Depending on the value of the item taken, theft crimes can be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony. A skilled and invested New York theft attorney can defend against any charge of theft crime.
Whether you were arrested and booked or given a desk appearance ticket, it’s important to attend your criminal Arraignment hearing. Contact us today to begin building your defense. Learn more.
Petty Theft
If you have been charged with petty theft, or petit larceny, it is important to seek help from an experienced criminal attorney right away. This is because a criminal record for this type of crime can make it difficult to get a job, even in the future.
It is also because the law varies from state to state, but most of the time, if the stolen property does not exceed the stated value limit, it will be considered a misdemeanor. This does not mean that you should dismiss the charge as no big deal — it is still a crime and if convicted, you will have to pay a fine and possibly serve a short jail sentence.
A skilled theft attorney can use a number of different defenses, including claiming that you had permission to take the property, either express or implied. They can also prove that you did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of the property, or that you only wanted to temporarily possess it for some reason.
Grand Theft
Grand theft is a serious crime with potentially severe penalties. A conviction can result in county and state jail time, probation, parole, fines/restitution, and a criminal record that may impact employment, State licenses, and housing.
This type of theft differs from petty theft in that the property taken is valued at or above the state statutory amount, and in some states specific property is classified as grand theft automatically (for example, a public record, credit card, firearm or telephone with service).
The best way to defend yourself against a charge of grand theft is to hire a criminal defense attorney that is familiar with the law and local court system. A skilled lawyer can use a variety of effective strategies to fight the charges and possibly get them reduced or dismissed. A good criminal defense lawyer will work with you to develop a strategy that is unique to your case and the circumstances surrounding it.
Shoplifting
When you are arrested for shoplifting it is important to have an experienced lawyer. Even first time shoplifting arrests carry serious consequences. At Bukh Law Firm we have the experience necessary to ensure you receive the best outcome possible for your case.
We can often have the charges dropped or reduced to a non-theft offense through a plea bargain. We can also help you qualify for a program such as Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) for your first offense.
The prosecution must prove two elements to convict someone of shoplifting. A good shoplifting attorney can make the case that you did not intend to conceal or take the property from the store. This could include putting doubt in the eye witness’ mind about who was at fault. It is common for a person to accidentally put something in their pocket or bag while trying on clothes or jewelry. This can be a very strong defense to the charges.
Felony Theft
Felony theft cases are often complex and involve significant amounts of money. They are usually classified as a class B or class D felony depending on the value of the property and other factors. A felony conviction for theft can have lifelong secondary consequences such as difficulty getting a job or housing, and the ability to travel freely and obtain a license.
Theft charges are serious and should be defended by an experienced theft attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can determine if the prosecution has a case and if not, can help you avoid a wrongful conviction. If convicted of theft, your attorney can negotiate for probation in lieu of jail time. Probation typically requires that you meet regularly with a probation officer, maintain employment, not associate with other known criminals, and comply with certain other terms of the court’s order. If you violate any of the terms of your probation, your attorney can work to have your probation revoked and/or add additional jail or fines.