Syracuse Theft Lawyers Representing Clients Accused of Larceny Crimes

Larceny charges can cover a broad spectrum of criminal offenses in New York. You may be charged with larceny if you deprive or withhold property that belongs to another individual. This includes obtaining property by means of extortion, embezzlement, robbery, burglary, or theft by deception, among other methods.

Basically, the law stipulates that if you steal property that does not belong to you, you have committed what is known as either petit larceny or grand larceny. How the crime is classified as either a misdemeanor or felony depends on the value of the property that was stolen.

Both petit larceny and grand larceny are serious criminal offenses in Syracuse, New York, and the surrounding areas. Convictions for any type of theft charge can lead to serious consequences and impact your life, especially your ability to obtain employment.

You need a skilled criminal defense attorney who will work hard to have your charges either dismissed or reduced. Contact the law firm of Passalacqua & Associates, LLC and schedule a free strategy session to discuss your charges and determine how best to proceed with your case.

What is Petit Larceny in New York?

In New York, the lowest level offense related to larceny is classified as petit larceny, also known as petty theft. A petit larceny charge asserts that the property stolen has a value of $1,000 or less. However, it should be noted that there is no minimum value required by law to be charged with petit larceny.

One of the most common criminal offenses that are charged as petit larceny involves shoplifting charges. Shoplifting is the unlawful taking of store merchandise without paying for it.

Petit larceny is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, and if convicted, you could receive a sentence of up to 364 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. In addition, being convicted of petit larceny will leave you with a criminal record.

Often a criminal defense attorney can obtain one of two non-criminal outcomes for Petit larceny charges: Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) or Disorderly Conduct, especially for a first-time offender. Additionally, the court may require the defendant to do community service and avoid future arrest for a specified period of time.

What are the Four Classifications of Grand Larceny?

Grand Larceny charges are classified as felonies and involve stiff legal penalties such as jail time and steep fines.

Grand Larceny: Grand Larceny charges can result if:

• The overall value of the property is determined to be over $1,000.
• The property is taken from the victim by theft or obtained by extortion using intimidation or threats to damage another person’s property or business. This law applies regardless of the nature or value of the property that was taken.
• The property is a motor vehicle valued at over $100.
• The property involves any type of firearm.
• The property taken was a debit card or credit card.

Fourth-degree Grand Larceny: This charge is considered to be a Class E felony. A conviction for this type of offense calls for up to four years in prison and a fine of $5,000 or double the offender’s gain from the crime. Double the amount of the offender’s gain is applicable for all types of Grand Larceny. Cases of identity theft fall under this classification of felony charges.

Grand Larceny in the Third Degree: If an offender steals property valued at over $3,000 or if the property is an automated teller machine (ATM) or the contents thereof. This constitutes a Class D felony and is punishable by up to seven years in prison as well as a fine.

Grand Larceny in the Second Degree: If an individual steals property valued at more than $50,000 by means of extortion that involve threats of property damage, physical harm, or by using one’s position as a public servant, they will be charged with grand larceny in the second degree. These types of offenses constitute a Class C felony with a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years in prison and a steep fine.

Grand Larceny in the First Degree: If the property that was stolen exceeds the value of one million dollars, an individual will be facing serious felony charges. Charges of this magnitude are classified as a Class B felony. This type of grand theft charge carries a potential sentence of up to 25 years in prison along with a fine.

Do I Need to Hire an Attorney if I Have Been Charged With Petit Larceny?

Even though petit larceny, or petty theft as it is sometimes referred to, may seem like a lower-level crime, you still need competent legal representation to deal with the theft charges that have been brought against you.

Petit larceny can carry a sentence of up to one year in jail and will remain forever on your permanent record. You need the help of a skilled attorney who can fight to have your charges dismissed or reduced. All legal issues such as these are serious in nature and require the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney who can help guide you through the judicial process.

Why Should I Hire Passalacqua & Associates, LLC to Defend Me On Theft Charges?

The attorneys of Passalacqua & Associates, LLC are fully committed to launching a vigorous defense on your behalf. Our main goal is to either have your charges dismissed or reduced. We will do everything in our power to avoid going to court and prevent you from receiving a guilty verdict in relation to your charges.

Contact our law firm at (315) 500-6425 and ask to schedule a free strategy session with an attorney who is uniquely qualified to handle cases that involve theft crimes. We can review your charges and explain your rights and potential legal options.