NYC Grand Larceny Lawyers
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Understanding Grand Larceny Charges in New York City
You may have heard the term “grand larceny” thrown around on TV crime dramas or the news, but what does it actually mean? If you or a loved one is facing grand larceny charges in New York City, it’s crucial to understand exactly what you’re up against.At Spodek Law Group, we’ve defended countless clients against grand larceny allegations. We know how stressful and overwhelming it can be to find yourself caught up in the criminal justice system. But don’t worry – **our experienced NYC criminal defense attorneys are here to guide you through this difficult time and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.**So let‘s break down the basics of grand larceny charges in New York. In simple terms, larceny means theft – taking property that doesn’t belong to you, with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of it permanently. “Petit larceny” refers to thefts of property valued at $1,000 or less. Anything above that $1,000 threshold is considered “grand larceny.”
Degrees of Grand Larceny in New York
But it‘s not quite that simple. The state of New York actually has four different degrees of grand larceny, depending on the value of the property stolen:
| Degree | Value of Property Stolen |
|---|---|
| Fourth | More than $1,000 |
| Third | More than $3,000 |
| Second | More than $50,000 |
| First | More than $1 million |
As you can see, the penalties get more severe as the value of the theft goes up. Grand larceny in the fourth degree, the lowest level, is a class E felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison. Meanwhile, **first-degree grand larceny involving thefts over $1 million is a class B felony with a maximum sentence of 25 years!**It’s important to note that certain types of property trigger automatic grand larceny charges, regardless of the actual dollar value. This includes credit cards, debit cards, firearms, vehicles, and items taken directly from another person (pickpocketing).
Investigating Grand Larceny Cases
So how do NYC prosecutors go about proving grand larceny in court? It all starts with a thorough investigation by law enforcement. Police will interview witnesses, review surveillance footage, track down stolen property, and gather any other available evidence.In some cases, especially those involving allegations of employee theft or embezzlement, the investigation may be carried out by specialized units like the NYPD’s Grand Larceny Division or the Manhattan District Attorney‘s Office’s Cybercrime and Identity Theft Bureau. These teams have the resources and expertise to conduct complex financial analyses and unravel sophisticated fraud schemes.Once the investigation is complete, prosecutors will decide whether there’s enough evidence to bring formal charges. This is where having a skilled defense lawyer in your corner can make all the difference. At Spodek Law Group, we leave no stones unturned in scrutinizing the prosecution’s case for weaknesses and inconsistencies that can be used to fight the charges at trial or negotiate a favorable plea deal.
Defending Against Grand Larceny Charges
There are many potential defenses to grand larceny charges in New York, depending on the specific facts of your case. Some common ones include:
- Lack of intent: To be guilty of larceny, you must have intended to permanently deprive the owner of their property. If you simply borrowed an item or took it by mistake, that’s not larceny.
- Ownership dispute: If there’s a genuine question about who actually owns the property in question, that can negate the larceny charge.
- Entrapment: If law enforcement coerced or induced you into committing a theft that you otherwise wouldn’t have, that may constitute entrapment.
- Violation of constitutional rights: If police obtained evidence against you illegally, such as through an unlawful search or seizure, your attorney can file a motion to have that evidence suppressed.
The key is to have an experienced NYC grand larceny defense lawyer thoroughly investigate your case and identify all possible avenues of defense. At Spodek Law Group, that’s exactly what we do. We treat every case with the care, attention, and dedication it deserves.
Collateral Consequences of a Grand Larceny Conviction
Beyond the threat of prison time, a grand larceny conviction in New York can have devastating collateral consequences that follow you long after you’ve served your sentence. These may include:
- Employment difficulties: Many employers run criminal background checks and may be hesitant to hire someone with a felony theft conviction. You could be barred from certain professions altogether.
- Housing issues: Landlords often conduct background screenings as well and may deny housing to those with criminal records.
- Immigration consequences: For non-citizens, a grand larceny conviction can lead to deportation proceedings or ineligibility for citizenship.
- Social stigma: Having a serious criminal conviction on your record carries an undeniable social stigma that can strain personal relationships and limit opportunities.
At Spodek Law Group, we understand what’s at stake when you’re facing grand larceny charges in NYC. That’s why we fight so aggressively to protect your rights, reputation, and future. We’ve successfully handled countless high-stakes theft cases over the years and know what it takes to achieve the best possible result.
Why Choose Spodek Law Group?
When you’re facing the potentially life-altering consequences of a grand larceny charge, you need a defense team you can trust. At Spodek Law Group, we offer:
- Extensive experience: Our attorneys have decades of combined experience handling complex theft cases in NYC. We know the system inside and out.
- Personalized attention: We treat every client like our only client. You’ll work directly with your lawyer throughout the process and never be passed off to a paralegal or junior associate.
- Aggressive advocacy: We leave no stones unturned in fighting for our clients. We’ll do whatever it takes to achieve the best outcome possible in your case.
- Compassionate counsel: We know how stressful and overwhelming a criminal case can be. We’re here to listen, advise, and support you every step of the way.