NSW WOMAN CHARGED WITH LARCENY: CRIMINAL LAW ANALYSIS
The criminal offence of larceny in NSW is a serious indictable offence that can result in severe punishment and consequences. Criminal Lawyers Group have been nationally recognised as the top criminal law firm in NSW for securing the best outcomes for clients who have been charged with the criminal offence of larceny.
If you or anyone you know have been accused or charged with the criminal offence of larceny, contact our award-winning team of expert criminal lawyers at Criminal Lawyers Group immediately for a free consultation.
WHAT IS THE CRIMINAL OFFENCE OF LARCENY?
The criminal offence of Larceny is commonly referred to as theft or stealing and is constituted as a criminal offence under Section 117 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), which states that “Whosoever commits larceny, or any indictable offence by this Act made punishable like larceny, shall, except in the cases hereinafter otherwise provided for, be liable to imprisonment for five years.”
The legislation does not define the criminal offence of larceny, but rather it is derived from common law. The elements that must be proven for a conviction of larceny are:
- The property belonged to someone other than the accused;
- The property was taken and carried away;
- The property was taken without the consent of the owner;
- The property was taken with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of it; and
- The property was taken dishonestly.
INTENT TO RETURN PROPERTY NOT A DEFENCE
Section 118 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) states that if the accused appropriated the property in question to the accused’s own use, or for the accused’s own benefit, or that of another, an intention to eventually return the property that was subject of the larceny charge is not a defence to guilt.
WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF THE CRIMINAL OFFENCE OF LARCENY?
Example of the criminal offence of larceny include, but are not limited to:
- Stealing someone’s wallet.
- Shoplifting, including intentionally failing to scan all items at a self-serve register.
- Stealing a bicycle from outside a shop.
If you are unsure whether your alleged conduct constituted the criminal offence of larceny, contact us immediately.
WHAT OTHER PENALTIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE CRIMINAL OFFENCE OF LARCENY?
Other than the maximum term of 5 years imprisonment available under Section 117 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), other penalties available for a conviction of larceny include an Intensive Corrections Order (ICO), Community Corrections Order (CCO), Community Release Order (CRO) with or without conviction and a Fine.
If the matter is finalised in the Local Court, the maximum penalty available is capped at 2 years imprisonment for a single offence.
CAN I GET BAIL FOR A CHARGE OF LARCENY?
Yes, you may be granted bail on a charge of larceny. Our expert criminal lawyers at Criminal Lawyers Group were awarded the best law firm in NSW for securing bail for our clients who have been charged with serious criminal offences, including larceny.
WOMAN CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL OFFENCE OF LARCENY
A woman has been charged with two counts of the criminal offence of larceny and two counts of aggravated break and enter to commit a serious indictable offence in company, following fires which allegedly targeted two Pilates studios on the Central Coast on the same morning of 21 January 2026.
One of the fires was reported to have knocked out the facade of a neighbouring altitude training business.
The accused woman was arrested by arson investigators at Kemps Creek on 2 July 2026, almost 6 months after the fires.
The woman was granted bail and is scheduled to appear in court on 28 August 2026.
CONTACT CRIMINAL LAWYERS GROUP NOW
If you or anyone you know have been accused or charged with the criminal offence of larceny, contact our specialised criminal lawyers at Criminal Lawyers Group immediately for a free consultation so that we may secure the best outcome for you.
Our award-winning team of criminal law experts are nationally recognised for securing not guilty verdicts, bail and the withdrawal of charges for our clients across NSW who have been charged with the criminal offence of larceny.