Nassau County
Theft Crime
Lawyer
Nassau County Theft Crime Attorney
Theft offenses are charged based on the type of items stolen, how they are stolen, and the value of the items. While these offenses may seem minor, they can carry serious charges and penalties. It’s crucial that you quickly secure the services of a trusted Nassau County theft crime lawyer. There may be options to advocate for lower penalties or even fight against your charges to avoid conviction, but you need an attorney to make that happen.
Stay silent and contact the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC today.
Hire a Theft Crime Lawyer at the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC
You need a Nassau County criminal defense lawyer that you can count on. The New York defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, have decades of collective experience and a history of proven case results. We offer comprehensive criminal defense for those throughout Nassau County facing theft charges, from petit larceny to motor vehicle theft.
Our firm offers many benefits, including:
- Multilingual access
- Quick responses to emails and calls
- Experience in state and federal courts, including the 10th Judicial District Courts for Nassau County
- Client-focused legal guidance
- Available 24/7
You need legal representation and a defense that is reliable, and you should not settle for less. Your future is on the line, and you need a team like ours that understands the right defense strategies to employ. Whether you committed the crime or were wrongfully charged, we can fight for you.
Consult with our theft crime attorneys in Nassau County now to start building your defense.
Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Nassau County Larceny Case Results
Petit Larceny Defense
Where Handled: Nassau County District Court
The client faced a misdemeanor theft conviction that threatened her career. Our defense team negotiated a diversionary resolution at the arraignment by highlighting her clean record, employment, and family responsibilities.
Result: ACOD & Program
Timeline: ~2 Weeks
Retail Theft Resolution
Where Handled: Nassau County District Court
A shoplifting arrest put the client’s permanent criminal record at risk. Counsel provided representation at the arraignment and successfully negotiated a diversionary outcome to preserve the client’s clean history.
Result: Dismissal via ACOD
Timeline: ~2 Weeks
What to Expect After a Nassau County Theft Arrest
Being arrested for a theft offense in Nassau County can move quickly, and knowing what happens next can make the process less overwhelming.
Arrest or Desk Appearance Ticket
Depending on the circumstances, police may take you into custody or issue a Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT), which allows you to go home and appear in court on a scheduled date rather than being held. Lower-level misdemeanor theft charges, such as petit larceny, more commonly result in a DAT, while felony-level grand larceny charges are more likely to involve a full arrest and arraignment from custody.
Arraignment
Your first court appearance is the arraignment, where the charges against you are formally read, and a judge decides on bail, release conditions, or supervised release. Nassau County misdemeanor arraignments are generally handled in Nassau County District Court, while felony-level grand larceny cases may ultimately proceed to Nassau County Court following a grand jury indictment.
Having an attorney present at arraignment can make a meaningful difference, since this is often the first opportunity to argue for release without bail or under the least restrictive conditions.
Case Timeline
After arraignment, the case moves through pretrial stages that can include review of the evidence, negotiations with the District Attorney’s Office, and pretrial motions, such as motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charges.
Misdemeanor theft cases in Nassau County District Court may resolve in a matter of weeks, particularly where a diversionary option such as an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal (ACOD) is available.
Felony grand larceny cases typically take longer, especially where the value of the property is disputed or the case involves multiple transactions that must be investigated and aggregated.
Potential Outcomes
Outcomes vary based on the specific charge, the defendant’s criminal history, and the circumstances of the alleged theft. Possible resolutions include a negotiated plea to a reduced charge, a diversionary program, dismissal of the charges, or, if the case proceeds to trial, an acquittal or conviction.
For felony charges, sentencing depends heavily on the class of felony and whether the defendant has any prior felony convictions within the statutory lookback period, which can trigger mandatory minimum sentences.
Why Early Representation Matters
Many of the most effective defense strategies, such as negotiating for a diversionary resolution at arraignment or challenging how the value of allegedly stolen property was determined, are easiest to pursue early in the case. Waiting to hire an attorney until after arraignment, or after prosecutors have already built their file, can close off options that were available at the outset.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for a theft offense anywhere in Nassau County, from Garden City to Hempstead, Freeport, or Long Beach, reach out to a defense attorney as soon as possible. Our theft crime lawyers in Nassau County are prepared to protect your rights at every stage of the criminal justice process.
Theft Offenses in New York and Nassau County
According to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), Nassau County reported 12,384 larceny offenses in 2024, a 9.6% decrease from the 13,698 larcenies reported in 2023 — one of the largest year-over-year reductions among the New York counties DCJS tracks. Motor vehicle theft in the county fell even more sharply, dropping 38% from 889 incidents in 2023 to 551 in 2024.
