new york penal code 155 25 petit larceny
Understanding New York Penal Code 155.25: Petit Larceny
At Spodek Law Group, we understand how stressful and overwhelming it can be to face criminal charges, especially for a crime like petit larceny. You may be feeling scared, confused, and unsure of what to do next. But don’t worry – you’re not alone. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys are here to guide you through this difficult time and fight for your rights every step of the way.
What is Petit Larceny?
Under New York Penal Law § 155.25, a person is guilty of petit larceny when they steal property. It’s a class A misdemeanor offense. But what exactly does that mean?In simple terms, petit larceny is a legal way of saying “petty theft” or shoplifting. It applies when the value of the property stolen is less than $1,000. Once the value hits that $1,000 threshold, the charge gets bumped up to grand larceny.While petit larceny can happen in many different ways, it’s most commonly associated with shoplifting – walking out of a store with merchandise you didn’t pay for. But it could also apply to swiping someone‘s unattended purse or wallet, or even stealing a bicycle off the street.The key elements are:
- Taking property
- That belongs to someone else
- Without their permission
- With the intent to deprive them of it
Petit Larceny vs. Grand Larceny
So what‘s the difference between petit larceny and grand larceny? It really comes down to the value of the property stolen. Here‘s a quick breakdown:
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(212) 300-5196| Offense | Property Value |
|---|---|
| Petit Larceny | Less than $1,000 |
| Grand Larceny 4th Degree | $1,000 – $2,999 |
| Grand Larceny 3rd Degree | $3,000 – $49,999 |
| Grand Larceny 2nd Degree | $50,000 – $999,999 |
| Grand Larceny 1st Degree | $1 million or more |
As you can see, the penalties get more severe as the value goes up. But even for petit larceny, a conviction can mean up to a year in jail. That’s why it‘s so important to have an aggressive criminal defense attorney on your side.
Todd Spodek
Lead Attorney & Founder
Featured on Netflix's "Inventing Anna," Todd Spodek brings decades of high-stakes criminal defense experience. His aggressive approach has secured dismissals and acquittals in cases others deemed unwinnable.
You were stopped by security at a department store in Manhattan after placing a $450 jacket inside your shopping bag without paying. The store manager called the police, and you were arrested and charged under New York Penal Code 155.25 for petit larceny.
What exactly does a petit larceny charge mean for me, and could I end up in jail over shoplifting a jacket?
Under New York Penal Code 155.25, petit larceny is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which applies when the value of the stolen property is $1,000 or less. A conviction can carry up to one year in jail, three years of probation, fines, and a permanent criminal record that shows up on background checks. However, depending on your prior history, we may be able to negotiate an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal (ACD) under CPL 170.55, which would result in the charge being sealed and dismissed after a period of good behavior. At Spodek Law Group, we have extensive experience defending clients against larceny charges in New York and can work to protect your record and your future.
This is general information only. Contact us for advice specific to your situation.
Defenses to Petit Larceny Charges
At Federal Lawyers Group, we look at every possible angle to build the strongest defense for your petit larceny case. Some common defenses include:
