Grand Larceny Lawyer Passaic County — Defending Felony Theft Charges
Grand larceny in Passaic County is a serious felony theft offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2, punishable by up to 10 years in state prison. If you are charged, securing a skilled grand larceny lawyer Passaic County is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides immediate defense for felony theft charges in Paterson and across Passaic County. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747.
What Is Grand Larceny in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the term “larceny” is encompassed within the broader statute of theft. Grand larceny, or grand theft, is not a separate crime but refers to theft offenses that rise to the level of a felony (indictable crime) based on the value of the property stolen or other specific circumstances. The governing law is N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2, which defines the degrees of theft.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Passaic Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
The statute classifies theft into distinct degrees. Theft becomes a crime of the third degree if the value of the property exceeds $500 but is less than $75,000. It is a crime of the second degree if the value is $75,000 or more. Certain items, like firearms, motor vehicles, or controlled dangerous substances, are automatically considered second or third-degree crimes regardless of their market value. A conviction for a second-degree theft charge carries a sentencing range of 5 to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison.
Official New Jersey Legal Resources
For the official text of the theft statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2 (official New Jersey Legislature site). For court procedures and forms, visit the Superior Court of New Jersey, Passaic Vicinage website.
Facing a Grand Theft Charge in Passaic County Court
Felony theft cases in Passaic County are prosecuted in the Superior Court, Law Division, located at 77 Hamilton Street in Paterson. The prosecution, typically led by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, must prove you unlawfully took or exercised control over movable property with the purpose of depriving the owner thereof. For a grand theft charge lawyer Passaic County, the immediate focus is challenging the state’s evidence on value, intent, and identification.
- Initial Appearance & Detention Hearing: You will be brought before a judge for a first appearance. For second-degree charges, the state may file a motion for pretrial detention. Your attorney must argue for your release on conditions.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The prosecution presents evidence to a grand jury. If indicted, your case proceeds in Superior Court. A strategic defense may involve presenting exculpatory evidence to the prosecutor pre-indictment.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your legal team will obtain all police reports, witness statements, and valuation evidence. Independent investigation into the property’s true value or your lack of intent is key.
- Plea Negotiations & Pre-Trial Conferences: Most cases are resolved before trial. Your attorney negotiates with the prosecutor for a reduction in degree (e.g., third-degree instead of second) or into a non-custodial probationary program.
- Trial: If no fair plea is offered, your case proceeds to a jury trial in the Passaic County Courthouse, where the state must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence based on New Jersey’s sentencing guidelines, which for second-degree crimes presumes imprisonment.
Penalties for Grand Larceny in Passaic County
In Passaic County, a grand larceny conviction can result in a state prison sentence, substantial fines, and a permanent felony record.
| Offense Degree | Value / Circumstance | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft – 2nd Degree | $75,000+; Firearms; Certain Drugs | 5 – 10 years (State Prison) | Up to $150,000 | Presumption of imprisonment; Permanent felony record; Restitution. |
| Theft – 3rd Degree | Over $500 but less than $75,000 | 3 – 5 years (State Prison) | Up to $15,000 | Possible prison term; Felony record; Restitution to victim. |
| Theft – 4th Degree* | $200 – $500 | Up to 18 months | Up to $10,000 | Disorderly persons offense; Jail time possible. |
*Note: Fourth-degree theft is a disorderly persons offense handled in Municipal Court, not Superior Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Defense Approach for Grand Larceny Charges
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to building a strong defense. Our approach is immediate and thorough. We scrutinize the prosecution’s valuation evidence, which is often flawed or exaggerated. We investigate intent, as the state must prove you purposely intended to deprive the owner of the property. Mistake of fact, claim of right, or lack of knowledge are valid defenses. For a felony theft defense lawyer Passaic County, we also explore procedural challenges, such as unlawful search and seizure or improper identification procedures.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific Passaic County results are not listed here, our firm-wide record across NJ, NY, VA, MD, and DC includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our focus is on achieving dismissals, reductions to lesser offenses, or alternative resolutions that avoid incarceration. Every grand larceny case is unique, and we dedicate our resources to protecting your future.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Grand Larceny Defense Serving Passaic County, NJ
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing charges at the Passaic County Courthouse in Paterson. We represent individuals in Paterson, Clifton, Wayne, Passaic City, Totowa, Little Falls, West Milford, Pompton Lakes, Hawthorne, Ringwood, and Wanaque.
24/7 Phone Consultations — (888) 437-7747 — Meetings By Appointment Only
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) 455-5120
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Grand Larceny in Passaic County
What makes theft a felony in New Jersey?
Yes. Theft is a felony (indictable crime) in New Jersey when the value of the property exceeds $500, making it a third-degree crime, or $75,000, making it a second-degree crime. Theft of specific items like firearms is also a felony regardless of value.
Can a grand larceny charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. In New Jersey, “misdemeanors” are called disorderly persons offenses. A skilled felony theft defense lawyer Passaic County can often negotiate to reduce a crimey of the third degree theft to a fourth-degree disorderly persons offense, especially for first-time offenders or where valuation is disputable, avoiding Superior Court and prison exposure.
What is the difference between robbery and grand larceny?
Robbery (N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1) involves theft accomplished by using force or threatening immediate force upon another person. Grand larceny, or felony theft, involves stealing property of significant value but does not involve force or threat against a person. Robbery carries more severe penalties.
Do I need a lawyer for a first-time grand theft charge?
Yes. Even a first-time grand theft charge is a serious felony with potential state prison time. Prosecutors in Passaic County aggressively pursue these cases. An experienced grand theft charge lawyer Passaic County is essential to protect your rights, challenge evidence, and seek an outcome that avoids a permanent felony record.
What are the long-term consequences of a grand larceny conviction?
A conviction results in a permanent felony criminal record, which can hinder employment, professional licensing, housing, and educational opportunities. You may also face difficulties obtaining loans, security clearances, and may be ineligible for certain government benefits. Restitution orders can create long-term financial burdens.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing theft charges, you may also want to learn about New Jersey Criminal Defense. For charges in neighboring areas, see our pages for a grand larceny lawyer Bergen County or a grand larceny lawyer Essex County. For other legal needs in Passaic County, we also handle DUI defense and federal criminal cases.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. For current guidance on your grand larceny case in Passaic County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Your case in Passaic 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 Passaic County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Passaic Vicinage (11th Vicinage), 77 Hamilton Street, Paterson, NJ 07505, telephone (973) 247-8000, 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 Passaic 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: Passaic County NJ lawyers directory · Grand Larceny Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Grand Larceny Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Grand Larceny Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.