Grand Larceny Lawyer Mercer County — Defending Felony Theft Charges
A grand larceny charge in Mercer County is a serious felony under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2, with penalties including years in state prison. If you are accused of felony theft, you need a dedicated grand larceny lawyer in Mercer County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strong defense strategies for these contested cases. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Understanding Grand Larceny Charges in New Jersey
In New Jersey, the crime of theft is commonly referred to as larceny. Grand larceny, or grand theft, is not a specific statutory term but describes theft offenses that rise to the level of a felony based on the value of the property or other circumstances. The degree of the crime dictates the potential penalties.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Mercer Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
The foundational statute is N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2 (official New Jersey Legislature), which defines theft and establishes the grading. Theft is graded as a crime of the second, third, or fourth degree, or a disorderly persons offense. A felony theft defense lawyer in Mercer County must analyze the specific allegations to determine the applicable degree and build a corresponding defense.
Local Court Process for a Grand Theft Charge in Mercer County
Felony theft cases in Mercer County are prosecuted in the Superior Court, Law Division, Criminal Part, located at 175 South Broad Street in Trenton. The process is formal and demanding. In this court, prosecutors often seek significant penalties for property crimes, making early and strategic intervention by a grand theft charge lawyer in Mercer County critical.
- Initial Appearance & Complaint: You will be served with a complaint and have an initial appearance where charges are formally read, and bail conditions are set.
- Pre-Indictment Phase: Your attorney can engage with the prosecutor to present mitigating evidence or challenge the charges before the case is presented to a grand jury.
- Grand Jury Indictment: For felony-level theft, the state must secure an indictment from a grand jury, which decides if there is probable cause to proceed.
- Post-Indictment Arraignment: After indictment, you will be arraigned in Superior Court, enter a plea, and the court will set a schedule for pre-trial motions and discovery.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiations: Your lawyer will file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges and negotiate with the Assistant Prosecutor for a potential plea resolution.
- Trial or Disposition: If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial in the Mercer County Superior Court.
Penalties for Grand Larceny in Mercer County
In Mercer County, a grand larceny conviction carries severe penalties based on the degree of the crime, with second-degree theft exposing you to 5-10 years in New Jersey state prison.
| Offense Degree | Property Value/Circumstance | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Crime | $75,000 or more; certain firearms; extortion; theft by deception from a victim 60+ or disabled. | 5-10 years state prison | Up to $150,000 | Presumption of incarceration; permanent felony record. |
| Third-Degree Crime | $500 to $74,999.99; motor vehicle (any value); direct physical theft. | 3-5 years state prison | Up to $15,000 | Presumption of non-incarceration possible for first-time offenders. |
| Fourth-Degree Crime | $200 to $499.99. | Up to 18 months prison | Up to $10,000 | Possible probationary sentence. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Approach to Grand Larceny Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We approach each grand larceny case by first scrutinizing the prosecution’s evidence—questioning the validity of property valuations, chain of custody, witness identifications, and the legality of any searches. We explore defenses such as claim of right, lack of intent, mistaken identity, or insufficient evidence.
Why Choose Our Mercer County Grand Larceny Lawyers
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable results in theft cases. While specific local results are not published, our firm-wide defensive outcomes include dismissals, reductions to misdemeanor offenses, and favorable plea agreements that avoid state prison time. We understand that a felony conviction can impact your employment, housing, and future, and we fight to protect all aspects of your life.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Grand Larceny Lawyer Near Mercer County
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Mercer County courts. We represent individuals in Trenton, Princeton, Hamilton Township, Ewing, Lawrence, and surrounding communities. Accessible via I-95, Route 1, and the NJ Turnpike.
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.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Grand Larceny Defense FAQs for Mercer County
What is considered grand larceny in New Jersey?
It depends. New Jersey law grades theft offenses. “Grand larceny” typically refers to felony-level theft, which is a crime of the second, third, or fourth degree based on the property’s value (over $200), type (like a car), or the victim’s status (elderly/disabled).
Can a grand larceny charge be reduced?
Yes. A skilled felony theft defense lawyer in Mercer County can often negotiate a reduction. This may involve lowering the degree of the charge (e.g., third-degree to fourth-degree) or securing a plea to a disorderly persons offense, which carries far less severe penalties.
What are the best defenses to a grand theft charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent to steal (claim of right or mistake), mistaken identity, insufficient evidence to prove value, unlawful search and seizure violating the Fourth Amendment, or challenging the credibility of witnesses. The best defense is specific to the facts of your case.
Will I go to jail for a first-time grand larceny offense?
Not necessarily. For a first-time offender charged with third or fourth-degree theft, there is a presumption of non-incarceration under New Jersey law. However, second-degree charges carry a presumption of prison. An attorney can fight for probation, pre-trial intervention (PTI), or other alternatives.
What court handles grand larceny cases in Mercer County?
All felony theft cases are handled by the Superior Court of New Jersey, Mercer Vicinage, Criminal Division, located at 175 South Broad Street in Trenton. You can find more information on the Mercer Vicinage official website.
Take Action on Your Grand Larceny Charge Today
If you are under investigation or have been charged with grand larceny in Mercer County, time is critical. Early intervention by a seasoned grand larceny lawyer in Mercer County can shape the entire direction of your case. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a confidential case review. We offer 24/7 phone consultations and serve clients throughout the region, including Trenton, Princeton, and Hamilton Township.
Related Practice Areas: Federal Criminal Defense | Business Law
Nearby Locations: Burlington County Civil Litigation Lawyer | Camden County Civil Litigation Lawyer
State Overview: New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your grand larceny charge.
Your case in Mercer 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 Mercer County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Mercer Vicinage (7th Vicinage), 175 South Broad Street, Trenton, NJ 08650, telephone (609) 571-4200, 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 Mercer 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: Mercer County NJ lawyers directory · Grand Larceny Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Grand Larceny Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Grand Larceny Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.