Criminal Defense Lawyers

Justification Defenses for Theft & Larceny Charges in Brooklyn

Fighting Theft and Larceny Charges in Brooklyn with Justification Defenses

Being arrested and charged with theft or larceny in Brooklyn can be an incredibly stressful and scary situation. Many people facing these charges have never been in trouble with the law before and aren’t sure where to turn or what their options are. The good news is that there are often justification defenses that can be used to fight larceny and theft allegations. With an experienced Brooklyn criminal defense lawyer on your side, you may be able to get the charges reduced or even dismissed.

Common Theft and Larceny Charges in Brooklyn

There are a few common theft and larceny charges that people in Brooklyn often face:

• Petit Larceny – This is charged when the value of the alleged stolen property is under $1,000. Petit larceny is a misdemeanor in New York.
• Grand Larceny – Grand larceny applies when the purported value of the stolen goods exceeds $1,000. This is charged as a felony offense.
• Shoplifting – Shoplifting involves stealing merchandise from a store and is charged as petit larceny, a misdemeanor. However, it may become a felony if the person has two prior shoplifting convictions.

The penalties for theft and larceny charges vary widely depending on the specific offense and the defendant’s criminal history. Petit larceny may result in up to 1 year in jail while grand larceny can carry state prison time of up to 25 years. This makes having an experienced lawyer all the more important.

Using Justification Defenses to Contest Theft Allegations

In some theft and larceny cases, the defendant may have a legal justification defense. A justification defense means that even though the criminal act may have technically occurred, there are special circumstances that excuse the conduct or exempt the person from criminal liability.Some possible justification defenses that may apply in Brooklyn theft and larceny cases include:

• Mistake of Fact – The defendant had an honest but mistaken belief regarding the facts that negates criminal intent. For example, the person believed they had permission or the right to take the property.
• Claim of Right – The defendant took property under a sincere belief that they had a lawful claim or ownership right to the property. This could apply if there was a dispute over who rightfully owned an item.
• Necessity/Duress – The defendant took or possessed the item due to an immediate threat or danger. For example, stealing food due to hunger and lack of means to purchase it.

To use a justification defense for a theft or larceny charge, the defense lawyer must gather evidence and witness testimony to prove the special circumstances existed. If accepted by the judge or jury, justification defenses can lead to reduced or dismissed charges.Some examples of justification defenses being successfully used in New York theft cases include:

• A defendant who took food from a store due to extreme hunger and poverty had the charge dismissed based on the necessity defense.
• Someone who took property left behind in an apartment they moved out of had the charge dismissed because they reasonably believed the items were abandoned.
• A person who took merchandise from a store under the mistaken impression that their spouse had already purchased it had the charges reduced from grand larceny to disorderly conduct.

As you can see, skilled criminal defense lawyers can often get excellent results in theft cases by presenting evidence to prove justification defenses.

Finding the Right Brooklyn Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are facing theft, larceny or shoplifting charges in Brooklyn, having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side is crucial. The lawyer can evaluate if a justification defense may apply to your specific case based on the facts and circumstances involved.Here are important tips on finding the best attorney to fight your Brooklyn theft charges:

• Choose a local lawyer – It’s vital to work with a lawyer who knows the courts and judges in Kings County (Brooklyn). This gives them an advantage compared to out-of-town attorneys.
• Find an aggressive trial lawyer – Many theft cases can be won through effective pretrial negotiations or mounting a strong defense at trial. So choose a lawyer with a proven record of getting charges dismissed pretrial or acquittals at trial, not just plea deals.

• Select an attorney focused on criminal defense – You want a lawyer who specializes in criminal defense, not someone who handles these cases occasionally. Ask how many theft cases they take on annually.
• Meet for an initial consultation – Sit down with the lawyer to go over the facts of your case. Find out their approach, experience with similar cases, and if they believe a justification defense could apply.

During the consultation, pay attention to how comfortable you feel with the lawyer and their level of responsiveness. This is the person who will be by your side fighting the charges so it’s vital to have confidence and trust in them.

What to Expect at First Court Appearances

If you‘ve been arrested for theft or larceny in Brooklyn, your case will start with a few initial court appearances:

• Arraignment – This first hearing is typically the day after the arrest. You will be formally charged and can enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. The judge decides on bail conditions and may release you or set bond.
• Adjournments – Several short administrative court dates will be scheduled over the first few months so the prosecution and defense can exchange evidence and discuss possible plea deals.
• Pre-trial hearings – During these hearings leading up to trial, your lawyer can present justification defenses and argue to get charges dismissed or reduced.

Having your criminal defense lawyer by your side at every court appearance is important. If you can’t afford an attorney, you may qualify for a free court-appointed lawyer.

Consequences of Theft and Larceny Convictions

The penalties for being found guilty of theft or larceny charges depend on the specific offense and prior record but can be severe. Some potential consequences include:

• Jail / Prison time – Petit larceny can result in up to 1 year in jail while grand larceny carries state prison time up to 25 years.
• Fines – Fines up to $5,000 may be imposed for misdemeanor petit larceny while felony grand larceny fines can reach $20,000.
• Probation – Terms of probation often include community service, theft awareness classes and avoiding further legal violations.

• Permanent criminal record – Theft and larceny convictions stay on your record permanently and must be reported on job/housing applications.
• Loss of certain rights – In some cases, those with larceny convictions lose the right to possess firearms, adopt children or hold public office.