NYC Grand
Larceny – No Arrest
Lawyer

Can I be charged with grand larceny if I haven’t been arrested yet?

Yes. Police and prosecutors can build a grand larceny case for months before making an arrest, and New York generally allows five years to charge most felonies. Getting a lawyer involved before charges are filed gives you the best chance of stopping them.

What should I do if a detective calls me about a theft accusation?

Politely decline to talk and have a lawyer call the detective back. NYPD detectives often call people to get their side of the story, and anything you say on that call can be used as evidence. Your lawyer can find out what’s being alleged and whether an arrest is planned.

Can a lawyer stop a grand larceny arrest from happening?

Sometimes. When the accuser is an employer or business partner, a lawyer can negotiate repayment or show the dispute is civil, which can lead prosecutors to decline the case. If an arrest can’t be avoided, arranging a voluntary surrender usually means a faster process and a better shot at release.

What’s the grand larceny threshold in New York?

Theft becomes grand larceny once the property is worth more than $1,000, or when it involves certain items like a credit card, a firearm or a car worth more than $100. Penalties climb with value, up to 25 years in prison for property over $1 million. The value claimed by the accuser is often inflated, so your lawyer should test it.

Can a grand larceny accusation be treated as a civil dispute?

Often it can, especially in fights over business money, loans or wages. New York law recognizes a claim of right defense, meaning a good-faith belief that the money was yours is a defense to larceny. Contracts, invoices and messages showing that belief can be enough to keep the case out of criminal court.