Being charged with larceny is not something anyone ever expects. Larceny charges can stem from a number of acts involving the taking of property.  In New York, larceny can occur by trespassers taking, by trick, embezzlement, false pretenses, acquiring lost property, issuing a bad check, false promises, or extortion. Stealing a cell phone or a car can lead to larceny charges. The most frequent larceny-theft crime involves stealing items out of motor vehicles (26 percent of larcenies).

What is Property?

In New York, Article 155 – NY Penal Law broadly defines property as any money, personal property, real property, computer data, computer program, thing in action, evidence of debt or contract, or any article, substance or thing of value, including any gas, steam, water or electricity, which is provided for a charge or compensation.

Types of Larceny Charges in New York

Most larceny charges depend on the value of the property that is taken.

• Property of any Value: Petit Larceny Penal Law Section 155.25 – Class A Misdemeanor: Maximum prison for a first offense is one year (incarceration is unlikely).
• Property valued $1,000 to $3,000: Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree – Penal Law Section 155.40 – Class E Felony: Maximum prison for a first offense is 1 1/3 to 4 years (incarceration is not mandatory).
• Property valued $3,000 to $50,000: Grand Larceny in the Third Degree – Penal Law Section 155.35 – Class D Felony: Maximum prison for a first offense is 2 1/3 to 7 years (incarceration is not mandatory).
• Property valued $50,000 to $1 million: Grand Larceny in the Second Degree – Penal Law Section 155.40 – Class C Felony: Maximum prison for a first offense is 5 to 15 years (incarceration is not mandatory).
• Property valued more than $1 million: Grand Larceny in the First Degree – Penal Law Section 155.45 – Class B Felony: Maximum prison for a first offense is 8 1/3 to 25 years.

People charged with Larceny are often also charged with robbery, burglary, assault, and identity theft.

What to Do If You are Facing Larceny Charges

There are a number of legal and factual defenses to larceny charges, but no one-size-fits-all defense. Some of these defenses must be exercised in your first court appearance. If you have been charged with larceny, it is advisable to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.  Do not put off protecting your future.

Talk to a Brooklyn Criminal Defense Lawyer at Bukh Law Firm, PLLC

At  Bukh Law Firm, PLLC, we are committed to getting the best outcome for your case. We know how much is at stake and will use every avenue available to get your case dismissed, evidence suppressed, or charges reduced.  Our veteran attorneys handle all types of felony and misdemeanor theft crimes. If you’re ready to protect your future and freedom, call us at 917-730-9515. We handle cases in Brooklyn (Kings County), as well as Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

We are available 24/7 to take your call. Immediate assistance is just a phone call away.