New York Private Investigator Regulations Practice Exam

What constitutes grand larceny?

1. Theft of any amount of money

2. Unlawful taking of property valued at more than $1000

3. Theft involving physical violence

4. Fraudulent claims of ownership

The correct answer is: Unlawful taking of property valued at more than $1000

Grand larceny is specifically defined as the unlawful taking of property that is valued at more than a certain dollar amount, which in many jurisdictions, including New York, is set at $1,000. This legal distinction is important because it categorizes theft into different degrees based on the value of the property taken. In the case of grand larceny, the crime is considered more serious because of the higher value involved, thereby resulting in more severe legal penalties. In contrast, theft of any amount of money does not accurately reflect the legal definition of grand larceny. While theft is a broad term encompassing various forms of taking property unlawfully, it does not by itself categorize the crime based on the value involved. Similarly, theft involving physical violence relates to robbery rather than grand larceny, which does not necessarily require any force or threat. Lastly, fraudulent claims of ownership, while a form of deceitful conduct, falls under a different legal category that pertains to fraud rather than larceny. Hence, understanding the definition of grand larceny is crucial for recognizing the elements of theft based on property value.