Long Island Grand Larceny Lawyer
Experienced Grand Larceny Attorneys in Long Island, NY
Larceny is considered a major-index crime category in New York under the federal Uniform Crime Reporting system. A major-index crime is categorized as such due to the severity of the crime by nature and in volume. As of July 2022, there has been a 40.6% increase in grand larceny cases compared to the same seven-month period (January-July) in 2021.
The response of law enforcement agencies to this rise in statistics is an increase in aggressive prosecution. A conviction for grand larceny can have devastating effects on your personal and professional life. It is important to seek the help of an experienced Long Island grand larceny attorney who can defend your rights and provide aggressive legal representation.
Edward Palermo Criminal Defense is a law office that provides legal representation for clients who are facing charges for various crimes including burglary, robbery, grand theft, auto theft, and other property crimes. Long Island DUI & criminal defense lawyer Edward Palermo and the attorneys at Edward Palermo Criminal Defense understand the importance of intent in these cases and work tirelessly to build a strong defense for their clients.
In addition to property crimes, Long Island grand larceny attorney Edward Palermo also handles cases involving drug crimes, including possession and license drug violations. They are experienced in defending clients who are facing charges for drug-related offenses and will work to ensure that their clients receive fair treatment under the law.
Grand Larceny Laws on Long Island, New York
Aside from being a major-index crime, grand larceny is also considered one of the seven major NYS Penal Law felonies. When discussing laws of theft in New York, it is necessary to define the terms “property” and “owner”. An owner of a property is someone who has the legal right to possess and use the property. Property under the definition of New York law is real or personal property that has value.
This can include the following:
- Cash
- Real property
- Personal property
- Computer data
- Evidence of debt
- Contracts and titles
- Services like gas, electricity, steam, and water
A person is considered guilty of the act of larceny if they unlawfully take, obtain, and withhold or deprive an owner of their property for the defendant’s use and appropriation or for that of a third person.
The following acts fall under the umbrella term of larceny under New York law:
- Embezzlement
- Appropriating lost or mislaid property
- Theft by false promise
- Issuing a bad check
- Extortion
Possession of the stolen property isn’t necessary to be charged with grand larceny. Even if a person does not keep the stolen property and instead disposes of it, it still counts as larceny as the guilty party would have still deprived the owner of the use of the property.
If you have been charged with grand larceny on Long Island, it is important to seek out the help of an experienced Long Island grand larceny attorney. A skilled attorney will be able to walk you through the legal process involved with your charges and protect your rights. At Edward Palermo Criminal Defense, we provide qualified legal counsel and representation. Our top-rated Long Island grand larceny attorneys work hard to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.
Grand Larceny Definition in New York
According to New York law, an individual commits larceny when they illegally take or withhold the property of another person, depriving them of its use, for either their own or someone else’s purposes. This offense includes acts such as embezzlement, theft by false promise, issuing a bad check, and extortion, as well as appropriating lost or misplaced property. It is not necessary for a person to be in possession of stolen property to be charged with grand larceny. The act of disposing of stolen property is also considered larceny.
The severity of the punishment for grand larceny is determined by the value of the stolen property and is categorized into four degrees. All grand larceny charges are considered felonies and can result in imprisonment, ranging from one to five years for fourth-degree grand larceny (when the amount stolen is between $1,000 to $2,999.99) to up to 25 years for first-degree grand larceny (when the amount stolen is over $1,000,000).
The main difference between grand larceny and other theft crimes, such as petit larceny, is the value of the stolen property. Shoplifting is usually considered petit larceny and a misdemeanor, but if the value of the stolen property is more than $1,000, it becomes a felony offense. Grand larceny of a motor vehicle, on the other hand, does not follow the same valuation guidelines and occurs when a vehicle worth $100 or more is stolen.
When defending against grand larceny charges, individuals may dispute the value of the stolen property or demonstrate that the owner was not permanently deprived of access to and use of the property.
If you are facing charges for island theft or any other type of theft crimes, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney. The attorneys at Edward Palermo Criminal Defense have the knowledge and skills to help you navigate the complex legal system and fight for your rights.
In addition to theft crimes, Edward Palermo Criminal Defense also handles cases involving harassment, fraud, and other criminal violations. They are committed to providing their clients with the best possible defense, including investigating all possible defenses and negotiating with prosecutors to reduce penalties.
Whether you are facing charges for drug crimes, burglary, or any other type of crime, the attorneys at Edward Palermo Criminal Defense are here to help. Contact them today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how they can assist you in your case.
