Theft Lawyer NYC

When you bring your theft charge to us we strategically examine the circumstances surrounding the charges. We look for every avenue that we can use to reduce the impact these charges have on your life. 

We have over 30 years of experience helping New Yorkers with theft crimes, and have been successful in helping our clients navigate them. 

What counts as a theft in New York? 

A person commits theft when they intentionally attempt to take another person’s property with the goal of depriving that person of that property. 

There are several types of theft crimes in New York. 

Petit Larceny is charged when the defendant is being accused of stealing $1,000 or less. 

The crime is Grand Larceny in the fourth degree if the defendant is accused of stealing between $1,000 and $3,000. 

The crime is Grand Larceny in the third degree if the value is $3,000 to $50,000.

If the value of the property stolen was $50,000 to $1,000,000 it is Grand Larceny in the second degree.

The crime is Grand Larceny in the first degree when the value of the property stolen was over $1,000,000. 

Grand Larceny Auto is charged any time the value of the stolen car is greater than $100. 

Theft also covers fraud, embezzlement, and other such crimes. These are still theft crimes: only the means the thief is using have changed, not the basic crime. The crime is burglary if you enter a building with the intent to commit a crime there, meaning it’s a related crime but is not in and of itself a theft crime. The crime is robbery when you use physical force to commit the theft. 

What are the penalties for theft in New York? 

Any form of theft is punishable with jail time, fines, possible community service, and a requirement to pay restitution. Paying restitution means you’ll have to pay back the full value of what you are accused of stealing. The more severe the theft charge, the more severe the penalties.

In some petit larceny cases, it may be possible to secure a sentence of probation with community service, restitution, and counseling, or to lock in a deferred prosecution agreement that allows you to avoid a conviction as long as you meet certain conditions. This will only be possible with help from a qualified criminal defense attorney. 

Defense Strategies for Theft in New York 

There are several strategies that we might use.

One is to show that you had a good faith belief that the property was yours to begin with, or even to show that you have proof that the property belongs to you. Another is to show you were authorized to use the property and used it as authorized.

The wording of the law turns theft into an intent crime. If you took the property accidentally or otherwise did not mean to take the property, then you cannot be guilty of theft.

We may also be able to show you are innocent of the theft or that the prosecution has a case of mistaken identity on their hands. 

If you or a loved one have been accused of theft in New York City, get help today. 

We’re here to defend your rights, and to help you guide your theft, fraud, robbery, burglary, or embezzlement case to its most advantageous outcome. 

Call 212-691-9404 to schedule a free consultation today. We may be able to help you get your charges dropped, dismissed, or reduced, or secure an acquittal through the trial process.