On other pages of this website, we’ve covered some general differences between federal and state crimes. Like many other crimes, there is a state and federal version of larceny, and both are defined and punished differently. Understanding federal larceny is essential if this is a charge that you are facing. Federal larceny differs from the state crime in many ways. This is important to know so that you can build a proper defense and prepare yourself for the potential penalties.

Federal Larceny

In most cases, this crime occurs when the accused steals property from the federal government. State larceny, on the other hand, deals with cases where individuals or state bodies have properties stolen. All states recognize larceny as a crime; however, the individual statutes and punishments can vary from state-to-state.

Federal larceny is more concerned with protecting public property from larceny. Over a hundred forms of larceny are recognized at the federal level, but not all of these get recognized by each state. The following are some of the most common forms of federal larceny, although this is not a complete list:

• Theft by fraud.
• Theft by deception.
• Tricking someone to steal.
• Theft by taking.

Larceny is punished at the state level in varying degrees. It can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the case and the value of the stolen goods. Misdemeanor charges are less serious than felony charges, and carry smaller penalties, such as smaller fines or minimal jail time. Federal laws also define larceny punishments.

Getting Help

Larceny charges and punishments differ. In order to understand your specific situation, contacting an attorney can be useful to you. To learn more about federal larceny and defending your case, you can contact an attorney. An attorney can answer your questions, help you go through your options, and determine the best course of action given your situation. If you are looking for a way to defend your rights, talking with an attorney is a good first step.