Conn. Gen. Stat. 53a-122 – Larceny in the first degree

Connecticut General Statutes 53a-122 explained for non lawyers

1. What the law prohibits

You commit larceny in the first degree when you steal property worth more than $20,000. This is the most serious level of theft in Connecticut and includes stealing extremely valuable items like expensive jewelry, large amounts of money, or other high-value property worth more than $20,000, obtaining any property or service through extortion regardless of its value, or obtaining property by defrauding a public community when the value exceeds $2,000.

2. What the penalties are if someone is convicted

• This is a Class B felony.
• Punishable by:
  • Up to 20 years in prison
  • Up to $15,000 in fines
  • Plus possible probation and restitution (paying back the victim for what was stolen)

3. What the state has to prove to convict someone (Elements of the offense)

To secure a conviction, the state must prove all of the following beyond a reasonable doubt:

1. The defendant wrongfully took property
2. The property belonged to someone else
3. The defendant intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property
4. The taking was done without the owner’s consent
5. The value of the stolen property exceeded $20,000

Note: This is the most serious theft charge in Connecticut, carrying the heaviest penalties. The potential 20-year prison sentence reflects the significant value of the property stolen.

For the actual statute, you can visit Justia which has the actual law on its website.

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