Larceny in the Third Degree — C.G.S. § 53a-124

“Larceny in the third degree” sounds technical, but it typically boils down to accusations that property or services worth more than $2,000 and up to $10,000 were taken. These cases often come out of shoplifting rings, contractor/customer disputes, vehicle/property thefts, and digital scams. The good news: there are many defenses—especially around intent, ownership, valuation, and what actually counts as “taking.”

A person commits larceny in the third degree when they wrongfully take, obtain, or withhold property or services from another, with intent to deprive the owner, and the value falls over $2,000 up to $10,000 (or the statute’s other covered scenarios). Classification: Class D felony.

If convicted, you face:

• Up to 5 years in prison
• A fine up to $5,000
• Up to 3 years of probation
• A felony record that can affect jobs, licensing, housing, and immigration

A pair of laptops and tablets totaling $3,200 are removed from a retailer without payment. Value over $2,000 makes this third-degree larceny.

A contractor takes a $2,850 deposit and never orders materials or schedules work, then stops responding. If the facts show an intent to defraud rather than a mere breach of contract, prosecutors may charge third-degree larceny.

A used car valued at $4,600 is taken from a driveway and found a week later. Value places it in third degree (separate motor-vehicle statutes can also be implicated, but by value it fits here).

Taking a $750 phone is larceny, but not third degree—the value is below $2,000. This would typically fall into a lower-degree larceny.

• Larceny in the First Degree— C.G.S. § 53a-122
• Larceny in the Second Degree— C.G.S. § 53a-123
• Larceny in the Fourth Degree— C.G.S. § 53a-125
• Larceny in the Fifth Degree— C.G.S. § 53a-125a
• Larceny in the Sixth Degree— C.G.S. § 53a-125b
• General Definition of Larceny / Theft of Services— C.G.S. § 53a-119
• Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (related contexts)— C.G.S. § 53a-126et seq.

• No intent to steal— Good-faith claim of right, misunderstanding, or intention to pay/return.
• Valuation disputes— If the State can’t prove the value exceeds $2,000, the charge may drop to a lower degree.
• Ownership/consent issues— Borrowing with permission, or honest belief you had authority to take or use the item.
• Insufficient proof— Gaps in surveillance, identification, chain of custody, or proof of “withholding.”
• Contract vs. crime— Civil breach (poor performance/dispute) is not the same as criminal intent to defraud.

AR is often available for eligible first-time offenders charged with Class D felonies. If granted and completed (sometimes with restitution or community service), the case is dismissed and erased. Because AR is limited, use it strategically—if proof of value or intent is weak, it may be worth litigating for a reduction or dismissal.

More than $2,000 and up to $10,000 in property or services, based on fair market value at the time and place of the alleged offense.

Yes—Connecticut treats shoplifting as a form of larceny. The degree depends on value and facts (single act vs. organized activity).

Intent matters. If the State can’t prove intent to permanently deprive or withhold, that weakens the case. Returning items helps but doesn’t automatically end a prosecution.

Sometimes. Under certain circumstances, prosecutors argue aggregation when multiple takings are part of one scheme. Defense can challenge aggregation and valuation.

Receipts, inventory systems, appraisals, expert testimony, and fair-market comparisons. Disputing how value is calculated can reduce the degree.

Not by itself. A breach of contract is civil. It becomes criminal only if the State proves intent to defraud (e.g., taking money with no plan to perform from the start).

Possible, but many first-time cases resolve with AR, conditional dismissals, or non-jail outcomes—especially with restitution and no prior record.

Yes. If value or intent is contested, negotiations can lead to lower-degree larceny (or non-larceny resolutions), depending on the facts.

Degree still often turns on value, though motor-vehicle statutes and insurance issues can overlap. Defense will parse which statute applies.

Don’t make statements without counsel, gather receipts/communications, and address restitution early when appropriate. The sooner you get a lawyer involved, the better your options.

A third-degree larceny charge does not have to define your future. We push on intent, value, and proof, explore reductions, and use AR strategically to protect your record.

📞 Call (203) 357-5555 or reach out through my contact page for a confidential case review. Let’s get your defense moving today.