Larceny Under $1,200 in Massachusetts

Facing a charge for larceny under $1,200 in Massachusetts can have serious consequences. Even though this offense is classified as a misdemeanor, a conviction can lead to fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record. Such charges can also harm your reputation, making it more difficult to secure employment, housing, or professional opportunities. If you’ve been accused of larceny, it’s critical to act quickly to protect your rights and your future.

At Cappetta Law Offices, Attorney Daniel Cappetta, a former prosecutor, uses his extensive experience to provide strategic legal defense. As a trusted Framingham Larceny Under $1,200 Lawyer, Attorney Cappetta is dedicated to helping clients navigate these charges and achieve the best possible outcome.

Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266, Section 30, larceny involves unlawfully taking and carrying away another person’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. If the value of the property is $1,200 or less, the offense is classified as a misdemeanor. Common examples of larceny under $1,200 include shoplifting, stealing unattended personal items such as wallets or phones, and failing to return rented or borrowed property. Even minor thefts like skipping out on a restaurant bill can fall under this category.

While the classification of the offense depends on the value of the property, the circumstances of the alleged theft also play a significant role in how the case is prosecuted. The nuances of each case require careful examination to build a strong defense.

A conviction for larceny under $1,200 can result in fines of up to $1,500 and a jail sentence of up to one year in a house of correction. Additionally, the court may order restitution to compensate the victim for the value of the stolen property. Beyond these immediate penalties, the long-term impact of a conviction can be severe. A criminal record can affect your ability to secure employment, apply for housing, or pass background checks for professional licensing. For individuals in sensitive professions, such as healthcare or finance, the consequences can be particularly damaging.

To convict someone of larceny under $1,200, the prosecution must prove several elements beyond a reasonable doubt. First, the prosecution must establish that the defendant intentionally took and carried away property belonging to another person. The property must have been taken without the owner’s consent, and the defendant must have intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property. If these elements cannot be proven, the charges may be reduced or dismissed.

Attorney Cappetta evaluates every detail of the case, from the value of the alleged stolen property to the circumstances surrounding the incident, to challenge the prosecution’s ability to meet this high standard of proof.

A robust defense strategy is essential to protecting your rights. In some cases, lack of intent can be a key factor. If the defendant believed the property was theirs, borrowed, or abandoned, this lack of intent undermines the prosecution’s case. Mistaken identity is another common defense, especially in cases that rely on eyewitness testimony or surveillance footage, which can often be unreliable or inconclusive.

Attorney Daniel Cappetta also works to identify procedural errors or rights violations during the investigation or arrest. Such errors can lead to critical evidence being suppressed, weakening the prosecution’s case. In situations where avoiding a conviction is unlikely, Attorney Cappetta leverages his experience as a former prosecutor to negotiate reduced charges or alternative outcomes, such as pretrial diversion programs or restitution agreements. These approaches can help clients avoid jail time and minimize the long-term consequences of a larceny conviction. Having a lawyer with experience in Framingham Larceny under $1,200 cases is essential to getting the best outcome for your case.

For individuals facing their first offense, Massachusetts courts often offer alternative resolutions that allow defendants to avoid a permanent conviction. Pretrial diversion programs, for example, involve completing specific conditions, such as community service or counseling, in exchange for a dismissal of the charges. A Continuation Without a Finding (CWOF) is another option, allowing defendants to avoid a formal guilty finding if they meet court-imposed conditions. Upon successful completion, the case is dismissed, sparing the defendant from a permanent criminal record.

Attorney Daniel Cappetta’s experience as a former prosecutor provides unique insight into how larceny cases are built and prosecuted. As a skilled Framingham Larceny Under $1,200 Lawyer, he understands the strategies the Commonwealth uses and how to counter them effectively. Whether through aggressive courtroom advocacy or skilled negotiation, Attorney Cappetta is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for his clients.

Located in Framingham, Cappetta Law Offices is dedicated to providing personalized legal representation tailored to your needs. From the initial consultation to the resolution of your case, Attorney Cappetta ensures that you are informed, supported, and equipped to face the challenges ahead.

If you’ve been charged with larceny under $1,200 in Massachusetts, don’t wait to secure legal representation. Attorney Daniel Cappetta is an experienced advocate who will fight to protect your rights and minimize the impact of these charges.

Call Cappetta Law Offices at (508) 762-4540 or use our online contact form to schedule a consultation. Let us provide the strategic and effective defense you need to move forward with confidence.