Despite this decline, theft remains one of the most commonly charged property crimes in Nassau County, and even relatively low-value larceny charges carry consequences that follow a person well beyond the courtroom.
What Are the Types of Theft in New York?
Larceny offenses include petit larceny and grand larceny.
Petit larceny is the crime of stealing property. It is charged as a Class A misdemeanor, which can lead to jail time for up to 364 days and fines up to $1,000. There may also be additional penalties, like paying restitution to the victims of the offense.
There are four levels of grand larceny charges in Nassau County:
Charge | Classification | Details |
|---|---|---|
Grand Larceny in the 4th Degree | Class E Felony | Theft of over $1,000, motor vehicle valued over $100, items related to religious worship over $100, credit cards, public record documents, secret scientific material, firearms, items used to make methamphetamine, or theft from a person. |
Grand Larceny in the 3rd Degree | Class D Felony | Theft of over $3,000, theft of or from an ATM, retail merchandise aggregating over $3,000, or commercial real property. |
Grand Larceny in the 2nd Degree | Class C Felony | Theft of over $50,000, theft using extortion through fear, retail merchandise totaling over $50,000, or residential/multiple commercial real properties. |
Grand Larceny in the 1st Degree | Class B Felony | Theft of over $1 million, retail merchandise totaling over $1 million, or occupied residential/multiple residential real properties. |
Current as of July 2026.
There are other offenses that are considered crimes of theft but which are handled differently from larceny offenses. This includes burglary and robbery, which can be considered violent offenses depending on the circumstances.
Featured Insight From Attorney Robert Tsigler
Founding Attorney Robert Tsigler shared his analysis on News 12 while addressing why a woman repeatedly arrested for “dine-and-dash” incidents continues to be released, an issue that also impacts communities throughout Nassau County.
He outlined how New York’s bail laws apply to theft-of-services charges and explained the limits prosecutors face when attempting to request bail in these cases.
“Theft of services is a non-violent misdemeanor that doesn’t put the community at risk. He says that most misdemeanors simply aren’t eligible for bail.”
“They would need to use a stolen credit card,” Tsigler added. “Or an argument could be made if they purchase an item over $1,000, like a bottle of wine, they could be charged with grand larceny, which is a felony.”
— Robert Tsigler, Founding Attorney, as featured on News 12
His commentary highlights the legal obstacles surrounding repeat theft-of-services cases in New York, including those occurring in Nassau County. Without felony-level conduct or changes to the law, courts are generally required to release defendants under supervision rather than impose bail.
FAQs About Nassau County Theft Crime Laws
What Is the Law for Theft in New York?
The laws for theft, or larceny, in New York are found under Article 155 of the state Penal Code. It covers several types of larceny, including the offense of intending to deprive someone else of property and wrongfully taking or withholding that property from its owner. It also includes this offense through the use of false pretenses, false promises, extortion, or through acquiring lost property, issuing a bad check, or committing wage theft.
How Much Money Do You Have to Steal Before It Becomes a Felony?
In New York, stealing more than $1,000 of property, more than $100 of certain types of property, or any value of certain items, becomes a felony. This also applies to retail theft that occurs multiple times, as the total amount stolen is considered in the charge. There are also certain ways of committing the offense that can elevate it to a felony, such as taking property from another person.
Is Theft Under $5,000 a Serious Crime?
Yes, theft of property under $5,000 is a serious crime and is often charged as grand larceny, which is a felony. This means it can result in significant fines and a year or years of imprisonment. It also matters what was stolen, as some types of items can be seriously charged even if they are not as valuable. If you have been charged with theft, no matter how severe, you should always get the help of a defense attorney.
How Often Do First-Time Shoplifters Go to Jail?
First-time shoplifters could go to jail, particularly if the merchandise stolen was high-value or certain items such as a credit card, a motor vehicle, or a firearm. Even if the theft does not meet these aggravating factors, jail time is still a potential penalty for the fine, and it is up to the discretion of the court whether or not to assign jail time. When you hire a theft attorney, they can help advocate for a lesser sentence.
Defending Theft Charges Throughout Nassau County
No matter the severity of your theft charges, you need a strong legal defense. Even petit larceny can lead to jail time, fines, and a criminal record that can harm many future opportunities. It is crucial that you act quickly to find a defense attorney who can fight for you, your future, and the ideal outcome in your case. Reach out to the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, today.
Nassau County
Practice Areas
Latest Results
Dismissed
We Set the Bar Others Strive to Reach
The Theft Law firm of Robert Tsigler, PLLC is Ready to Fight for You!
If you have been charged with burglary, larceny, or robbery, do not delay. Call the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC at 718-878-3781 for a consultation.
DON'T
DELAY
discuss your case right away.
