Trusted Theft Crime Attorney in the Finger Lakes Region of New York
Being charged with a theft crime can carry serious legal consequences, including fines, probation, and potential jail time. At Renna Law Office, PLLC, we provide skilled and aggressive defense for individuals accused of theft crimes in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of theft laws and are dedicated to protecting your rights and building a strong defense tailored to your case.
Common Theft Crimes in New York
A theft crime is a general term used to describe offenses that involve the taking of another person's property without their consent and with the intention to deprive them of it. Theft crimes can also be described simply as possessing stolen property.
Theft crimes are also often referred to as property offenses. Common theft crimes in New York include:
Grand Larceny
taking goods or personal property (value over $1,000)
Petit Larceny
taking good or personal property (value $1,000 or less)
Robbery
where the property is taken through the actual or threatened use of physical force
Criminal Possession of Stolen Property
knowingly possessing stolen property to benefit someone other than the owner or prevent the recovery of the property
Depending on the seriousness of the allegations, theft crimes can be either a misdemeanor or a felony. Aggravating circumstances include the type of property taken, the value of the property, whether or not the offender was armed during the alleged commission of the offense, and the offender's previous convictions for similar offenses. It is always important to speak to a criminal defense lawyer in the Elmira or Watkins Glen, NY, area to understand the elements and consequences of the exact theft charge pending against you.
Hanna M. Renna
Consequences of a Theft Conviction in New York
The sentences for theft convictions vary depending on the circumstances of the case and the seriousness of the offense.
Possible penalties include:
- Probation
- Parole and/or post-release supervision
- Imprisonment
- Education classes
A conviction for a theft offense can also have long-lasting impacts on an offender's life beyond their sentence, especially in terms of finding employment. For example, a potential employer who runs a background check may view someone with a theft conviction as dishonest and be reluctant to hire them.
Hanna M. Renna
The Belief in Ownership or Claim of Right
Where a defendant honestly believes that the property they took was theirs or they had a valid claim to it, they may be able to defend against a theft charge. When this defense is raised, the defendant usually needs to provide some evidence to support it.
Return of Property
If a defendant intended to return the property when they initially took it, they might also be able to defend against the charge. It is not a defense, however, if you return the property later to avoid a theft charge or conviction. That said, if convicted, returning the property may be a factor the court takes into account when determining a sentence.
Entrapment
Law enforcement authorities can run a sting operation to try and catch suspected criminals. However, they cannot induce a defendant to commit an offense they otherwise would not have committed. If a defendant takes any property due to being induced by law enforcement, they may be able to argue the defense of entrapment.
Intoxication
To prove a theft offense, the prosecution must establish that the defendant intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property. If the defendant was intoxicated when they took the property, they may be able to argue they were incapable of forming the required intent.
Hanna M. Renna
Critical Reasons to Hire Renna Law Office, PLLC
You can successfully defend against theft crimes. But you cannot do it on your own. The laws are complex, the stakes are high, and you need someone with the expertise to develop a viable defense strategy.
With that said, here are essential reasons why you should hire our criminal defense lawyer, Hanna M. Renna:
Hanna M. Renna
- We provide the insight you cannot find online. We know everyone is googling answers for everything, and that includes criminal charges and defenses. Though you can find information on it, you cannot find information on how to best apply a defense in your unique case. There are critical nuances that can impact your case. We provide a real-life application to get results.
- We leverage the power of the prosecutor. The prosecutor determines whether a charge will be filed, whether a plea deal will be offered, and what will be in a plea deal. In cases where appropriate, we use the power of the prosecutor to negotiate better terms on your behalf. We can try to negotiate a deal that means reduced charges or lesser sentences, and this is especially important in theft crimes because the range of potential charges and punishment is wide.
- We are more than your criminal defense lawyer.
As your lawyer, we will help you understand what's at stake, deal with all the deadlines and negotiations, and help you cope with your feelings throughout it all. You may feel fear, embarrassment, and anxiety. We know—we have seen it time and time again. But through our support and representation, we can alleviate some of the emotional issues you may experience.
If you have been accused of committing a theft crime, you should speak to Hanna M. Renna at Renna Law Office, PLLC immediately.
Schedule Your Free Phone Consultation
If you have been charged with a theft crime in the Finger Lakes Region of New York, don’t delay in obtaining legal assistance. Contact Renna Law Office, PLLC today to schedule your free consultation. We will review your case, explain your rights and options, and begin building a strong defense strategy to safeguard your future.
Call 607-233-0833.
