Grand Larceny Lawyer Ocean County — Defending Felony Theft Charges
Grand larceny in Ocean County is a serious felony under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2, involving theft of property valued at $75,000 or more and carrying severe penalties. If you are charged, you need a dedicated Grand Larceny lawyer Ocean County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Our firm provides a strong defense for felony theft charges in Superior Court. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747.
Understanding New Jersey Grand Larceny Law
In New Jersey, the crime of “larceny” is encompassed within the broader statute of theft. Grand larceny, specifically, is prosecuted as a second-degree crime when the value of the stolen property is $75,000 or more. The statute, N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2, defines the elements the state must prove, including the unlawful taking or exercise of control over movable property with the purpose to deprive the owner thereof.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Ocean Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has built extensive experience handling theft cases. A felony theft defense lawyer Ocean County must understand both the legal code and the local court procedures to build an effective defense.
External Legal Resources
For the official text of New Jersey’s theft statutes, refer to the New Jersey Legislature’s website (N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2). For information on court procedures and locations in Ocean County, visit the New Jersey Courts website for the Ocean Vicinage.
Local Court Process for a Grand Theft Charge in Ocean County
All grand larceny cases in Ocean County are heard in the Law Division of the Superior Court located in Toms River. The process is formal and demanding, beginning with an indictment by a grand jury. As a grand theft charge lawyer Ocean County, we know prosecutors in the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office take these cases seriously and often seek substantial penalties.
- Initial Appearance & Bail Hearing: After arrest, you will have a first appearance where bail conditions are set. An attorney can argue for reasonable bail or your release on your own recognizance.
- Grand Jury Indictment: For a crimey of the second degree theft charge, the case must be presented to a grand jury. Your attorney cannot be present but can advise you beforehand.
- Pre-Indictment Plea Negotiations: Before indictment, your lawyer may engage with the prosecutor to negotiate a potential plea to a lesser charge, such as third-degree theft.
- Formal Arraignment: After indictment, you will be formally arraigned, plead not guilty, and the court will set a schedule for pre-trial motions and discovery.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence, challenge the indictment, or compel discovery. This phase is important for identifying weaknesses in the state’s case.
- Trial or Plea Resolution: The case will proceed to a jury trial or be resolved through a negotiated plea agreement based on the strength of the evidence and motions.
Penalties for Grand Larceny in Ocean County
In Ocean County, a conviction for second-degree grand larceny carries a prison sentence of 5 to 10 years, significant fines, and mandatory restitution to the victim.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft ≥ $75,000 | Second-Degree Crime | 5 – 10 years in state prison | Up to $150,000 | Mandatory restitution, felony criminal record, civil lawsuits |
| Theft $500 – $74,999 | Third-Degree Crime | 3 – 5 years in state prison | Up to $15,000 | Restitution, felony record, professional license implications |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Grand Larceny Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our founding attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands the tactics used by the state. We approach each grand larceny case with a detailed investigation, challenging the evidence on valuation, intent, and identity.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific results in Ocean County are not disclosed, our firm-wide approach has secured favorable outcomes in theft cases, including dismissals, charge reductions, and favorable plea agreements. We dedicate resources to investigate every claim of mistaken identity, lack of intent, or improper valuation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Grand Larceny Lawyer Near Ocean County, NJ
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Ocean County. We are accessible to those in Toms River, Lakewood, Brick Township, and surrounding communities. If you need a Grand Larceny lawyer Ocean County, we are here to help.
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) 556-0323
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Grand Larceny in Ocean County
What is the difference between grand larceny and petty theft in New Jersey?
The difference is the value of the stolen property. Theft of property valued at $75,000 or more is a second-degree grand larceny. Theft between $500 and $74,999 is a third-degree crime. Theft under $500 is a disorderly persons offense (petty theft).
Can a grand larceny charge be reduced in Ocean County?
Yes, it depends on the evidence and your history. A skilled felony theft defense lawyer Ocean County can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce a second-degree charge to a third-degree theft or a disorderly persons offense, especially if there are weaknesses in the state’s case regarding value or intent.
What are the best defenses against a grand larceny charge?
Common defenses include mistaken identity, lack of intent to permanently deprive the owner (claim of right), ownership disputes, entrapment, and challenging the prosecution’s evidence or valuation of the property. An attorney will identify the strongest defense for your situation.
Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny charge even if I am innocent?
Yes. An indictment does not mean guilt. The grand jury only hears the prosecution’s side. A grand theft charge lawyer Ocean County is essential to protect your rights, investigate the facts, challenge evidence, and present your innocence to a trial jury.
What happens at a grand jury proceeding for grand larceny?
The prosecutor presents evidence to convince the grand jury there is probable cause you committed the crime. You and your attorney are not present. The grand jury decides whether to issue an indictment (“true bill”) or not (“no bill”). An attorney can advise you before this proceeding.
Internal Resources
For more information on our statewide practice, see our New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. If you are facing related charges, consider reading about Federal Criminal Defense in Ocean County. For defense in a neighboring county, view our page for a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Atlantic County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Your case in Ocean 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 Ocean County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Ocean Vicinage (9th Vicinage), 120 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753, telephone (732) 504-0700, 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 Ocean 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: Ocean County NJ lawyers directory · Grand Larceny Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Grand Larceny Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Grand Larceny Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.