Nevada theft crimes may carry high fines and long prison times. And if you ever apply for a job, the employer may pass you over once they see a theft conviction on your record.

Our Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys have been very successful in getting theft charges lowered to less serious offenses or even dismissed so your criminal record stays clean. And if necessary, we are always prepared to fight for you at trial.

Below is a list of links to all our Nevada theft offense information pages including larceny, shoplifting, burglary, robbery, auto-theft, and possession of stolen goods.

• Petit larceny (NRS 205.240)

Petit larceny is the theft of money or property that is valued at less than $1,200. An example of petit larceny is going to a food stand at Cashman Field and taking a hot dog without paying. Prosecutors will usually dismiss a first-time offense in exchange for restitution, a fine and Petit Larceny School. Go to our page on petit larceny.

• Grand larceny (NRS 205.220)

Grand larceny is stealing money or property that is valued at $1,200 or more. Taking a famous painting from the Bellagio Art Gallery would be charged as grand larceny. In many cases these charges result from misunderstandings or accidents where no criminal activity occurred. Read more about grand larceny.

• Shoplifting (NRS 205.220 & NRS 205.240)

Retail theft is a kind of larceny involving the taking of store merchandise without paying first. Stealing a handbag from Dillard’s in the Fashion Show Mall would be considered shoplifting. Often the D.A. will be willing to reduce or dismiss these charges if you pay restitution and take a class about theft crimes. Learn more about shoplifting.

• Mail theft (NRS 205.___)

Mail theft is knowingly taking or possessing someone else’s mail, such as Amazon packages, or mail key. This is always a category D felony no matter the value. (AB-272 (2023)) Read more about mail theft.

• Burglary (NRS 205.060)

Burglary theft is the act of entering a building or vehicle with the intent to steal inside. Therefore someone who breaks into a Henderson home with the purpose of stealing a widescreen TV may be charged with burglary. If the prosecutor cannot prove that, at the time you entered the car or structure, you intended to steal property…then Las Vegas burglary charges cannot be sustained. Read more about burglary.

• Robbery (NRS 200.380)

Robbery is the taking of another’s personal property by using force or threats. A classic example is holding up a cashier at a North Las Vegas gas station. it is not uncommon for people to be wrongly accused of this offense because of misidentifications made by witnesses: Robbers typically wear ski masks, and robberies often happen too fast for anyone to get a clear picture of the culprit. For more go to our page on robbery.

• Larceny from a person (NRS 205.270)

This is the legal name for “pick-pocketing.” Often the stealing happens so stealthily that the victim does not realize he/she has been stolen from until later when they cannot find the property. Unlike robbery, larceny from a person does not require the use of force or threats: For example, confronting a woman on the Strip and demanding her purse would be charged as robbery because the victim was threatened. But taking her purse while she is not looking is “larceny from a person” because no force or threats were used. Learn more at our page on larceny from a person.

• Stolen property (NRS 200.275)

It is illegal to possess or receive property that you know has been stolen. But you have committed no offense if you did not know (or should have known) that it was stolen: For example, buying a watch from someone you recognize from the Las Vegas Sun as a wanted thief could make you liable for receipt of stolen property. Read more at our page on possession of stolen property.

• Possession of lost property (NRS 205.0832(d))

If you find property in Nevada you know is lost, you may not keep it unless you take reasonable measures to find the rightful owner first. For example, if you find a purse at a mall, you should look for the ID and contact the owner or else turn it over to security. Read more in our article on theft of lost property.

• Embezzlement (NRS 205.300)

Embezzlement is when a person steals property that originally he/she was legally in possession of. An example is failing to return a rented car on time. Read more in our article on theft of embezzlement.

• Bait purse theft (NRS 205.0832(d))

If you find a purse, wallet or other item in a public place such as a casino, it may be a plant by local police looking to arrest would-be thieves. For example, if you find a wallet at a casino, best just to ignore it and alert security. If you take it for yourself, you could be arrested for theft. Read more in our article on bait purse theft.

• Looting

Looting typically occurs during riots, protests, or natural or man-made disasters. Either way, it is illegal. Read more in our article on looting.

• Possession of a stolen vehicle (NRS 200.273)

It is unlawful not only to steal a car but also to buy or possess a car that you know is stolen. But you are not liable if you were not aware that the car was stolen: For instance, it is criminal to buy a car when there is something suspicious about the sale (such as no title papers) that would tip off a reasonable person that the car is stolen. For more go to our page on possession of a stolen vehicle.

• Grand larceny of a motor vehicle (NRS 200.228)

Auto-theft is the intentional stealing of a car. Examples are failing to return a rented car at the Las Vegas airport, or failing to pay for a car you bought in the Valley Auto Mall. Note that borrowing a car when you honestly believe the owner gave you permission to is not auto-theft. For more read our page on grand larceny of a motor vehicle.

• Grand larceny of a firearm
  

Stealing a firearm is always a felony in Nevada, even if the gun was not worth much money. For more read our page on the Las Vegas crime of grand larceny of a firearm.

• Trick-rolling

Trick-rolling occurs when an alleged prostitute steals money or other property from a customer. A person may be prosecuted for trick-rolling whether or not any sex took place. Trick-rolling may be prosecuted as a robbery or larceny from a person depending on whether the prostitute used force or threats. To learn more go to our page on trick-rolling.

Accused of theft in Nevada? Call us . . . .

Our Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys may be able to get your theft charges lessened to lower charges or dropped completely. Call us for a consultation.

See our related articles, When is “theft” charged as a felony in Nevada? and Nevada Theft Laws – 5 that are most common.

In California? Go to our article on California theft crimes.

If you are an immigrant, note that theft may be a crime involving moral turpitude. It is important you retain counsel right away to try to get the charge dismissed or changed to a non-removable offense.