Queens Theft Crime Lawyer

A theft crime conviction can be devastating to a person’s future and reputation. If you’re currently facing theft crime charges of any kind, including shoplifting, robbery, check fraud, identity theft, or otherwise, you can have confidence in your decision to turn to a seasoned Queens theft crime lawyer from Vasiliou Law to fight for you, every step of the way.

 

Theft Crime Lawyer | Here for Clients in Queens & all of NYC

Facing criminal charges can be an emotional and overwhelming ordeal, but with the right Astoria criminal defense lawyer in your corner, it doesn’t have to be. We are here to get you the peace of mind you deserve and need. With us in your corner, you can breathe easy, knowing you have a strong and dedicated legal advocate in your corner.

Examples of Theft Crimes

Theft crimes in New York are crimes that involve taking or possessing property that belongs to someone else without their consent and with the intent to deprive them of it. Theft crimes can be classified into different categories depending on the type and value of the property involved. Some of the most common types of theft crimes that we see are as follows:

• Burglary: Burglary is loosely defined as entering or remaining in a building or dwelling with the intent to commit a crime inside. Burglary does not always involve theft, but it often does.
• Robbery: Forcibly stealing property from another person by using or threatening to use physical violence or a weapon. Robbery charges often impose far harsher penalties than larceny charges, as the use of force is an aggravating factor.
• Shoplifting: This is when a person takes merchandise from a store without paying for it or intending to pay for it.
• Embezzlement: Fraudulently taking or misusing property that has been entrusted to you by someone else. Often, people in positions of power, such as bank managers, are found guilty of embezzlement.
• Check fraud: Check fraud is when someone writes or uses a check that is fake, forged, altered, or stolen.
• Identity theft: Using someone else’s personal information, such as name, date of birth, social security number, or credit card number, to obtain goods, services, money, or credit.
• Petit larceny: This is when an individual steals property valued at less than $1,000.
• Grand larceny: Stealing property that is worth more than $1,000 or that falls into certain categories, such as firearms, vehicles, credit cards, or public records.

If you’re accused of committing any of the aforementioned crimes (or any other theft-related crime), you need a competent Queens theft crime lawyer who can fiercely defend your rights and future.

Penalties for Larceny in New York State

The first thing you should understand is that larceny is the crime of depriving the lawful owner of their property without their consent. That said, the key factor in separating larceny from robbery is the use of force. If there was no use of force, the individual will likely be charged with larceny. If there was a use of force, the individual will likely face robbery charges. The penalties for larceny charges in New York State are as follows:

• If the property is valued at less than $1,000, it is a Class A misdemeanor, which can warrant up to one year of incarceration and a potential $1,000 fine.
• If the property is valued at more than $1,000 but less than $3,000, it is a class E felony. This can warrant anywhere between one year and four years in prison, plus fines.
• If the property is worth more than $3,000 but less than $50,000, it is a class D felony. This can warrant at least one year and up to seven years in prison, plus fines.
• If the property is worth more than $50,000 but less than $1,000,000, it is a class C felony. This can warrant at least one year and up to 15 years in prison, plus fines.
• If the property is worth more than $1,000,000, it is a class B felony. The penalty is at least one year or one-third of the maximum sentence given, and up to 25 years in prison.

Penalties for Robbery in New York State

In New York State, robbery is broken down into three degrees. Robbery in the third degree is when a person takes property from another using force, but without any other aggravating factors, such as using a weapon. Robbery in the third degree is a class D felony and can warrant up to seven years of incarceration.

Robbery in the second degree is when a person forcibly steals property from another person and one of the following conditions applies:

• Another person assisted in the robbery
• The victim was injured in the course of the robbery
• A firearm was used in the commission of the crime
• The stolen property was a motor vehicle

If you are found guilty of robbery in the second degree, a class C felony, you’ll most likely face up to 15 years of incarceration.

Finally, robbery in the first degree is when a person forcibly steals property from another person and one of the following conditions applies:

• The perpetrator caused serious physical injury to the victim
• The perpetrator was armed with a deadly weapon
• The perpetrator used or threatened to use a dangerous instrument or firearm

Robbery in the first degree is a class B felony that can warrant up to 25 years of incarceration.

Contact a New York City Theft Crime Lawyer Today

The penalties for theft crimes of all types are severe, which is why you should never face them alone. Don’t wait–contact a dedicated Queens theft crime lawyer from Vasiliou Law today to schedule your free case evaluation with our dedicated criminal defense firm. We are here to fight for you, every step of the way.