Massachusetts G.L. c. 266, § 30: Larceny
If your charging documents reference G.L. c. 266, § 30, you are facing larceny charges in Massachusetts. Larceny is the legal term for theft — taking someone else's property without permission with the intent to permanently deprive them of it.
Whether this is charged as a misdemeanor or felony depends primarily on the value of the property involved.Understanding the specific charges against you and the potential consequences is an important first step in building your defense.
Call (978) 969-2890 for a free consultation.
Understanding Your Charges and Your Options
Being accused of stealing is frightening and humiliating, regardless of the circumstances. We understand how overwhelming this feels. For nearly 30 years, we have helped people facing theft charges understand their options and work toward the best possible outcome. Many larceny cases can be resolved favorably, especially for first-time offenders.
Call (978) 969-2890 for a free consultation.
Call (978) 969-2890 for a free consultation.
What Does G.L. c. 266, § 30 Prohibit?
Massachusetts G.L. c. 266, § 30 makes it a crime to steal, embezzle, or convert another person's property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. The statute covers many forms of theft, including traditional stealing, obtaining property by false pretenses (fraud), and embezzlement (converting property that was entrusted to you).
The law applies to all types of property, including money, personal belongings, real estate, electronics, trade secrets, and even data. The value of the property determines whether you face misdemeanor or felony charges, with $1,200 being the current threshold.
Special enhanced penalties apply when property is stolen from elderly persons (60 or older), persons with disabilities, or when the property stolen is a firearm.
What the Prosecution Must Prove
To convict you of this offense, the Commonwealth must prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
Taking and Carrying Away — You took and carried away property. Even briefly moving property from its original location can satisfy this element.
Property of Another — The property belonged to or was possessed by someone other than you. The Commonwealth must prove you did not have a legitimate ownership interest.
Intent to Permanently Deprive — You intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property. Borrowing with intent to return is not larceny, though proving this intent can be challenging.
The Commonwealth must prove ALL of these elements. Weakness in any single element can be the foundation of your defense.
Taking and Carrying Away — You took and carried away property. Even briefly moving property from its original location can satisfy this element.
Property of Another — The property belonged to or was possessed by someone other than you. The Commonwealth must prove you did not have a legitimate ownership interest.
Intent to Permanently Deprive — You intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property. Borrowing with intent to return is not larceny, though proving this intent can be challenging.
The Commonwealth must prove ALL of these elements. Weakness in any single element can be the foundation of your defense.
Penalties Under Massachusetts Law
Penalties for larceny depend on the value of the property stolen and the identity of the victim.
General Larceny Over $1,200 (Felony)
● Up to 5 years in state prison, OR
● Up to $25,000 fine and up to 2 years in house of correction
● Up to $25,000 fine and up to 2 years in house of correction
General Larceny Under $1,200 (Misdemeanor)
● Up to 1 year in house of correction, OR
● Fine up to $1,500
● Fine up to $1,500
Larceny of a Firearm (Felony)
● Up to 5 years in state prison, regardless of value
● Fine up to $25,000 and up to 2 years in house of correction
● Fine up to $25,000 and up to 2 years in house of correction
Larceny from Elderly (60+) or Disabled Person
● Over $250: Up to 10 years state prison OR up to 2.5 years house of correction, fine up to $50,000
● Under $250: Up to 2.5 years house of correction, fine up to $1,000
● Under $250: Up to 2.5 years house of correction, fine up to $1,000
Collateral Consequences
● Criminal record affecting employment opportunities
● Difficulty obtaining housing (landlord background checks)
● Professional license implications
● Immigration consequences for non-citizens
● Loss of certain civil rights
● Restitution orders requiring repayment to victim
● Difficulty obtaining housing (landlord background checks)
● Professional license implications
● Immigration consequences for non-citizens
● Loss of certain civil rights
● Restitution orders requiring repayment to victim
Related Criminal Charges
● G.L. c. 266, § 30A: Shoplifting — Specific statute for retail theft
● G.L. c. 266, § 20: Larceny in a Building — Enhanced penalties for theft from buildings
● G.L. c. 266, § 25: Larceny from the Person — Pickpocketing and purse snatching
● G.L. c. 266, § 60: Receiving Stolen Property — Knowingly buying or possessing stolen goods
● G.L. c. 266, § 127: Malicious Destruction of Property — Often charged alongside larceny
● G.L. c. 266, § 20: Larceny in a Building — Enhanced penalties for theft from buildings
● G.L. c. 266, § 25: Larceny from the Person — Pickpocketing and purse snatching
● G.L. c. 266, § 60: Receiving Stolen Property — Knowingly buying or possessing stolen goods
● G.L. c. 266, § 127: Malicious Destruction of Property — Often charged alongside larceny
Defending Against Larceny Charges
Larceny cases often present strong defense opportunities. The prosecution must prove you had specific intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property — not just that you took something. Honest belief that you had permission, ownership, or a right to the property can negate criminal intent.
We examine whether the property was actually abandoned, whether you had a good-faith belief in your right to the property, and whether the Commonwealth can prove the value of the items stolen. Evidence issues, witness credibility, and identification problems are common weaknesses in theft cases.
Many first-time larceny offenders qualify for pretrial diversion programs or dispositions that can result in dismissal and no criminal record.
We examine whether the property was actually abandoned, whether you had a good-faith belief in your right to the property, and whether the Commonwealth can prove the value of the items stolen. Evidence issues, witness credibility, and identification problems are common weaknesses in theft cases.
Many first-time larceny offenders qualify for pretrial diversion programs or dispositions that can result in dismissal and no criminal record.
What To Do Right Now
If you have been charged under G.L. c. 266, § 30, taking the right steps now can make a significant difference in your case.
● Do not talk to police without a lawyer present
● Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney
● Do not post anything about your case on social media
● Preserve any evidence that might help your defense
● Write down everything you remember while it is fresh
Contact an experienced Massachusetts criminal defense attorney immediately.
Call (978) 969-2890 — we answer 24/7.
● Do not talk to police without a lawyer present
● Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney
● Do not post anything about your case on social media
● Preserve any evidence that might help your defense
● Write down everything you remember while it is fresh
Contact an experienced Massachusetts criminal defense attorney immediately.
Call (978) 969-2890 — we answer 24/7.
We're Here To Help
Larceny charges can feel overwhelming, but there are often favorable options available — especially for first offenses.
We have spent nearly 30 years helping people through theft charges and understand how to work toward the best possible outcome. A free consultation gives you the opportunity to understand your charges and options. Everything we discuss is confidential.
Call 978-969-2890 for a free consultation. Serving Essex County, Middlesex County, and Suffolk County.
H. Ernest Stone, Attorney PC
900 Cummings Center, Suite 321-U
Beverly, MA 01915
Phones answered 24/7 by a real person.
We have spent nearly 30 years helping people through theft charges and understand how to work toward the best possible outcome. A free consultation gives you the opportunity to understand your charges and options. Everything we discuss is confidential.
Call 978-969-2890 for a free consultation. Serving Essex County, Middlesex County, and Suffolk County.
H. Ernest Stone, Attorney PC
900 Cummings Center, Suite 321-U
Beverly, MA 01915
Phones answered 24/7 by a real person.
We'll Get You Through the Storm
Contact our team today for a free consultation. We are available 24/7.
