There are many situations in which an action could legally be considered theft. In the state of Connecticut, theft is typically referred to as larceny, and all of the laws pertaining to theft use this term. Connecticut statutes state that larceny occurs when a person takes, obtains, or withholds property from its owner with the intent of permanently depriving the owner of the property. Larceny in Connecticut includes actions such as embezzlement, extortion, theft of services, shoplifting, and even receiving stolen property. Certain actions are charged in Connecticut as misdemeanor larceny crimes, but charges can also be elevated to felony larceny charges, depending on the circumstances surrounding the situation.
Larceny in the Third Degree
The first level of felony larceny charges, larceny in the third degree, occurs when a person commits larceny and the property:
- Is a motor vehicle worth less than $10,000;
- Is worth between $2,000 and $9,999;
- Is a public record, writing, or instrument; or
- Is a sample, culture, record, or document that contains proprietary information.
Third-degree larceny is a Class D felony, which means it carries up to five years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
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