Theft Defense in New York

"Theft" is not a single charge in New York. It is an umbrella for offenses under Article 155 (Larceny), Article 165 (Other Offenses Relating to Theft), Article 156 (Computer Offenses), and Article 190 (Other Frauds). The defense strategy depends on the section number on the complaint or indictment.

The Theft Family

• Petit larceny (PL § 155.25) — theft of property valued at $1,000 or less. Class A misdemeanor.
• Grand larceny — theft of property over $1,000 or of certain protected categories. Felony.
• Criminal possession of stolen property (PL § 165.40 through 165.54) — possessing stolen property knowing it was stolen. Grades parallel larceny.
• Identity theft (PL § 190.78 through 190.80) — using another person's personal identifying information to obtain goods, services, or money.
• Robbery (PL Article 160) — forcible stealing. Always a felony, with first-degree robbery a Class B violent felony.
• Burglary (PL Article 140) — entering or remaining unlawfully in a building with intent to commit a crime. The intent element is often where these cases turn.

How We Build the Defense

Every theft case is an exercise in valuation, intent, identification, and chain of custody. We work the receipts, the surveillance, the timing, and the witness statements. Where the case rests on a single eyewitness or a single loss-prevention officer, the cross-examination of that witness is the case.

Immigration-Safe Pleas

Theft offenses are generally crimes involving moral turpitude. For non-citizens, a CIMT conviction triggers serious immigration consequences. We coordinate with immigration counsel and structure pleas to avoid CIMT findings where possible.

If you have been arrested for theft of any kind in New York, call us at 212-233-1233 or email [email protected].