Grand Larceny Lawyer Bergen County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Grand larceny in New Jersey is a serious felony theft charge under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2, with penalties including years in state prison and permanent consequences. If you are facing a grand theft charge in Bergen County, securing a skilled grand larceny lawyer is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strong defense representation for clients at the Superior Court in Hackensack.
Understanding Grand Larceny Charges in New Jersey
Grand larceny, formally prosecuted as theft under New Jersey law, is not a minor offense. The severity of the charge and its penalties are determined by the value of the property allegedly stolen. New Jersey statutes categorize theft offenses, and what is commonly called “grand larceny” typically involves property valued at over a specific threshold, making it an indictable crime (New Jersey’s equivalent of a felony).
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
The foundational statute is N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2 (official New Jersey Legislature), which defines the degrees of theft. For example, theft of property valued between $75,000 and $500,000 is a second-degree crime. Theft of property valued between $500 and $75,000 is a third-degree crime. These degrees carry significant state prison sentences. Understanding the specific statute and its application in Bergen County courts is the first step a felony theft defense lawyer Bergen County will take in building your defense.
The Grand Larceny Defense Process in Bergen County
Facing a grand theft charge lawyer Bergen County must handle a demanding process in the Superior Court, Law Division, in Hackensack. Prosecutors in Bergen County take property crimes seriously, especially those involving higher values or alleged schemes. An experienced grand larceny lawyer Bergen County knows that early intervention is key, often during the investigation phase before formal charges are filed by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
- Initial Consultation & Case Assessment: Your attorney will review the allegations, evidence, and police reports to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Pre-Indictment Negotiations: A lawyer may engage with prosecutors to argue for reduced charges or a diversionary program before the case is presented to a grand jury.
- Grand Jury Proceedings: If the case proceeds, the prosecution must secure an indictment. Your attorney can present exculpatory evidence to the prosecutor to influence this process.
- Formal Arraignment & Plea: After indictment, you will be formally arraigned. Your lawyer will advise on whether to plead not guilty and proceed to trial or negotiate a plea agreement.
- Discovery & Motion Practice: Your defense team will obtain all evidence through discovery and may file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Resolution: The case will either go to a jury trial in Hackensack or be resolved through a negotiated plea agreement that minimizes consequences.
Potential Penalties for Grand Larceny in NJ
In Bergen County, a grand larceny conviction carries severe penalties based on the degree of the crime, including lengthy prison terms and substantial fines.
| Theft Degree | Property Value Range | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second Degree | $75,000 – $500,000 | 5-10 years state prison | Up to $150,000 | Felony record, restitution, loss of professional licenses. |
| Third Degree | $500 – $75,000 | 3-5 years state prison | Up to $15,000 | Felony record, restitution, difficulty finding employment. |
| Fourth Degree* | $200 – $500 | Up to 18 months | Up to $10,000 | Criminal record, potential jail time. |
*Note: Theft under $200 is a disorderly persons offense handled in Municipal Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Bergen County Grand Larceny Defense Team
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” approach means we commit fully to defending clients against serious felony charges like grand larceny in Bergen County.
While specific local case results for grand larceny in Bergen County are not enumerated here, our firm’s extensive history includes defending clients against serious theft and property crime charges across multiple states. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Defense for Bergen County Grand Larceny Charges
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-3900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at the Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack. We represent individuals from Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, and surrounding communities. Accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17, we are positioned to provide a local grand larceny lawyer Bergen County residents can consult. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Grand Larceny Defense FAQs
What is the difference between petty larceny and grand larceny in NJ?
The primary difference is the value of the property and the severity of the charge. Theft of property valued at $200 or more is generally an indictable crime (felony), graded from fourth to second degree based on the amount. Theft under $200 is a disorderly persons offense (misdemeanor) handled in municipal court.
Can a grand larceny charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends on the facts of the case, the evidence, and the negotiations with the prosecutor. A skilled felony theft defense lawyer Bergen County can often argue for a reduction in degree or entry into a pre-trial intervention (PTI) program, which may result in the charge being dismissed after completion.
What are common defenses to a grand theft charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent to steal, claim of right (believing you owned the property), mistaken identity, insufficient evidence of value, unlawful search and seizure, or duress. An attorney will investigate to find the strongest defense for your situation.
How long does a grand larceny case take in Bergen County?
The timeline varies. A case resolved by plea may take several months. If it proceeds through indictment, discovery, and trial in Superior Court, it can take a year or more. Demanding cases or those involving appeals take longer.
Will I go to jail for a first-time grand larceny offense?
Not necessarily. For a first-time offender, especially with a third-degree charge, a grand larceny lawyer may secure a non-custodial sentence like probation, particularly through the PTI program. However, jail or prison time is a possibility, especially for higher-degree charges, making strong defense essential.
For more information, see our New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, consider our Hudson County criminal defense services. For related legal issues in Bergen County, we also assist with federal criminal charges.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Bergen County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Grand Larceny Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Grand Larceny Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.