Larceny

Larceny is the unlawful taking and carrying away of someone else's personal property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. It's a broad legal term encompassing various forms of theft, typically involving the element of stealth or deceit, and can range in severity depending on the value of the stolen goods and any additional circumstances, such as the use of force. Proving larceny often requires establishing that the property was taken without the owner's consent and with the specific intent to steal.

Larceny meaning with examples

• A shoplifter concealing merchandise and leaving the store without paying exemplifies larceny. The act involves secretly taking possession of goods with the intent to keep them without the owner's knowledge or permission. The value of the stolen items often determines the severity of the charge, ranging from petty to grand larceny.
• If a person finds a lost wallet and, instead of returning it, keeps the money inside, this also constitutes larceny. The intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property (the money) transforms the initial discovery into an act of theft, regardless of how the property was originally acquired.
• An employee embezzling funds from a company account is a clear example of larceny. This involves a breach of trust, using their access to financial resources to steal money. The degree of larceny here might be tied to the amount stolen, with higher amounts leading to more serious penalties.
• Taking a car parked on the street without permission, intending to keep it or strip it for parts, represents a severe form of larceny, often classified as auto theft. This demonstrates both the taking of the vehicle and the intent to deprive the owner of its use and possession.