Criminal Defense · Greensboro · High Point · Guilford County, NC
Charged with Theft or Larceny in Greensboro?
From misdemeanor shoplifting to Class C felony larceny, our Greensboro criminal lawyers defend clients throughout Guilford County and High Point with the experience your case demands.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHARGE
What Is Larceny Under North Carolina Law?
In North Carolina, larceny is defined as the unlawful taking of another person's property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. This can cover a broad range of theft, from retail theft and shoplifting to embezzlement, auto theft, and other forms of theft across Greensboro and the Triad. The key factor separating a misdemeanor from a felony in NC is the value of the property taken. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-72 is the governing statute and says that larceny of property worth less than $1,000 is generally a Class 1 Misdemeanor, while larceny valued at $1,000 or more—or involving certain protected property types — is usually charged as a felony. A single dollar over that amount can easily make it into a felony. If you've been arrested or charged in Guilford County, High Point, or anywhere in the Piedmont Triad, speaking with our experienced larceny lawyer in Greensboro, NC, as soon as possible will give you the best chance at a favorable outcome.
TYPES OF CHARGES
Misdemeanor vs. Felony Larceny in Greensboro, NC
Not all theft charges are equal — and the distinction between a misdemeanor and a felony can mean the difference between a small fine and years in state prison. Here's how North Carolina law breaks down larceny charges in Guilford County:
Note: Sentencing ranges depend on your prior record level under NC's structured sentencing guidelines. A skilled Guilford County larceny attorney will be able to calculate or see your prior record level and challenge it.
WHAT’S REALLY AT STAKE
A Larceny Conviction Costs You More Than You Think
In Greensboro and across North Carolina, a larceny conviction — even a misdemeanor — leaves a permanent mark on your record. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards routinely run background checks. A theft conviction signals dishonesty and can close doors for years.
Beyond incarceration, a conviction can result in:
Loss of professional licenses (nursing, real estate, contracting, financial services)
Immigration consequences — including deportation — for non-U.S. citizens
Ineligibility for certain public housing and federal benefits
Difficulty finding employment in Guilford County and beyond
A permanent criminal record visible to anyone who searches your name
The right felony larceny lawyer in Greensboro, NC can fight to keep a conviction off your record entirely — through dismissal, deferred prosecution, or a Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC).
HOW WE DEFEND YOU
Defense Strategies for Larceny Charges in Guilford County
Every larceny case is different. Our Greensboro criminal lawyers dig into the facts, challenge the evidence, and build the strongest possible defense for your unique situation.
Lack of Criminal Intent
Larceny requires the intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property. If you mistakenly walked out with an item, believed you had permission, or intended to return it, we can challenge the intent element and seek dismissal.
Disputed Property Valuation
The line between misdemeanor and felony larceny in NC often comes down to dollars. We regularly challenge inflated or improper valuations to keep charges at the misdemeanor level.
Mistaken Identity & Faulty Evidence
Surveillance footage is often grainy and misinterpreted. Witness identifications are notoriously unreliable. We scrutinize every piece of State evidence before a single hearing in Greensboro District or Superior Court.
Deferred Prosecution & First-Offender Programs
For first-time offenders, North Carolina offers deferred prosecution and Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC) options that can keep a conviction off your record permanently. Our High Point and Greensboro larceny lawyers negotiate aggressively for these outcomes.
Expungement of Prior Larceny Convictions
Already convicted? North Carolina's expungement law has expanded significantly. Under N.C.G.S. § 15A-145, many misdemeanor and even certain felony larceny convictions may be eligible for expungement. Ask us if you qualify.
WHY CHOOSE OUR FIRM
Greensboro's Trusted Larceny Defense Attorney
Inside Knowledge of Guilford County Courts
Attorney Aberle spent years in the Guilford County Public Defender's Office — meaning he's argued cases in these exact courtrooms, against these exact prosecutors, before these exact judges. That firsthand experience is your advantage.
Serving All of the Triad
From Greensboro to High Point, Reidsville to Eden — we serve clients across Guilford and Rockingham counties.
Dedicated Criminal Defense in Greensboro
As a boutique criminal defense firm, larceny and theft cases are a core part of our practice. From first appearances to trial, you get a Board Certified criminal law attorney who knows these charges inside and out.
Record Expungement Help in Guilford County
Beyond the case, we help eligible clients clear their records under North Carolina's updated expungement statutes — giving you a true fresh start.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your Larceny Questions Answered
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It depends on the value of the merchandise. Shoplifting items worth less than $1,000 is typically charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor larceny in NC. If the value exceeds $1,000 — or if you have prior shoplifting convictions — it can be elevated to a felony. Three or more prior convictions for shoplifting may be charged as a Class H felony regardless of dollar amount. A Greensboro theft lawyer can review the specifics of your charge and advise you on the best path forward.
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Yes, in many cases. North Carolina allows expungement of certain misdemeanor and felony larceny convictions after a waiting period, and dismissed charges can often be expunged immediately. The rules expanded significantly in recent years. A top-rated larceny lawyer in NC can review your full record and advise whether you qualify for expungement under N.C.G.S. § 15A-145.
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Robbery involves taking property directly from a person using force or threats. Larceny is taking property without any confrontation. Robbery carries much harsher penalties — common law robbery is a Class G felony, and armed robbery is a Class D felony with a mandatory minimum sentence. If you've been charged with either offense in Guilford County, you need a criminal defense attorney immediately.
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A Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC) is a unique North Carolina legal outcome where the court accepts your guilt but does not enter a formal judgment — meaning no conviction appears on your record. It is not automatic; it requires skilled negotiation with the prosecutor and court. Our Guilford County larceny attorneys regularly pursue PJCs for first-time and qualifying repeat offenders.
Where We Practice
Serving Greensboro, High Point & All of Guilford County
Our larceny defense attorneys represent clients charged in every Guilford County courthouse, as well as neighboring counties throughout the Piedmont Triad. Whether you need a High Point larceny lawyer, a Guilford County larceny lawyer, or a criminal defense attorney anywhere in the Triad — we're here.