Larceny and Shoplifting

Larceny is the charge under N.Y.S. law of stealing property. There are many levels of larceny starting with petit larceny being less than $1,000 which is a misdemeanor and over $1,000 which becomes a felony. Over $3,000 raises it to a higher felony and over $5,000 likewise as the amount goes up the level of crime goes up and the potential prison time increases. When either yourself or a loved one is charged with shoplifting it is true that it is petit larceny. Petit larceny is one of the few charges as a misdemeanor that will prevent you from joining a police department, many fire departments, military, and other organizations as it is considered a crime of moral turpitude and it should be taken very seriously. Once convicted this under N.Y.S. law becomes your record for life. Many people go into court and they are offered a conditional discharge by the District Attorney or prosecutor which allows them to plead guilty and not have any further involvement with the court system. What they don't inform you about is that once you are convicted of a misdemeanor you must give the State Registry your DNA, which is available to the government, and you have a conviction for life. In the future should there be another criminal problem 15 or 20 years later, this particular conviction will come up and it will severely hurt you. Any competent lawyer can easily deal with this, particularly if this is a first-time charge. If you should have further charges subsequently thereafter, any competent lawyer is capable of defending your interests. The law is complex and should not be taken lightly. These charges should be dealt with in a very serious manner and one should consider the ramifications that could follow you for the rest of your life if they are not properly handled from the inception. Much of the defense must be implemented within the first 30 days of arraignment. Procrastinating any longer will only hurt you. If you come in for a free consultation we can advise you of what we can immediately do for you and how we can help you. It is imperative that you don't put this off and forget about it as if it didn't happen. Come in for your free consultation and meet with Mr. Young and understand your rights and your perpetual defenses to such charges.


Consultations are free and you have nothing to lose by making an appointment and coming in and speaking with Mr. Young or a member of his very qualified staff on a matter of this type. Below are links to the N.Y.S. Penal Law for your review of any crimes of this nature charged against your or a loved one.