Legal Definitions - aggravated larceny

Aggravated larceny refers to a form of theft that is considered more serious than simple larceny due to specific circumstances surrounding the crime. While larceny generally involves the unlawful taking of another person's property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it, 'aggravated' status is applied when factors such as the exceptionally high value of the stolen property, the use of force or threats against a person, or the particular manner or location of the theft make the offense more severe, leading to harsher penalties.

Here are some examples illustrating aggravated larceny:

• Example 1: High Value Property

  A thief breaks into a secure private collection and steals a rare antique manuscript valued at several million dollars. This would be considered aggravated larceny because the extraordinary monetary value of the stolen item significantly increases the severity of the offense beyond a typical theft.

• Example 2: Use of Force or Threat

  While a person is withdrawing cash from an ATM, an assailant approaches them from behind, brandishes a knife, and demands their money. The assailant then takes the cash and flees. This constitutes aggravated larceny because the theft involved the use of a weapon and the threat of violence against the victim to facilitate the taking of their property, making it a much more serious crime than a non-violent theft.

• Example 3: Specific Circumstances of the Theft

  An individual uses a sophisticated device to bypass the alarm system of a high-end electronics store after closing hours, enters the premises, and steals a large quantity of the latest model smartphones and laptops from a locked display. This is an example of aggravated larceny due to the deliberate planning, the use of specialized tools to overcome security, and the significant value of the items stolen from a commercial establishment, all of which escalate the seriousness of the theft.