On of the more common misunderstandings of New York shoplifting law (there is not actual statute such as this, but it is a clear means to describe similar offenses), is that an accused must leave a store to be arrested and ultimately convicted for Petit Larceny, Grand Larceny or Criminal…
Articles Posted in Misdemeanor Theft Crimes
Can the Knowing Sale of Bogus Goods to Trick a Buyer into Giving You Money Result in a New York Larceny Arrest
When most New York criminal lawyers and every day people think of larceny and theft crimes, there are often a few ways stealing comes to mind. While a theft is a theft – any stealing of property $1,000 or less is a misdemeanor Petit Larceny pursuant to New York Penal…
PL 155.25: What is the Bare Minimum Required for a Legally Sufficient Complaint in New York Criminal Court
Many complaints and accusatory instruments alleging violations of New York Penal Law 155.25 and New York Penal Law 165.40 are “bare bones” and boilerplate. That is, the language is somewhat “plug and play” and generic whereby the item stolen and the value of the property may be changed without substantively…
I Didn’t Even Leave the Store and was Arrested for Shoplifting: Petit Larceny and PL 155.25
Maybe it was Sephora in Manhattan or Century 21 elsewhere in New York City. It actually makes no difference if its Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Whole Foods or some mom and pop store in Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, White Plains, Yonkers or any other municipality in New York. The standard, some would argue,…
I was Arrested for Grand Larceny In New York: Challenging Property Value to Lessen Criminal Exposure
The difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is drastic. Whether the crime or crimes you are arrested for in New York involve those of the white collar or street variety, any criminal conviction is permanent. With a felony conviction, however, there is greater exposure to collateral consequences. When an…
Criminal Possession of Stolen Property: If You Did Not Steal the Property Can You Still Be Arrested for Criminal Possession
In New York, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property fits into five separate categories or degrees when value is considered. These are Fifth Degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property (New York Penal Law 165.40), Fourth Degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property (New York Penal Law 165.45), Third Degree Criminal Possession of…
New York Fraud, Larceny and Theft Arrests: Consequences and Disclosures Associated with FDIC, FINRA and Your Form U4
Fraud arrests are embarrassing. Theft arrests are compromising. Larceny arrests are stigmatizing. Felony arrests in New York? Those can land you in prison. Misdemeanors? By Desk Appearance Ticket or full processing in Central Booking, there is potential for incarceration too. Whether it is a shoplifting arrest or DAT for violating…
When Can NY Prosecutors Aggregate and Combine Separate Thefts to Increase a Petit Larceny to a Grand Larceny
The difference between a felony larceny arrest when compared to a misdemeanor larceny crime in New York is significant. After all, felonies are crimes that are more likely to negatively impact professional licenses, immigration statuses, and other privileges and rights. Further a Grand Larceny conviction, as opposed to a Petit…
Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle: What Actions will give Rise to Violating NY PL 165.05
New York theft crimes come in a variety of offenses from misdemeanor to felony and non-violent to violent. Some crimes may be punishable by up to one year in prison while others can land you in prison for as long as twenty five years. When that crime involves a vehicle…
Temporary Use or Permanently Deprive: Understanding Larceny in a New York Stolen Property and Theft Case
Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor Petit Larceny, New York Penal Law 155.25, or a more serious felony including Grand Larceny in the Fourth, Third or even greater degree, New York Penal Law 155.30 and 155.35 respectively, there are certain common elements that prosecutors must establish beyond a reasonable…