Last Updated on: 18th October 2023, 09:01 am

Brooklyn Theft Crime Lawyer

If you have been accused of theft or larceny in Brooklyn, New York, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options. Theft charges can carry serious penalties like jail time, fines, probation and a criminal record. Having an experienced Brooklyn theft crime lawyer on your side can help you build the strongest possible defense.

In this article, we’ll break down key things to know if you are facing theft charges in Brooklyn criminal court. We’ll overview common theft crimes, penalties, defenses and the role a dedicated larceny attorney can play in achieving the best outcome in your case.

Common Theft Crimes in Brooklyn

There are a range of theft crimes you can be charged with in Brooklyn and New York. Some of the most common include:

• Petit Larceny – Stealing property worth less than $1,000. This is a misdemeanor charge.
• Grand Larceny – Stealing property worth more than $1,000. A felony charge.
• Shoplifting – Stealing merchandise from a store.
• Employee Theft – Stealing money, goods or property from your employer.
• Identity Theft – Stealing someone’s personal information to commit fraud.
• Welfare Fraud – Collecting public assistance you’re not entitled to.

The exact theft charge will depend on the circumstances, value of property stolen, your criminal history and other factors. An experience Brooklyn theft defense lawyer can analyze the details of your specific case.

Penalties for Theft in Brooklyn

If convicted of theft in Brooklyn Criminal Court, some potential penalties include:

• Up to 1 year in jail for misdemeanor petit larceny
• 1 to 7 years in prison for felony grand larceny
• Fines up to $5,000 for shoplifting
• 5 years probation
• Community service
• Restitution to victim

The DA’s office will look at details like the value of property stolen, your criminal history and other factors when seeking penalties. A skilled Brooklyn theft crimes lawyer can argue for less harsh penalties in many cases.

Fighting Theft Charges in Brooklyn

Some of the most common defenses a theft crimes attorney may use include:

• You didn’t intend to steal – Larceny requires intent. If it was an honest mistake or misunderstanding, this can defeat charges.
• False accusations – The alleged victim is lying or mistaken about theft claims.
• Lack of evidence – The DA has weak evidence and cannot prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
• Mental illness – You have a condition like kleptomania that impacted actions.
• False confessions – You were coerced into confessing falsely.
• Intoxication – You were too impaired to form necessary criminal intent.

An aggressive Brooklyn theft attorney will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your case to build the strongest defense arguments possible. They can also negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or dismissal pre-trial in many cases.

Why Hire a Brooklyn Theft Crimes Lawyer?

Here are some of the key benefits of having an experienced attorney on your side if facing theft allegations in Brooklyn:

• They understand how to exploit weaknesses in the DA’s case.
• They negotiate aggressively with prosecutors.
• They advise you of rights and keep the police and courts accountable.
• They construct powerful defense arguments that raise reasonable doubt.
• They handle every aspect of the case so you can focus on your life.
• They know how to advocate effectively at sentencing if convicted.

A dedicated Brooklyn theft crimes attorney will fight tirelessly to help you avoid harsh penalties. They bring the expertise and resources needed to build your strongest defense, hold prosecutors accountable and achieve the best outcome.

Finding the Right Brooklyn Theft Lawyer for Your Case

If you are facing theft charges in Brooklyn, it’s critical to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer who understands every nuance of larceny law and prosecution. Here are some tips for finding the right attorney:

• Look for a lawyer who specializes specifically in theft defense.
• Find someone experienced handling your type of theft charges.
• Read online reviews and talk to past clients about their experiences.
• Meet with lawyers before retaining to discuss your case specifics.
• Ask about track record getting charges reduced or dismissed pre-trial.
• Choose someone you feel comfortable with and can afford.

Having the right lawyer makes all the difference in theft cases. Take time to research options and choose someone who will fight aggressively on your behalf. The stakes are high, so this is not the time to take chances with inexperienced counsel.

Theft Diversion Programs in Brooklyn

In some theft cases, prosecutors may offer pre-trial diversion programs as an alternative to traditional criminal prosecution. Some of the main Brooklyn theft diversion options include:

• Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) – The case is adjourned for 6-12 months and dismissed if you stay out of trouble.
• Drug Treatment Alternative to Prison (DTAP) – For defendants with substance abuse issues. Requires completion of rehab.
• Mental Health Diversion – Requires adhering to a mental health treatment plan.
• Community Service – Requires completing a set number of service hours.