NY Grand Larceny Charge Degrees
Penalties for crimes under larceny like petit larceny, embezzlement, and grand larceny are based on the value of the property stolen. There are four degrees of severity for the crime of grand larceny. In general, all charges of grand larceny are considered felonies in New York.
Grand larceny in the fourth degree
- Stolen amount: $1,000 but under $2,999.99
- Penalty: Class E felony
- Prison Sentence: From 1 to 5 years in prison
| Charge | Stolen Amount | Penalty | Prison Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand larceny in the fourth degree | $1,000 but under $2,999.99 | Class E felony | 1 to 5 years |
| Grand larceny in the third degree | $3,000 to $49,999 | Class D felony | Up to 7 years |
| Grand larceny in the second degree | More than $50,000 but less than $999,999 | Class C felony | Up to 15 years |
| Grand larceny in the first degree | More than $1,000,000 | Class B felony | Up to 25 years |
Grand larceny in the third degree
- Stolen amount: $3,000 to $49,999
- Penalty: Class D felony
- Prison Sentence: Up to 7 years in prison
- Stealing an ATM or the contents of an ATM, regardless of the amount stolen, constitutes a third-degree grand larceny charge
Grand larceny in the second degree
- Stolen amount: More than $50,000 but less than $999,999
- Penalty: Class C felony
- Prison Sentence: Up to 15 years in prison
- Stealing through extortion, regardless of the amount stolen, constitutes a second-degree grand larceny charge.
Extortion is the act of coercing someone into giving their property through the threat of the following acts:
- Causing physical harm to the victim
- Destruction of property
- Adversely affecting the victim through the use of the defendant’s position as a public servant
Grand larceny in the first degree
- Stolen amount: More than $1,000,000
- Penalty: Class B felony
- Prison Sentence: Up to 25 years
How Does Grand Larceny Differ From Other Crimes of Theft Like Petit Larceny?
Grand larceny differs from other crimes of theft like petit larceny due to the value of the amounts stolen. Petit larceny is the charge usually brought on crimes like shoplifting. Petit larceny is a misdemeanor. However, a person can also be charged with felony shoplifting if they steal property with a value of more than $1,000.
Crimes like grand larceny of a motor vehicle don’t necessarily follow the valuations dictated under N.Y. Pen. Law § 155. If a person steals a motor vehicle valued upwards of $100, they are considered guilty of grand larceny of a motor vehicle.
Being charged with grand larceny on Long Island can be a very stressful and confusing ordeal. It is important to seek the help of an experienced criminal lawyer who will be able to help you understand your charges. At Edward Palermo Criminal Defense, our skilled Long Island, NY grand larceny attorneys will be able to assist you in navigating the complicated legal landscape. We may be able to help you explore your options.
How Can a Long Island Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me?
If you have been charged with grand larceny on Long Island, it is essential to get the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney who would be able to build a strong case on your behalf. There are possible defenses to a grand larceny charge that an attorney may use depending on the elements of your case.
For example, one of the most important elements in a grand larceny case is the alleged value of the stolen property. The degree of the charges and the possible conviction will hinge on proper valuation. If the economic value of the property cannot be established, a replacement value can be used. The degree of the charges in a grand larceny case may be reduced if the defense lawyer can argue in court that the stolen goods are worth less than what was initially charged.
The definition of theft under grand larceny also requires establishing that the owner of the property was permanently deprived of access and ability to use the property. Mistakenly taking an item on the assumption that it is yours or borrowing an item would not be considered theft.
While these elements can be used as defenses when charged with grand larceny, you should still consider getting the help of an experienced Long Island grand larceny attorney as a priority. A skilled attorney will be instrumental in carefully investigating the elements of your specific case.
Contact an Experienced Long Island Grand Larceny Attorney
As a major felony, being convicted of grand larceny can have devastating consequences on a person’s life. A conviction can leave a permanent record that may cause adverse effects on your personal life. It can also affect your career, your reputation, as well as your relationships. If you are facing grand larceny charges on Long Island, NY, it is important to consult with an experienced Long Island grand larceny attorney who will fight for your rights.
At Edward Palermo Criminal Defense, we work hard to obtain the best possible outcome for our clients. Edward Palermo, a top-rated Long Island criminal defense attorney, along with our Long Island grand larceny attorneys may be able to help defend your rights in court. Our practice is dedicated to providing quality legal counsel and representation to individuals charged with a crime on Long Island.
To learn more about grand larceny charges on Long Island, NY, and for more information on how we can help, call us at (516) 280-2160 or (631) 265-1052. Schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our experienced Long Island grand larceny attorneys today.
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