Brooklyn Petit Larceny

Have you been accused of petit larceny in Brooklyn? If so, there's a good chance that this was associated with a shoplifting allegation. But regardless of the circumstances, you need the insight provided by a Brooklyn petit larceny defense attorney. A petit larceny defense attorney in Brooklyn can help walk you through the various defenses to this crime and to help to protect you from the negative consequences of being accused or convicted.

There are various different crimes that may be assessed as it falls under the umbrella of theft. These include petit larceny, grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, felony shoplifting and more. Being accused of multiple crimes at the same time can increase your chances of serious and life lasting consequences. Criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree and petit larceny as outlined under New York Penal Law 155.25 are both A level misdemeanors that can be punished by up to a year in jail. These are typically referred to as the possession and stealing of stolen property regardless of the value. Grand larceny or criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree however, are E level felony allegations that can be punished by as many as four years in prison. In order for the prosecution to achieve success with these crimes, they must illustrate that the value of the property exceeded $1000.

If you have questions about your defense and the evidence the prosecution may have against you, you need to consult with a Brooklyn petit larceny defense attorney immediately. Trying to handle the case on your own or simply trying to find the first public defender available to you, could be a big mistake. It is far better to schedule a consultation with a petit larceny defense lawyer in Brooklyn right away.

You may have received a desk appearance ticket if you have been accused of shoplifting or petit larceny. Only one of the above listed crimes may be contained on your desk appearance ticket. However, prosecutors maintain the eligibility to add other crimes in the offense that they can be established from your case facts. No matter what offense is charged, you need a criminal defense attorney who can help you to understand the DAT process in Brooklyn as well as the collateral implications of any violation or criminal conviction. If you have been arrested for shoplifting in Brooklyn, the process will be the same as if you were arrested in the Bronx or Queens.

Once you get to court, your criminal lawyer files a notice indicating that he or she is serving as your attorney. Your attorney will enter a plea of not guilty after you have been formally charged. Unless the case is officially disposed of at that time, you'll be given a date to return to court for further legal paperwork, for a disposition or for a judge to rule on any of the legal motions that your defense attorney may have filed.

The anticipation of having to go before the court can cause anxiety. However, there is a good chance that your case will move quickly. This is yet one more reason to retain a defense attorney immediately after you've been accused. Plea deals and other opportunities may be available to you early on in your case, which you should encourage your petit larceny lawyer in Brooklyn to evaluate.

Each county in New York City has their own plea guidelines. In general however, if the allegations involve property valued at $100 or less, a likely offer is usually adjournment and contemplation of a dismissal. This means that the case is dismissed and then sealed after 6 months. If you surpass this $100 amount however, the plea offers become less forgiving.

One could be disorderly conduct, which is instead a violation and not a crime. Although this does technically seal, there have been lawsuits after arrests from years earlier that still show up on a person's background check. If the value goes to $500 or more however, prosecutors may offer a misdemeanor allegation. You should always evaluate these offers carefully and discuss directly with your Brooklyn petit larceny lawyer when it makes sense to consider these offers or whether you should proceed with a comprehensive defense.