legal options, or simply fill out our online intake form to get started.
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