Legal Question in Criminal Law in Nevada

Facing grand larceny charges, what are the options?

My brother in law got drunk in Vegas over the weekend, took a laptop at the airport that wasn't his, was arrested and now faces grand larceny charges. He did take a laptop to vegas, but being drunk left it in the hotel, so in his drunken state he saw a laptop at the airport check-in, thought it was his and just took it. Of course, he is totally freaking out. He is 29, clean record, never been arrested or gotten in trouble with the law. What is he looking at here? He hasn't talked to a public defendant yet but private lawyers want $6,000 or so to represent him. What should he do? Could a public defendant get this charge dropped to a misdemeanor? Should he try to plea? Thanks for any advice.


Asked on 3/26/07, 6:05 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
James Smith James E. Smith Ltd.

Re: Facing grand larceny charges, what are the options?

Generally first offense grand larcenies are reduced to misdemeanor petty larcenies with restitution and petty larceny school and a fine. Most private attorneys are going to charge you $5,000 for a felony but you may be able to make a deal that they just take $2,500 if a deal is made at the prelimary hearing. Of course larceny requires an intent to steal, and the D.A. would have to prove it. However, it would probably cost your brother $10,000 to take the case to trial. Otherwise a public defender can handle this case if your brother qualifies for one.

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Answered on 3/26/07, 6:10 pm
Joseph Scalia Joseph A. Scalia & Associates

Re: Facing grand larceny charges, what are the options?

1) He should not plead Guilty- and, in fact, he is not guilty because he never had the intention to steal a laptop.

2) Once he enters a "Not Guilty" plea the matter would be set for "preliminary hearing" at which point the state would have to produce witnesses.

3) More likely then not, this case would be negotiated at that time-if he is clean, the case should be resolved without a criminal conviction- provided he can stay out of trouble.

4) If he can afford attorney, he should pay for one. The PD's office is very busy.

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Answered on 3/26/07, 7:16 pm


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