Massachusetts Theft Crimes Attorney

Charged With Larceny or Shoplifting in Massachusetts?

If you’ve been charged with a theft crime in Massachusetts, you are facing serious consequences, including jail time, fines, probation, restitution, and a permanent criminal record that can affect your employment, professional license, and immigration status.

Massachusetts Theft Crimes Attorney Patrick Donovan is a former prosecutor who defends people accused of:

Call Attorney Donovan at (617) 479-1800 for a free, confidential consultation.

Early intervention can mean the difference between a dismissal and a conviction.

Why You Need an Experienced Massachusetts Theft Lawyer

Theft cases are often built on:

Surveillance footage
Store security reports
Witness identification
Financial records
Statements made to police

Many cases look strong at first but fall apart under experienced legal scrutiny.

As a former Assistant District Attorney, Attorney Donovan knows:

How prosecutors evaluate theft cases
When evidence is weak
How to challenge intent
How to negotiate dismissals or reduced charges
When to push a case to trial

His goal is straightforward: avoid a conviction, protect your record, and preserve your future.

What Is Considered Theft in Massachusetts?

Under Massachusetts law, theft (often called larceny) is taking another person’s property without consent, with the intent to permanently deprive them of it.

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft

Larceny under $1200 – Misdemeanor
Larceny over $1200 – Felony

The value of the property determines the severity of the charge and the potential penalties.

Even a misdemeanor conviction can:

Appear on background checks
Impact job applications
Affect housing
Harm professional licensing
Create immigration consequences

Common Theft Charges We Defend

Larceny Under $1200

Often charged in shoplifting and small property cases. Although it is a misdemeanor, it can still result in probation, fines, and a criminal record.

Larceny Over $1200 (Felony)

A felony offense that can carry state prison exposure. These cases often involve alleged schemes, check fraud, or larger property loss.

Shoplifting

Retail theft cases frequently rely on store security or loss prevention testimony, which often leaves room to challenge the case.

Receiving Stolen Property

The prosecution must prove you knew the property was stolen, which is often a weak point in the case.

Credit Card Fraud

Financial transaction cases require detailed proof of intent and authorization.

Larceny by Check

Frequently arises from business disputes or misunderstandings rather than criminal intent.

Embezzlement

Often involves workplace accusations. These cases require careful, strategic defense.

Potential Penalties for Theft in Massachusetts

Depending on the charge, penalties may include:

Jail or House of Correction sentence
State prison (felony cases)
Fines
Restitution
Probation
Permanent criminal record

Judges also consider prior offenses. Repeat theft charges carry enhanced penalties.

Real Case Result – Felony Larceny Dismissed

Court: Barnstable District Court
Charges:

Larceny Over $1200
Larceny by Single Scheme
Forgery
Uttering

The client faced six criminal charges and significant jail exposure.

Attorney Donovan challenged the credibility of the evidence, exposed weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and prepared thoroughly for trial.

Outcome: all charges dismissed before trial.

No conviction. No criminal record.

Every case is different. This result was obtained in specific factual and legal circumstances and does not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case.

Strategic Defenses to Theft Charges

Every case is different, but common defenses include:

Lack of intent
Mistaken identity
Insufficient proof of value
No knowledge property was stolen
False accusations
Civil dispute disguised as a criminal case

An experienced Massachusetts theft crimes attorney can identify the weaknesses that make dismissal possible.

Can a Theft Charge Be Dismissed?

Yes. Many theft cases can be resolved through:

Pre-trial negotiations
Diversion programs
Continuance without a finding (CWOF)
Dismissal at trial

The key is early, strong representation.

Theft Charges and Your Criminal Record

A conviction can follow you for years. It may affect:

Employment
Graduate school applications
Professional licenses
Immigration status
Housing opportunities

In some cases, records may be sealed, but avoiding a conviction is always the better outcome.

Why Choose Patrick Donovan?

Former Massachusetts prosecutor
20+ years of criminal defense experience
Extensive trial experience
Focused on dismissals and protecting your record
Personal representation from the attorney handling your case
Free, confidential consultation

You are not just a case number, and your defense should be built around the specific facts of your case.

Speak With a Massachusetts Theft Crimes Attorney Today

If you’ve been charged with a theft offense, do not speak to police or loss prevention without a Massachusetts theft crimes attorney.

Call Attorney Donovan at (617) 479-1800. Serving Boston, Quincy, and all of Massachusetts, available 24/7 for urgent situations.

One accusation does not have to define your future.

THEFT CRIMES