Were you charged with a theft crime in Orange County, New York? Call Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys today at (845) 566-5345 to get started on your case with a free consultation.
Our Orange County theft crimes lawyers know how to defend against these charges. We bring more than 50 years of combined experience to every case we handle and have a track record of success that is virtually unmatched in the area. We understand how Orange County prosecutors build theft cases, and we know how to fight back.
If you’ve been charged with a theft crime, your future freedom could be at risk. However, there’s still time to fight against the prosecution with help from an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney. Contact our law offices to learn more.
Why Choose Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys After Being Arrested for a Theft Crime in Orange County, NY?
When you’re facing a theft charge in Orange County, your choice of lawyer matters greatly. Prosecutors will move quickly, and the court system won’t wait for you to catch up. That’s why you need a legal team with substantial experience and a reputation for winning outcomes.
Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys brings decades of combined experience to the table. Over the years, we’ve earned the trust of our clients across Orange County by delivering honest advice and skilled legal representation. We know the courts here, we know the judges and prosecutors, and we know how to get results when everything is on the line.
Clients choose our Orange County criminal defense lawyers because:
- We focus solely on criminal defense. It’s not just part of our practice; it’s the core of it.
- Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the state builds its case.
- We give every client the time, attention, and strategy their case deserves.
- We’re not afraid to take a case to trial if it’s necessary to protect your future.
Our goal is always to protect your rights and minimize the consequences you face. Whether that means negotiating a favorable plea or aggressively defending you at trial, we will be in your corner from start to finish. Contact our theft crimes attorneys in Orange County, NY, today for a free consultation.
Types of Theft Charges in New York State
New York’s theft laws fall under a broad category called “larceny.” Larceny occurs when someone wrongfully takes or keeps another person’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. However, larceny charges can vary based on how the alleged theft occurred, the value of the property, and other circumstances.
Here are some of the most common theft-related offenses we handle in Orange County:
- Petit larceny: This is the lowest-level theft charge and involves property valued at $1,000 or less. It’s a Class A misdemeanor.
- Grand larceny: This felony charge applies when the value exceeds $1,000 or if certain items are stolen (such as credit cards or firearms).
- Burglary: Unlawfully entering a building with the intent to commit a crime inside. Burglary is a separate felony offense.
- Robbery: Taking property by force or threat. Robbery is considered a violent felony under New York law.
- Identity theft: Using someone else’s personal information without permission, often to commit fraud or obtain goods.
- Possession of stolen property: You can be charged even if you weren’t the one who stole the item as long as you knowingly possessed it.
Each of these offenses carries different penalties. Some can lead to jail time, felony records, and long-term consequences. Others might qualify for alternatives to incarceration or even dismissal, depending on your record and the facts of the case.
What Are the Penalties for Theft Crimes in Orange County, NY?
The penalties for a theft conviction in New York vary depending on the value of the stolen property and the circumstances of the crime. Even low-level charges can result in jail time, while felony convictions can lead to lengthy prison sentences, high fines, and long-lasting consequences.
Misdemeanor theft (such as petit larceny involving property worth $1,000 or less) is classified as a Class A misdemeanor; if convicted, you could face:
- Up to 364 days in jail
- A fine of up to $1,000
- Probation or restitution orders
The stakes rise sharply for more serious theft crimes, including grand larceny, because these offenses are charged as felonies and carry the potential for years behind bars:
- Grand larceny in the fourth degree (class E felony): Up to 4 years in prison
- Grand larceny in the third degree (class D felony): Up to 7 years in prison
- Grand larceny in the second degree (class C felony): Up to 15 years in prison
- Grand larceny in the first degree (class B felony): Up to 25 years in prison
Even if this is your first offense, the consequences can be severe. The prosecution might argue for jail time or steep fines, so it’s critical to act quickly and get experienced legal representation. The sooner you reach out, the more options you may have to fight or reduce the charges.
Collateral Consequences of a Theft Conviction in New York
A criminal sentence doesn’t end when you walk out of the courtroom. If you’re convicted of theft in Orange County, you could face long-lasting collateral consequences that impact nearly every part of your life. These penalties aren’t part of the official sentence but can be just as damaging.
Some of the most common collateral consequences include:
- Employment barriers: Many employers are hesitant to hire applicants with a theft-related conviction, especially for positions involving money, inventory, or access to sensitive information.
- Housing difficulties: Landlords often conduct background checks and may reject tenants with a criminal record.
- Immigration issues: Theft is considered a crime involving moral turpitude under U.S. immigration law. This means a conviction could lead to deportation, denial of naturalization, or inadmissibility.
- Professional license problems: If you hold or are pursuing a license in fields like nursing, teaching, or real estate, a conviction could lead to suspension, revocation, or denial.
- Loss of reputation: A conviction on your record can affect your standing in the community and cause damage to personal and professional relationships.
These consequences can follow you long after you’ve completed your sentence or paid your fines. That’s why it’s critical to take every theft charge seriously and fight to keep a conviction off your record whenever possible. A strong legal defense put forth by a qualified attorney could help you avoid these lasting setbacks altogether.
What Defenses Can I Raise Against Theft Charges in Orange County, NY?
Just because you’ve been arrested doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted. The prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. This is the highest burden of proof in the law, and it gives your attorney room to build a strong defense tailored to your case.
Some of the most effective defenses to theft charges in New York include:
- Lack of intent: Theft crimes require that you intend to deprive the owner of their property. If this criminal intent (mens rea) cannot be proven, the charge may not stand.
- Mistaken ownership: If you genuinely believed the property was yours or had permission to take it, that can serve as a defense.
- Mistaken identity: Sometimes, a witness or surveillance footage may misidentify the alleged perpetrator.
- Insufficient evidence: The state might not have enough evidence to support a conviction. Weak or circumstantial evidence can often be challenged.
- Violation of rights: If law enforcement conducted an illegal search, failed to read your Miranda rights, or obtained evidence unlawfully, that evidence may be thrown out.
Our legal team will thoroughly review all the facts and circumstances of your case. We may consult with experts, analyze forensic evidence, and cross-examine witnesses to expose flaws in the prosecution’s case.
Contact Our Orange County Theft Crimes Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A theft conviction can carry jail time, fines, and long-term damage to your record and reputation. However, it’s important to remember that you still have legal rights and deserve a strong defense. The prosecution may already be building a case against you, so let our team build an even stronger one in your favor.
At Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys, we’ve spent decades fighting for people across the Hudson Valley. Our defense lawyers understand how local courts work, and we use our experience to deliver results when it matters most. Regardless of whether you’re facing shoplifting allegations or felony-level grand larceny charges, we’re here to fight for your freedom and your future.
Call our trusted Orange County theft crimes lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.