New York Petit Larceny Defense Attorney
Legal Defense for Petit Larceny in New York
Facing a petit larceny charge can feel overwhelming, embarrassing, and deeply stressful. These situations can quickly escalate from a misunderstanding or momentary lapse in judgment to a criminal accusation that threatens your record, reputation, and future opportunities. I’m Ed Palermo, and for more than three decades I have defended people across Long Island who find themselves in exactly this position. I approach every case with the same mission: protect your rights, minimize the consequences, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Petit larceny is one of the most common criminal charges in New York, but that does not mean it should be taken lightly. A conviction can follow you for years. Employers, landlords, licensing agencies, and schools often view theft offenses harshly. That is why it is crucial to respond quickly, understand what you are facing, and work with an attorney who knows how to navigate these cases from start to finish.
When you work with me, you work directly with a lawyer who has spent over thirty years defending clients in criminal courts across Suffolk and Nassau Counties, handling everything from first-time shoplifting allegations to complex theft investigations. My focus is always on positioning you for the best long-term outcome while reducing the stress and uncertainty you are facing right now.
Understanding Petit Larceny in New York
Petit larceny is charged under New York Penal Law § 155.25 and applies when someone is accused of stealing property valued at $1,000 or less. The charge is a Class A misdemeanor, which means the potential penalties include up to one year in jail, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record.
Even if the alleged theft is minor, the implications are not. Prosecutors handle these cases aggressively, especially when they occur in retail settings, where stores routinely gather surveillance footage, loss-prevention reports, and written statements. Many people underestimate how organized these cases can be by the time law enforcement becomes involved.
But a charge is not a conviction. There are many ways to challenge the evidence, negotiate alternatives, or secure outcomes that keep your record clean. A key part of my approach is to evaluate exactly how the accusation arose, what evidence the prosecution intends to rely on, and whether your constitutional rights were respected throughout the process.
How I Approach These Cases
No two cases are the same. Some clients were wrongly accused. Some made a mistake and want to resolve the matter with as little disruption as possible. Others are facing additional complications, such as prior offenses, immigration concerns, or professional licensing implications.
My work begins with understanding your goals and your circumstances. From there, I assess the prosecution’s evidence and develop a defense that matches your situation. Common strategies include:
- Challenging identification or surveillance
- Demonstrating lack of intent
- Addressing misunderstandings between store personnel and customers
- Negotiating reduced charges
- Pursuing outcomes that avoid a criminal record, such as adjournments in contemplation of dismissal
- Protecting clients facing collateral consequences, including those who cannot risk a conviction for immigration or employment reasons
My objective is always to guard your future. Many people charged with petit larceny are worried about a single moment defining the rest of their life. My job is to prevent that from happening.
What You Should Do After a Petit Larceny Arrest
If you have been charged or contacted by law enforcement, take the situation seriously and avoid trying to resolve it on your own. Even simple conversations with store security or the police can later be used against you.
Your next step should be to speak with a defense attorney immediately. Do not agree to interviews, statements, or written reports without legal guidance. The earlier I get involved, the more options we have to shape the outcome.
I also encourage clients not to panic. Petit larceny charges can often be resolved without a lasting criminal record, but the best results usually come from acting quickly and thoughtfully.
Common Consequences and How I Help You Avoid Them
People charged with petit larceny are often concerned about jail time. For most individuals with no prior record, jail is unlikely—but avoiding a conviction is just as important. A theft conviction is a permanent label that can be difficult to overcome, even years later.
I work to prevent consequences such as:
- A permanent criminal record
- Immigration issues
- Employment barriers
- License or certification problems
- Civil penalties from retailers
- Probation or prolonged court involvement
My focus is comprehensive: I defend the criminal case while helping you navigate collateral issues that might matter just as much as the charge itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Petit Larceny Charges
What Happens at My First Court Appearance?
Your first appearance (the arraignment) is where the judge formally presents the charge and sets the conditions of your release. I speak on your behalf, protect you from saying anything that could harm your case, and begin positioning the matter for the best possible resolution.
Can Petit Larceny Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed?
Yes. Many cases can be negotiated down to lesser offenses or resolved in ways that avoid a conviction entirely. The outcome often depends on your record, the facts of the case, and how early I am able to intervene.
Will I Go to Jail for Petit Larceny?
For first-time offenders, jail is uncommon. The real risk is a permanent criminal record, which is why building a strong defense strategy matters. My focus is always on outcomes that protect your future.
Do I Need to Go to Court for Every Appearance?
In many cases, I can appear on your behalf for routine court dates. This can save you time, stress, and potential issues with work or personal obligations. I will advise you any time your presence is required.
Will This Charge Affect My Job?
It can. Theft offenses carry a stigma, especially in industries involving trust, money, or sensitive information. One of my goals is to resolve your case in a way that prevents long-term damage to your career.
What if I Was Wrongly Accused?
Mistaken identification, misunderstandings, and inaccurate store reports happen more often than people think. When the evidence does not support the charge, I focus on challenging the prosecution’s assumptions and pushing for dismissal.
Should I Talk to Store Security or Police After the Incident?
No. Even informal conversations or written statements can be used against you. Speak with me first so we can protect your rights and make sure nothing is said that jeopardizes your defense.
Why Experience Matters in Petit Larceny Cases
I have spent more than three decades practicing criminal defense on Long Island. I know how prosecutors handle these cases, how courts view them, and what strategies work. Experience allows me to anticipate the turning points in a case and prepare for them long before they occur.
Clients trust me because I keep them informed, I answer questions directly, and I fight for outcomes that safeguard their future. Whether your case involves a retail store, an employer, a private party, or a misunderstanding that spiraled into an arrest, I bring the same level of attention and determination.
Speak With Me About Your Petit Larceny Charge
If you are facing a petit larceny accusation, you do not have to navigate it alone. I am here to help you understand the allegations, protect your rights, and work toward the strongest possible resolution. With over 30 years of experience and a commitment to client-centered defense, I am ready to stand with you and fight for your future.
Contact me today to discuss your case and start moving forward with a plan.
5 Years In A Row
