Cape Cod Theft & Larceny Defense Attorney
Trial-tested defense for theft & larceny charges in the Barnstable, Orleans, and Falmouth courts and across Massachusetts.
A theft charge is, at heart, a charge of dishonesty, and that label can do real damage to your career and reputation long after any fine is paid. Whether it is a shoplifting accusation, an alleged larceny from an employer, or a dispute that the police decided to treat as a crime, the stakes are higher than the dollar amount suggests.
I defend theft and larceny charges throughout Cape Cod, with a focus on protecting your record and resolving cases in a way that lets you move on.
The $1,200 felony line
The value of the property is what separates a misdemeanor from a felony under § 30. Prosecutors do not always value property correctly, and challenging an inflated valuation can move a case from felony to misdemeanor territory, with everything that means for your record and exposure.
Intent is the heart of the case
Larceny requires the intent to permanently deprive someone of their property. Honest mistakes, claims of right, disputes over ownership, and misunderstandings are not crimes. Where intent is genuinely in question, that is a defense, not a footnote.
Protecting first-time clients’ records
For many clients with no record, the priority is keeping a single lapse from becoming a permanent mark. Pretrial diversion, restitution-based resolutions, and continuances without a finding can resolve a case without a conviction. Several of my theft cases have been dismissed outright.
FAQ: Theft & Larceny
Common questions and answers regarding theft & larceny charges in Massachusetts.
Is shoplifting a felony in Massachusetts?
It depends on the value. Larceny under c. 266, § 30 becomes a felony when the property is worth more than $1,200; below that it is a misdemeanor. Shoplifting of lower-value goods is often charged under a separate, less serious statute.
Can a theft charge be dismissed if I pay the money back?
Restitution can be a powerful part of a resolution, and in several of my cases charges were dismissed upon payment of restitution. It is not automatic, but a well-negotiated restitution agreement can resolve a case without a conviction.
Will a larceny conviction affect my job?
It can. Because larceny is a crime of dishonesty, a conviction can appear on background checks and weigh heavily with employers and licensing boards. Keeping the charge off your record is often the central goal of the defense.
Let's Talk About Your Case Today
Your first consultation is free and completely confidential. Tell me what happened, and I'll tell you honestly where you stand and what your options are.