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Theft, Larceny & Fraud Charges in Brooklyn Economic Crimes
Overview of Common Theft, Larceny & Fraud Charges
Some of the most common theft, larceny and fraud charges filed by the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office include:
- Petit Larceny – Charged with stealing property valued under $1,000. This includes shoplifting and theft of services under $1,000. Petit larceny is a misdemeanor in New York.
- Grand Larceny – Charged with stealing property over $1,000. Grand larceny charges depend on the value of property allegedly stolen. Charges range from Class E to Class B felonies.
- Identity Theft – Charged with stealing personal identifying information of another person to obtain credit, money, goods or services. This includes using another person’s name, credit card, or financial information. Identity theft is prosecuted as larceny under New York law.
- Insurance Fraud – Charged with intentionally deceiving an insurance company. Common charges include filing false insurance claims, misrepresenting facts to obtain lower premiums, and staging accidents to collect insurance money. Insurance fraud is prosecuted under the crime of “scheme to defraud.”
- Welfare Fraud – Charged with obtaining government benefits you aren’t entitled to receive, or using benefits for unintended purposes. Common charges involve concealing income, failing to report changes in family circumstances, and using food stamps to purchase non-food items.
Theft, larceny and fraud charges in Brooklyn can lead to fines, probation, restitution payments and jail time – especially for repeat offenders. That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced attorney by your side fighting the charges.
What to Expect When Facing Theft, Larceny or Fraud Charges
If you’ve been arrested or received a desk appearance ticket for a theft, larceny or fraud charge in Brooklyn, here’s what you can expect:
- Arraignment – This is your first court appearance after an arrest or being issued a ticket. You’ll be formally charged and have the charges read against you. The judge decides whether to set bail or release you without bail. Don’t wait until the arraignment to hire a lawyer.
- Plea Bargaining – Many theft, fraud and larceny cases end in plea bargains instead of going to trial. An experienced lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or sentencing leniency. Don’t plead guilty without exploring your options.
- Pre-Trial Motions – Your lawyer may file motions to dismiss certain evidence or get charges dropped if there are legal issues with the prosecution’s case. This happens before trial.
- Trial – If a plea deal can’t be reached or you decide to take your case to trial, prosecutors have to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. An attorney can defend against the charges by challenging evidence and witness testimony.
Having a skilled criminal defense lawyer in your corner can make all the difference in how your case plays out in Brooklyn’s criminal justice system.
How a Brooklyn Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
As a Brooklyn resident dealing with theft, larceny or fraud charges, the single most important thing you can do is retain an experienced criminal defense lawyer right away. Here’s how the right attorney can help:
- Negotiate Plea Deals – An attorney may be able to negotiate with the DA’s office to get charges reduced or even dismissed. At a minimum, they can negotiate for lighter sentencing as part of a plea bargain.
- Challenge Incriminating Evidence – If evidence against you was obtained illegally, an attorney can file motions to get that evidence suppressed (forbidden from use at trial). This could cause the DA’s case to collapse.
- Dispute Witness Testimony – Part of mounting a strong defense is attacking witness credibility and exposing inconsistencies in their accounts. Skilled cross-examination can undermine their version of events.
- Present Affirmative Defenses – There are situations where your actions may technically meet elements of the charges, but a good attorney presents affirmative defenses that excuse otherwise illegal conduct.
- Advocate for Diversion Programs – Defense lawyers may be able to get qualified defendants into pretrial diversion programs which can lead to charges being dismissed and records sealed.
- Conduct Independent Investigations – Criminal defense lawyers have resources to conduct their own investigations by interviewing additional witnesses, collecting documents and visiting the crime scene.
- Advocate at Sentencing – If convicted, an attorney makes sure the judge considers any mitigating factors that warrant more lenient sentencing like mental health issues, addiction, first-time offense, etc.
Having an advocate who knows how to navigate the criminal justice system can make all the difference between the best case vs worst case outcome. Don’t leave the final results to chance.
Finding the Right Brooklyn Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you or a loved one is facing theft, larceny or fraud charges in Brooklyn, it’s critical to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer fighting for your rights, freedom and future. But not all attorneys handle economic crime cases equally. Here’s what to look for:
- Specialization in Criminal Defense – Search for a lawyer who focuses specifically on criminal defense work, not one who dabbles in a dozen different legal practice areas.
- Familiarity with Brooklyn Courts – Find an attorney who regularly handles cases in Brooklyn courts and has working relationships with judges and prosecutors. A lawyer who rarely steps foot in the borough won’t know the nuances that influence outcomes.
- Experience with Economic Crimes – Search for a lawyer with a proven track record of positive results in defending theft, larceny and fraud charges. Ask about their experience with specific charges you’re facing.
- Willingness to Go to Trial – Make sure to ask any lawyer you consult with about their background taking economic crime cases to trial. Avoid attorneys who always advise pleading guilty.
- Resources for Thorough Investigations – Choose a criminal defense firm that has the staffing and funding to conduct exhaustive investigations of the prosecution’s claims and the alleged crime itself. This builds the best defense.
- Commitment to Maintaining Contact – Retain a lawyer who makes firm commitments to keeping you informed at every stage, returning calls and messages promptly and answering all questions. You need an advocate you can reach.
Don’t leave your defense in the hands of just any lawyer. Brooklyn theft, larceny and fraud charges require specialized legal guidance experienced specifically with economic crimes in the borough.
What a Conviction Could Mean
The penalties for a conviction on theft, larceny or fraud charges in Brooklyn depends on the specific charges, the defendant’s criminal history, and other case factors. But possible consequences include:
- Jail time
- Probation
- Fines up to $5,000 per charge
- Restitution payments to victims
- Permanent criminal record
- Loss of certain civil rights
- Impacts to immigration status for non-citizens
- Limitations on employment options
- Difficulties qualifying for loans and housing
For defendants with no prior criminal history, the impacts of just one fraud or larceny conviction can follow you for life. That’s why fighting the charges should be your top priority.
Take Immediate Action
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a theft, larceny or fraud offense in Brooklyn, the most urgent thing you can do is retain a skilled criminal defense attorney right away. The lawyer can start building your defense strategy, negotiating with prosecutors and advocating for you in court. This provides the best opportunity to achieve the most favorable outcome, whether through dismissed charges, reduced charges or acquittal at trial. Don’t leave your future to chance – act now by retaining an attorney.
Resources
For more information on theft, larceny and fraud charges in Brooklyn, check out the following resources:
- Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office Overview of Common Theft Offenses
- NYC Bar Association Video Explaining the Differences Between Larceny and Robbery
- NYC.gov – What is Petit Larceny?
- New York State Penal Code: Larceny Statutes
- Overview of New York Fraud Charges
- Identity Theft Charges in New York
- Welfare Fraud Penalties in New York State
If you or someone you love is facing theft, larceny or fraud charges in Brooklyn, the most important thing you can do is hire an experienced criminal defense attorney right away. The lawyer can start assessing your charges, building your defense strategy and protecting your rights in court. This provides the best opportunity to achieve the most favorable outcome in your case. Don’t leave your future up to chance – schedule a free case evaluation now by calling or contacting an attorney online.