Long Island Theft Defense Lawyer

Call Now To Speak With Me Immediately

What are Theft Charges in New York?

Theft crimes can run the gamut from very serious crimes to minor misdemeanors. A person can be charged for something like shoplifting, embezzling, or outright stealing property from someone else. These crimes all carry the potential for fines or incarceration, and the severity of the penalty often increases with the value of the item or money stolen. One of the first steps after someone has been charged with a theft crime is understanding what the crime means and what consequences may come from the charge.

It is important to know that while some states may still have specific statutes for crimes like embezzlement or shoplifting, New York places these crimes under the umbrella term of larceny. So, while someone may have committed an act of embezzlement, the charge itself will be larceny.

Related Charges

NY PENAL § 155.25: The Charge of Petit Larceny

Theft of Property

Read

NY PENAL § 155.30: Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree

The Fourth Tier of Grand Larceny in New York

Read

NY PENAL § 155.35: Grand Larceny in the Third Degree

The Third Tier of Grand Larceny in New York

Read

NY PENAL § 155.40: Grand Larceny in the Second Degree

The Second Tier of Grand Larceny

Read

NY PENAL § 155.42: The Charge of Grand Larceny in the First Degree

First Degree Grand Larceny is the theft of property worth more than $1 million

Read

NY PENAL § 165.40: Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fifth Degree

Knowingly Possessing Stolen Property in New York

Read

What are Larceny Crimes?

Petit Larceny

This is the crime most often associated with shoplifting, but it is not necessarily limited to shoplifting, nor does shoplifting always qualify as petit larceny. Almost certainly, if someone walks out of a store with goods from the store, he or she will be charged with petit larceny, and possibly other, more serious theft charges. A person can be charged with petit larceny, even if he or she does not leave with the stolen items. Mere possession of a stolen item can be enough to justify this misdemeanor charge. This does not mean that picking up an item and putting it into a basket is enough to justify such a charge, but concealing the item by placing it in a pocket could.

The penalties for petit larceny typically increase with the amount stolen and/or the number of prior acts. The penalty may be simply community service or a fine, but where the value of the item stolen is greater or the defendant has a prior record, there is a greater possibility of increased fine or even jail time. If the value of the item stolen is more than $1,000.00, then this otherwise misdemeanor offense could become a felony.

Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree

A person may be charged with grand larceny in the fourth degree where the property stolen is valued at more than $1,000.00, but it is not limited to a specific value. Certain other items, like secret scientific material, a credit card, or a public record, can qualify for a fourth degree grand larceny charge. This may apply whether the property is taken from another person or is only given as the result of extortion. Other items like religious items over the value of $100.00 used in religious services and certain chemicals used in the manufacture of methamphetamine qualify for class E felony.

A charge of fourth degree grand larceny has no mandatory minimum sentence for a first time offender, but there is a potential for up to four years in prison, whether the person is a first time or repeat offender.

Grand Larceny in the Third Degree

The theft of certain property may qualify for third degree grand larceny, if the stolen item(s) are more than $3,000.00 in value. This statute also applies if the property is related to an ATM, either the ATM contents or the ATM itself. This class D felony could lead to two to seven years in jail for a first time offender. For a repeat offender, the sentence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two to four years and could mean as many as seven years in prison.

Grand Larceny in the Second Degree

Though this may not be the most serious grand larceny crime in New York, second degree grand larceny can have severe consequences. A person may be charged with grand larceny where the property stolen is valued at more than $50,000.00 or up to $1,000,000.00. For even a first time offender, second degree grand larceny can end in a prison sentence of five to fifteen years. For repeat offenders, there is a mandatory minimum of anywhere between three to six years and a possible maximum sentence of seven-and-a-half years to fifteen years in prison for this class C felony.

Grand Larceny in the First Degree

The most serious of the larceny and theft crimes in New York, a charge of first degree grand larceny can potentially result in a quarter of a century in prison. This class B felony applies where the value of the stolen property is more than $1,000,000.00. Unlike the other charges, which do not have a mandatory minimum sentence for first time offenders, first degree grand larceny requires at least one to three years behind bars and potentially as many as 25 years in prison.

What Constitutes Theft or Larceny?

There are a number of acts that do not have a separate subsection under the theft or felony statutes. Instead, these acts are, themselves, considered larceny. Though “theft” and “larceny” may evoke certain images of bank heists or simply stealing a purse from a woman on the street, these may also include such acts as embezzlement, mortgage fraud, criminal tax fraud, and health care fraud.

What is Criminal Possession of Stolen Property?

If someone knowingly possess stolen property and that person is either preventing the owner from retrieving the property, a charge of criminal possession of stolen property could follow. Possession may be something as simple as seconds, hours, days or even years after the theft, and the person charged with possession does not have to have participated in the actual theft.

Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fifth Degree

This is the least severe of the stolen property offenses and is a class A misdemeanor. The crime contains the possible penalty of up to on year in jail. To be charged with this crime requires only to possess property the person knows is stolen and intentionally keeping it from the owner or benefiting from the possession. No participation in the theft is required. These charges are most often associated with shoplifting and other minor theft crimes.

Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree

This possession charge is a class E felony that can lead to one to four years in prison, as well as fines or other charges. Though the circumstances are the same as with the fifth degree of this charge, the value of the property is more than $1,000.00 but no more than $3,000.00.

Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree

Like the other criminal possession charges, the facts are the same, but the value of the property is the key difference; if the property is valued at more than $3,000.00 but no more than $50,000.00, then this charge will apply. This class D felony can lead to two years to as many as seven years in prison, depending on the circumstances of the crime, and whether the person charged has any prior arrests.

Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Second Degree

When the value of the property exceeds $50,000.00, a person may be charged with second degree criminal possession of stolen property. This class C felony can result in up to fifteen years in state prison.

Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the First Degree

A person may be charged with first degree criminal possession where the property is in excess of $1 million. This is a class B felony with a mandatory minimum sentence of at least one year if the person has no prior charges or three years if the person has prior charges. This charge also carries with it a possible maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. These charges are a result of stealing property that is valued at more than $1,000,000.00.

Are there Other Theft Crimes?

There are a number of other charges that typically fall under the broader category of theft. These include the unauthorized use of a vehicle, misapplication of property, auto stripping’ theft of services’ unauthorized sale of transportation services; unlawful use of credit card, debit card, or public benefit card; and even fortune telling.

What is Attempt?

Like many crimes, there is also the possibility of a charge of attempted grand larceny, even if the crime is never actually committed. Attempt typically applies where a significant step toward the crime of larceny has been taken. For instance, if a person is intending to use fake checks to steal from another person’s bank account and makes the checks but never uses them, the State would argue a significant step has been taken.

What do Some of the Terms Mean?

To better understand a theft charge, it is helpful to understand the terms as New York law interprets them. It can give a better understanding of the crime to the person who has been charged and give them the opportunity to prepare a defense.

Repeat Offenders

A repeated offender is called a predicate felon in New York law. These individuals have been charged with a felony in the last ten years, and as a result can be subject to mandatory minimum prison sentences under the law, regardless of any mitigating evidence. Prior offenses, even those that are not felonies, can make a judge issue harsher rulings.

Obtaining Property and Appropriating

Merely obtaining property is to transfer the property of one person to another, whether it is the person who commits the act of theft or to a third party. To appropriate property is to exercise control over property for an extended period that grants the person appropriating a major part of the economic value of the property or to dispose of the property not on behalf of the owner.

Depriving Another of Property

A person may deprive another of property by withholding it or destroying it. The most important part of the definition of depriving another of that person’s property is the idea that the person who has been stolen is prevented from or cannot reclaim the property appropriating.

Value of Stolen Property

In determining the value of a piece of stolen property, the State will typically use the market value of that property as the basis for that calculation. This can include the value of a similar item, like the going value for a particular car, the value of a similar piece of jewelry, or the going rate for a ticket to a similar event. If the market value of an item is unknown and cannot be determined by market value, the Court will normally determine value based upon the cost to replace the stolen property.

What are the Possible Consequences?

Not only is prison time a real possibility with New York’s various theft crimes, but being charged with stealing from another can have serious consequences. Theft can often be a dealbreaker if someone finds such a charge in your background. Most companies conduct a criminal background search on their employees, whether it is just prior to hiring or immediately following. If an employer learns that a current or potential employee may have a criminal history of theft, it can make the employer less likely to trust the employee with financial matters.

It is also important that those charged with a theft crime take it seriously the first time around, as some crimes have mandatory minimum sentences, requiring several years in prison, at least. Even where a charge does not have a required minimum sentence, a prior charge or conviction can make a judge less willing to issue a shorter prison sentence or community service in lieu of a criminal conviction.

That is why it is so important to hire an attorney immediately, so that an experienced attorney can work to mount a strong defense against the State’s case. Attorneys can also help to ensure that police do not violate someone’s rights by conducting improper searches or warrants. They can act as guides through the often confusing legal world and guide the person charged.

Experienced Representation In All Criminal Defense Matters

Call Now To Speak With Me Immediately

Past Client Testimonials

Past Client Testimonials

I was falsely accused of grand larceny. For someone who has never been arrested, I was in shock. I complied with the police because I respect the law and assumed they would recognize the accuser’s lie and let me go. Little did I realize the criminal justice system treats you as guilty, until proven innocent. The opposite of what I thought. Scott walked me through the painful process of proving my innocence. His knowledge of the law and empathy towards me, helped me survive the process and get a full dismissal. I unequivocally recommend Scott as your defense attorney. Thank you Scott!

