Suffolk County
Theft Crime
Lawyer
Suffolk County Theft Crime Attorney
Theft is the criminal offense of intending to deprive a person of their property and wrongfully withholding it. Depending on the way the property was taken, the type of property, and its value, these charges can be incredibly severe. A Suffolk County theft crime lawyer can help you if you are being charged with petit larceny, grand larceny, shoplifting, motor vehicle theft, burglary, or other types of theft. An attorney fights for you and your future.
Hire a Theft Crime Lawyer at the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC
With skilled legal defense, you are more likely to limit the significance of the penalties against you for theft charges or potentially avoid conviction. The top-rated criminal defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, can give you comprehensive legal support that you can count on. Our team has decades of combined experience in defense law, and we provide premier defense based on proven results. When you work with us, there are benefits such as:
- Exceptional communication, as well as call and email response within hours
- Multilingual legal representation, including in Spanish, Mandarin, and Russian
- 24/7 availability, including for late-night court appearance needs
- State and federal court experience, including with the 10th Judicial District Court serving Suffolk County
Whether your theft charges were the result of a mistake, an error by law enforcement, or another situation, our firm can help. Regardless of your situation, you need dedicated legal guidance to fight for the ideal outcome. Don’t settle for less for your future.
Featured Insight From Attorney Robert Tsigler
Founding Attorney Robert Tsigler shared his legal perspective on News 12 while discussing why a woman repeatedly arrested for “dine-and-dash” incidents continues to be released, an issue that also affects communities across Suffolk County.
He explained how New York’s bail laws apply to theft-of-services charges and outlined the restrictions prosecutors face when seeking bail in these types of 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 remarks underscore the legal challenges involved in repeat theft-of-services cases in New York, including those seen in Suffolk County. Unless felony-level conduct is present or the law changes, courts are generally required to release defendants under supervision rather than set bail.
Common Types of Theft Crime Charges
- Petit larceny.
- Grand larceny.
- Burglary.
- Robbery.
- Criminal possession of stolen property.
- Identity theft.
- Auto theft.
- Shoplifting.
How Common are Larceny Offenses in Suffolk County?
Theft offenses not only cover taking someone’s property, but also taking it through the use of extortion or false pretenses, or by wage theft or issuing a bad check.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported 226,851 larceny-theft offenses in 2019 throughout New York state, and 32,464 arrests. The following towns and villages in Suffolk County saw some of the following larceny-theft offenses:
- 516 offenses in Riverhead Town
- 411 offenses in Southampton Town
- 38 offenses in Southampton Village
- 172 offenses in Southold Town
- Seven offenses in Huntington Bay Village
What Defenses Are Available for Theft and Larceny Charges in Suffolk County?
There are several potential defenses to theft charges in Suffolk County, and working with an experienced defense attorney helps you find which is most useful in your situation. Potential defenses include:
- Lack of intent. Petit or grand larceny theft offenses require that you intend to take the property and deprive the owner of it. If you thought the property was yours or you took it without meaning to, the prosecution may be unable to prove intent.
- Rights violations. If you were subjected to an unlawful arrest, a search and seizure without cause, or another rights violation, then this can lead to evidence being suppressed. In some cases, the prosecution may no longer have a case against you.
- Consent. It’s not a theft offense if you were given consent by the owner of the property to take it. If you are able to prove consent, this can help your case.
- Alibi and mistaken identity. If you were not the person who stole the property, there are several ways to show proof of that. This includes showing an alibi for the time of the offense, questioning witness testimony, and otherwise preventing the prosecution from meeting its burden of proof.
The support of an attorney is necessary as soon as possible. That way, they can listen to your side of things and begin building your defense right away. They can advise you on the benefits and drawbacks of a potential plea deal if that is in your interests.
FAQs About Suffolk County Theft Crime Laws
What Is the Maximum Charge for Theft in New York?
In New York, the maximum charge for theft depends on what was stolen, how, and how much, but it can be up to a Class B felony. This can result in up to 20 years of imprisonment and up to $5,000 in fines. However, this only applies when the theft charge is for over $1 million or the theft of specific real property. Other offenses can be charged as less-severe felonies or even misdemeanors. An attorney can assess your charges.
Can You Be Convicted of Theft Without Evidence?
In order to be convicted of theft, the prosecution must prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is no evidence that you committed the crime, then you cannot be convicted. However, you should always hire a theft crime attorney. Even if you believe there is no evidence against you, this may not always be the case. Your attorney assesses the case against you and determines whether your rights have been upheld.
Will a Theft Charge Ruin My Life?
A theft charge can significantly impact your life, particularly if you are convicted. Even if the offense was a misdemeanor charge, you can still face months or more in jail, and hundreds in fines. Additionally, you will have a criminal record. This can affect your life in many ways, as a criminal record shows up in a background check. Potential employers, landlords, and educational institutions can see this, and it can cause you to lose important opportunities.
What Amount of Money Stolen Is a Federal Offense?
Theft can become a federal offense in specific contexts, such as trafficking in stolen property across state lines valued at $5,000 or more. Federal theft offenses also include theft from or of federal property, theft in maritime jurisdictions, theft of interstate shipments, theft of mail and from post offices, theft of commerce-related vehicles, theft of a vehicle with intent to cause harm or death to the driver, theft of livestock, bank robbery, and other offenses.
Get Trusted Legal Guidance in Suffolk County
You don’t have to navigate the criminal justice system alone. Reach out to the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, today, and schedule a consultation. Let us help defend you against criminal charges and fight for your future.
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