An experienced Brooklyn theft crimes lawyer can advise if you are eligible for these or other diversion programs and negotiate with the DA’s office to help you enter one. This can result in charges being dismissed and avoiding a permanent criminal record in many cases.

Theft Crime Statistics in Brooklyn

Some key theft crime statistics for Brooklyn include:

• Over 16,000 larceny cases reported in 2020 (NYPD).
• Around 30% of larceny cases were grand larceny charges.
• Over 4,000 shoplifting cases reported.
• The NYPD clearance rate for larcenies was under 15%.
• Most common stolen items were electronics, clothing and jewelry.
• Organized retail crime rings drive a significant portion of shoplifting.

These statistics highlight why skilled legal representation is so important if facing theft allegations in Brooklyn. With low police clearance rates, many cases come down to the strength of the defense argument. An attorney who exploits weaknesses and raises reasonable doubt can help you avoid a conviction.

Recent Changes to New York Theft Laws

Some notable recent changes to New York theft and larceny laws include:

• In 2019, the felony theft threshold was raised from $1,000 to $1,500 in property value stolen.
• Shoplifting laws were toughened in 2020 to target organized retail theft rings.
• Identity theft laws were expanded to include broader types of personal information.
• Welfare fraud laws increased penalties and eligibility restrictions.
• New laws added theft of services charges for things like subway fare evasion.

An experienced Brooklyn theft defense lawyer stays up-to-date on the latest changes and how they impact specific cases. This allows them to construct the strongest defense arguments on your behalf.

Finding a Brooklyn Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been arrested for any crime in Brooklyn, having an experienced criminal defense lawyer can be critical. Here are some tips for finding the best attorney for your case:

• Search online directories like Avvo to read reviews and compare options.
• Look for someone who specializes in defending the charges you face.
• Meet with lawyers before choosing one to handle your case.
• Ask about their experience, track record of success and strategy for your defense.
• Make sure you feel comfortable with them and can afford their rates.
• Avoid lawyers who overpromise or pressure you to retain them immediately.

Having the right criminal defense lawyer makes a major difference in the outcome of Brooklyn cases. Take time to research options and choose someone who will fight aggressively on your behalf. The stakes are high, so this is not the time to take chances with inexperienced counsel.

What to Do If You Are Arrested for Theft in Brooklyn

If you are arrested for theft in Brooklyn, some key steps to take include:

• Remain silent and avoid answering police questions without a lawyer present.
• Politely decline to consent to any searches if asked.
• Do not resist arrest or get confrontational with police.
• Contact a Brooklyn theft defense lawyer as soon as possible after being released.
• Follow their advice about responding to the charges and interacting with police/prosecutors.
• Begin gathering evidence, receipts, witnesses and anything else to refute the allegations.

Following these steps can help preserve your rights, protect your defense and avoid making costly mistakes. A skilled Brooklyn theft crimes attorney can take over fighting the charges from there.

Questions a Brooklyn Theft Lawyer May Ask You

Some questions a theft defense lawyer may ask when you first meet include:

• What exactly are you being charged with stealing?
• What is the DA’s evidence against you?
• What is your side of the story?
• Were you read your rights and did you sign any statements?
• Do you have any prior theft arrests or convictions?
• Were there any witnesses or security footage?
• What steps did you take after being arrested?
• What outcome are you hoping to achieve?

Being prepared to answer questions like these is key. An experienced attorney will use your responses to start building the strongest defense strategy right away.

How a Brooklyn Theft Lawyer Can Help

Some of the key ways an experienced theft defense attorney can help include:

• Conducting an independent investigation of the allegations
• Identifying improper police conduct or procedural errors
• Negotiating with the DA for dismissal or reduced charges
• Developing defense arguments to undermine the prosecution’s case
• Filing motions to exclude prejudicial evidence
• Advising you of rights and keeping you out of legal jeopardy
• Presenting powerful arguments at trial if necessary
• Advocating for the least damaging outcome if convicted

Having an aggressive lawyer who knows how to fight these cases can make the difference between being convicted or avoiding charges altogether in many cases.

Questions to Ask a Potential Brooklyn Theft Lawyer

Some key questions to ask when choosing an attorney include:

• How much experience do you have specifically with Brooklyn theft cases?
• What will your overall strategy be for fighting my charges?
• What are some defenses you may use based on my case details