A conviction for a theft in New York can cost you your freedom. When you need reliable criminal defense, you need the Law Offices of Tacopina Seigel & DeOreo. The firm has successfully handled countless criminal trials and is known for taking on high-profile cases. In addition, the legal team at Tacopina, Seigel & DeOreo has a deep understanding of the tactics used by the prosecution and is prepared to tailor a defense strategy unique to your case.
The moment you are taken into police custody and accused of theft, you have the right to hire a NYC theft lawyer. Whether you are charged with robbery or identity theft, without the assistance of a skilled attorney, you could face serious penalties. The dedicated lawyers at the Law Offices of Tacopina, Seigel & DeOreo are experienced in defending clients accused of the following theft crimes:
The crime of extortion occurs when a person uses threats or force to obtain something from another. If convicted of first-degree coercion in New York, you could face up to seven years in prison.
Embezzlement typically occurs in the business world and involves the theft of funds or assets entrusted to you. Penalties for embezzlement vary based on the amount of money you are accused of stealing, but you could face as much as 25 years in prison.
Theft involving property valued at $1,000 or more is grand larceny. Depending on what degree of larceny the prosecution charges you with, you face between four and 25 years in prison.
Theft of property less than $1,000 is the crime of petit larceny in New York and carries a penalty of up to one year in prison.
A NYC criminal defense attorney at Tacopina, Seigel & DeOreo can help you fight charges of theft. Below are aspects of the criminal process the firm’s New York lawyers can assist you with:
In New York, the general term “theft” refers to any of a series of violations of New York penal law including, but not limited to petit larceny, grand larceny, extortion and embezzlement. These crimes share several common pleading requirements including: identification of the stolen property and identification of the person from whom the property was allegedly stolen. The prosecution must always plead and prove these foundational elements. Larceny is the basic “theft” offense in New York and underlies many more serious crimes. A person is guilty of larceny when wrongfully taking the property of another person with intent to deprive that person of the property.
If the stolen property was valued at $1,000 or less, the crime is “petit” larceny and if the stolen property is valued at more than $1,000.00 then the crime is “grand” larceny. Extortion is a type of blackmail. It occurs when someone commits larceny and then threatens the victim of the larceny if the victim does not concede to the larceny. Extortion is always a felony in New York.
Embezzlement is a mix of fraud and theft. Unlike larceny, embezzlement only occurs when the thief already had lawful possession of the property. In order to prove embezzlement, the prosecution must demonstrate not only theft, but also that the thief was trusted with the stolen property and in lawful possession of it at the time it was stolen.
In theft-related criminal cases, discovery materials usually consist of police reports, booking reports and the testimony of witnesses, law enforcement officers and even the defendant. If the NY theft involved physical property, then the physical property is also discoverable and subject to inspection.
The key witnesses in a theft-related case depend entirely on the nature of the case and the defense strategy. Witnesses testifying that the defendant was not present at the scene of the theft, so called alibi witnesses, can be essential — if they exist. If the defendant is asserting a defense of mental disease or defect, then expert medical witnesses will usually be necessary. In some instances, it makes sense for the defendant to testify in his or her own defense. The prudence or imprudence of this approach is best discussed with competent legal counsel.
When you face charges for theft in New York, let the experienced and reputable lawyers at the Law Offices of Tacopina Seigel & DeOreo build you a solid defense. Call today at 212-227-8877 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with a highly qualified attorney at the firm.