Anonymous

Scott Limmer helped me through a difficult very situation. He was professional and guided me through the entire process with clarity and honest guidance. Most importantly, he had my trust through everything. He was responsive to any questions I had, and always returned my calls or emails. I never doubted that he undeniably had my best interests at heart. Thank you again Scott and I will most definitely recommend you to anyone that is in trouble and needs help.

Anonymous

I was charged with Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument and my confidant charged with unregistered vehicle and other traffic summons. I called Scott Limmer the next day, he was straight forward, and well versed about the charge we were hit with. Mr. Limmer was interested and he had our best interest which was to get our cases dismissed. He was willing to go to trial and fight. The cost were given from the start, no hidden fees. Scott Limmer is straight forward, a fighter, accommodating, articulate, caring, knowledgeable and he will have your best interest genuinely. Which is rare these days. He always tell me if anything in the future comes up, in which my case may be brought up against me, he said call him. That's a good lawyer right there!

Anonymous

Mr. Limmer is a total professional. He truly cares about his clients. Mr. Limmer helped my son out of a tough situation. He guided my son with complete honesty. He is very responsive and knowledgeable. He spoke to us in layman’s terms and prepared us for what to expect before each appearance. His efficiency allowed us to feel confident that his experience would help get us the best possible outcome. During a very difficult time for my family, we found ourselves in need of a criminal defense attorney and after much research and many phone calls, we felt confident that Mr. Limmer was the right choice. His fees are very reasonable and there are no hidden charges.We highly recommend Mr. Limmer. He deserves more than 5 stars.

Anonymous

Let me start by saying that I was in deep S..t at one point last year and I was in a breaking point and no where to run. I needed a lawyer more that you know and I searched the web for one and found Scott Limmer. Didn't know much about him and really at that moment didn't care.
He was truthful and straight forward with me. Didn't con me in thinking it will be an easy road but told me we will beat the case in court. He fought with the judge to a point I thought I was in contempt with the judge. lol.. Called the ADA's bluff and we road it out together. He is fair, understanding and as for me, I have his name on speed dial.

Anonymous

Never thought we would need a lawyer. But we did. Found Scott Limmer online when our son got in some trouble. Scott was there for us. My wife and I didn't have a clue how the system worked. Scott was helpful in every way. At times my son wasn't the easiest client. Scott was there for us. He made us understand what and why things are going to happen.

Anonymous

I found Scott when I was in a very tough spot. I had been charged with two serious felony level crimes. I met with a handful of attorneys and Scott's reviews and presence both online and in person impressed me, so I hired him.
I am so thankful I made that decision. Scott was consistently friendly,  professional, and easily accessible. His fees were very reasonable, especially considering the level of service he provided. Most importantly to me, Scott made sure that the Judge and a zealous DA's office saw that the charges were not at all what they were chalked up to be. In the end, there was no jail time, no probation, no criminal record and no fines or community service.
If you are being criminally charged, I couldn't recommend hiring Scott more strongly. He delivered when I needed it and I am forever grateful.

Anonymous

I am grateful for everything that Scott has done for me. If you are looking for a lawyer look no further.  Scott went above and beyond for me, he did everything in his power to help me.  And because of him I have my life back and it's intact. I was innocent from the beginning but if I did not have Scott, I do not think I would have won. He is one of the smartest people I have ever met. He thinks 10 to 20 steps ahead in any scenario. There isn't one thing bad I have to say about this man. To all those out there who need representation, Scott is your guy. The one thing that means more than anything to me is that he ACTUALLY cares. Not many people are like that anymore, and he is amazing. He cared about me when he didn't have to, he just had a job to do. To have a lawyer who actually cares about their client and doesn't see them as their next pay check, pick Scott. I cannot stress how amazing of a lawyer and person he is, he will fight tooth and nail for you.

Anonymous

I reached out to Scott after a police officer contacted my employer.  I was worried that my case could have a negative affect on my employment situation and freedom. Scott kept my mind at ease and ensured we would not plea guilty and rightfully so. By the end of my case, I was not convicted with any crimes. I could not have asked for a better lawyer experience.
From first contact, Scott was approachable, very responsive and engaged, professional, and compassionate. He took time to talk through every concern and explained the process thoroughly, gave best and worst case scenarios and didn’t not over promise. In fact he under-promised and over-delivered. My family will forever be thankful we choose Scott to represent us. He is a down to earth, smart, highly capable professional.

Anonymous

I hired Scott Limmer to defend my son who had gotten into trouble in school and with the law. From our first meeting to our last, and there were many in between, not only was Scott extremely knowledgable in both aspects, but he always kept us informed about what was going on, and answered my phone calls any time of the day to put my mind at ease. Scott went above and beyond for our son to make sure that he would get the best outcome possible and that outcome was better than we had ever expected. He is very compassionate about his work and it shows in everything he does. I truly believe that if I hadn't hired Scott as my lawyer, my son would not have been given the fresh start that he now has.

Anonymous