Grand Larceny Lawyer Union County — Defending Felony Theft Charges
A grand larceny charge in Union County is a serious felony under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2, involving theft of property valued at $75,000 or more, punishable by 5-10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those accused of felony theft.
Understanding Grand Larceny Charges in New Jersey
In New Jersey, the crime of theft is graded based on the value of the property involved. Grand larceny, formally referred to as theft by unlawful taking, is defined under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2. The statute outlines that theft becomes a second-degree crime—grand larceny—when the value of the property is $75,000 or more. This is a significant threshold that distinguishes it from lesser theft offenses.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has built its practice on a deep understanding of how theft statutes are applied and defended in courts across New Jersey, including Union County.
Official 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 in Union County, visit the New Jersey Courts website for the Union Vicinage.
handling a Grand Larceny Case in Union County Superior Court
Grand larceny cases in Union County are prosecuted in the Law Division of the Superior Court in Elizabeth. Prosecutors in this vicinage often seek severe penalties for high-value thefts, making early and strategic intervention by a felony theft defense lawyer Union County critical. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knowingly took or exercised control over movable property of another with the purpose to deprive them of it, and that the property’s value met the $75,000 threshold.
- Arraignment & Plea: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty. Your attorney will secure all discovery from the prosecution.
- Pre-Indictment Phase: Your grand larceny lawyer Union County may negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce charges or present mitigating evidence before the case goes to a grand jury.
- Grand Jury & Indictment: The prosecution presents evidence to a grand jury. If indicted, the case proceeds in Superior Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence, challenge the valuation, or dismiss the case based on legal defects.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If a plea cannot be reached, your attorney will prepare for a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, your attorney will advocate for the most favorable sentence under the law, arguing for mitigating factors.
Penalties for Grand Larceny in Union County
In Union County, a conviction for second-degree grand larceny carries a state prison sentence of 5 to 10 years, significant fines, and a permanent felony record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft ≥ $75,000 | Crime of the 2nd Degree | 5-10 years (State Prison) | Up to $150,000 | Felony record, restitution, civil lawsuits, loss of professional licenses. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Grand Theft Charge
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 both sides of a criminal case. We approach each grand theft charge lawyer Union County case with a detailed strategy focused on challenging the state’s evidence, particularly the property valuation and the intent to deprive.
Our Approach to Grand Larceny Defense
We meticulously analyze every aspect of the prosecution’s case. A common defense involves challenging the methodology used to value the stolen property, as reaching the $75,000 threshold is essential for a second-degree charge. We also examine whether there was lawful authority or claim of right to the property, and scrutinize the evidence for any violations of your constitutional rights during the investigation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Grand Larceny Lawyer Near Union County, NJ
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Union County, including Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield. We are accessible via the NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Route 22, and I-78.
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) 637-5248
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Grand Larceny in Union County
What is the difference between grand larceny and petty larceny in NJ?
The difference is the value of the stolen property. Theft under $200 is a disorderly persons offense. Theft of $75,000 or more is second-degree grand larceny. Values in between are third or fourth-degree crimes.
Can a grand larceny charge be reduced in Union County?
It depends. A skilled felony theft defense lawyer Union County can often negotiate a reduction to a third-degree theft or a disorderly persons offense by challenging the property valuation or presenting mitigating evidence about the client’s background and circumstances.
What are the best defenses to a grand larceny charge?
Common defenses include mistaken valuation (property was worth less than $75,000), claim of right (you believed you were entitled to the property), lack of intent to permanently deprive, mistaken identity, and suppression of evidence obtained through an illegal search or seizure.
Is restitution mandatory in a grand larceny case?
Yes. If convicted, the court will almost always order you to pay full restitution to the victim for the value of the stolen property, also to any fines or prison sentence imposed.
Should I speak to the police if I’m accused of grand larceny?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately request to speak with a grand larceny lawyer Union County. Anything you say can be used against you.
Related Legal Services in Union County
If you are facing other serious charges, our firm also provides defense for federal crimes, DUI, and business litigation. For more information on theft crimes across New Jersey, visit our New Jersey criminal defense hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Bergen County and Middlesex County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your grand larceny charge in Union County.
Your case in Union 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 Union County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage (12th Vicinage), 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, telephone (908) 787-1650, 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 Union 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: Union County NJ lawyers directory · Grand Larceny Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Grand Larceny Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Grand Larceny Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.