Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1701 defines larceny or theft. Larceny is the taking of someone else’s property with the intent to deprive them of it through fraud or stealth. There are two types of theft — grand larceny and petit larceny in Oklahoma City.
Larceny is considered petit (small) when the stolen item is worth less than $1,000. However, the larceny of property worth less than $1000 is not regarded as petit if the thing is taken from the person of the victim. For instance, picking a phone worth $500 from the person of the owner is considered grand larceny.
Grand Larceny vs. Petit Larceny in Oklahoma City
Grand refers to big, and this means that grand larceny is worse than petit larceny in Oklahoma City. Property stolen in grand larceny can be of any value when it is taken from the person of the victim. Other crimes tried as grand larceny is when the value of the item stolen is $1,000 or more. Grand larceny is tried as a felony in Oklahoma City.
Burden of Proof
The prosecutor must prove the following seven elements beyond a shadow of a doubt to obtain a conviction on petit larceny charges.
The district attorney must prove the:
- Taking
- and carrying away
- of the personal property of another
- of value
- by fraud or stealth
- with the intent to deprive permanently
The laws are broadly written. Any time someone takes something that does not belong to them worth less than $1,000, they could be charged with petit larceny.
Penalties if Convicted
When a defendant is convicted of petit larceny, they can face up to six months in jail, a fine between $10 and $500, or both. The penalty depends on the discretion of the court.
Get Help
If you face charges of petit larceny in Oklahoma City, talk to a misdemeanor defense attorney as soon as you can. The Oklahoma justice system is one of the most robust jurisdictions in the country. Oklahoma district attorneys are steadfast and tenacious. It would not be advisable to appear in court unrepresented.
You will need an experienced Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney to present your side of the story in court to help you avoid getting convicted.
Initial Consultation: Oklahoma City Misdemeanor Attorney
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