Last Updated on: 1st August 2023, 12:40 am

Facing Theft Charges in NYC? How to Find the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer For Your Case

From pickpockets working the subways to white collar executives cooking the books, New Yorkers encounter theft allegations in countless forms. But whether you’re accused of swiping a purse on the street or embezzling millions in the boardroom, the repercussions of theft charges prove devastating.

You need a criminal defense lawyer who knows how to spot fatal flaws in the prosecution’s case and leverage them to have charges reduced or dismissed pre-trial. Or if necessary, win at trial by establishing reasonable doubt of guilt in the jury’s mind.

Here are crucial things to look for in identifying top NYC defense counsel with a record of successfully beating theft accusations:

Find an Attorney Well-Versed in All New York Theft Laws

Between the state penal code, city ordinances, and intersecting statutes, theft laws in New York are dizzyingly complex. Even veteran defense lawyers must regularly research nuances within the voluminous codes.

Seek out counsel intimately familiar with all regulations relating to theft enforceable in the jurisdiction where you’re accused. Their mastery helps punch holes in the DA’s case using technicalities.

Aim for a lawyer known for getting charges dismissed pre-trial by creatively applying little-used laws that benefit defendants charged with stealing. That gift for exploiting legal loopholes could save you.

Pick a Lawyer Who Regularly Handles Your Type of Theft Charge

All criminal defense lawyers handle some theft charges, but relatively few specialize in certain types like embezzlement or larceny. Without focused experience, they may miss winning arguments unique to the specific allegations you face.

Find a lawyer who regularly defends against the particular theft charges prosecutors filed against you. For instance, an attorney specializing in burglary may understand intricacies of robbery or shoplifting differently.

Ask specifically how many recent cases resembling yours they’ve defended in New York courts. Extensive direct experience with particular theft crimes produces greater expertise that improves your odds.

Choose an Attorney Adept at Getting Charges Dismissed Pre-Trial

The holy grail for any theft defendant is having their charges dismissed completely before a trial ever begins. But relatively few theft cases actually get tossed out. You need a lawyer particularly talented at making that happen.

Vet attorneys’ records getting theft charges dismissed through pre-trial motions challenging lack of evidence, violations of due process rights, and other fatal deficiencies. Check their dismissal rates.

Through aggressive advocacy and shrewd negotiation, great lawyers convince prosecutors to drop unmeritorious cases outright when justified. That keeps your record clean.

Retain Counsel Strong at Plea Bargaining

While aiming for full dismissal, it’s prudent to also retain accomplished plea negotiators as a backup plan. Even strong cases can unravel absent ironclad evidence and cooperating victims.

Look for lawyers with proven success persuading prosecutors to reduce felony theft charges to misdemeanors or non-criminal violations through plea deals.

Check their stats on avoiding harsh sentences. Skilled negotiators keep clients out of jail by securing reasonable plea offers when appropriate given the circumstances.

Align with a Lawyer Who Refuses to Back Down at Trial

For clients demanding their day in court, retain a veteran NYC litigator who pulls no punches trying cases before juries. Many attorneys default to plea deals to avoid risk. You want a fighter.

Ask about their theft trial win percentages and examples of complete trial acquittals they secured for past clients. High victory rates reflect skills poking holes in the prosecution’s theories to instill reasonable doubt.

Even with long odds, forcing prosecutors to prove flawed cases in court puts truth on your side. Don’t settle for lawyers afraid of courtroom battles. Find righteous counsel who embraces justice.

Review a Lawyer’s Credentials, Awards and Associations

You want more than just any lawyer with a degree and a bar card. Seek attorneys who pursue advanced qualifications through rigorous certification processes.

Does counsel flaunt awards like Super Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, or The National Trial Lawyers membership affirming their elite status? Are they certified as specialists in criminal trial law? Do they belong to invitation-only criminal defense organizations?

Such recognition verifies the lawyer’s expertise and trial skills have been vetted through extensive review. It’s external proof you’re getting top-tier representation.

Meet With Attorneys in Person Before Deciding

Never hire a criminal defense lawyer without first sitting down together face-to-face. These initial consultations allow you to:

– Gauge comfort level with their communication styles

– Assess their case review and feedback on chances of success

– Inquire about credentials, specialties and trial experience

– Discuss legal fees and structures

Vetting multiple lawyers before choosing the right fit avoids sticking with the wrong defender. So audition at least three.

Check Online Reviews and Client Testimonials

It’s smart to check client reviews of any lawyer you’re considering on sites like Google, Yelp and Avvo. This offers helpful perspective on their customer service, communication skills and case results.

Successful theft defense attorneys proudly showcase online reviews from past clients praising their perseverance and legal mastery. But expect some negative critiques too. Weigh patterns over isolated remarks.

Lawyer websites also feature client testimonials illuminating firsthand experiences. Favorable quotes further validate abilities that statistics alone don’t capture.

Find a Lawyer Who You Can Trust Completely

Facing criminal accusations requires trusting counsel with extremely sensitive information they can use to build your defense. You need total confidence in their integrity protecting your privacy.

A thief’s lawyer still values loyalty and honesty. Assess their tone in speaking about clients. Do they seem to respect people regardless of background or treat clients impersonally? Make sure to find a human advocate you can open up to.

Ask About Caseload Volume and Bandwidth

Some lawyers juggle hundreds of cases across different practice areas simultaneously. But effective theft defense requires meticulous preparation and highly personalized counsel based on circumstances.

Vet prospective lawyers on their current caseload and availability to focus on you without spreading themselves thin. Will your case get the dedicated time required or will it get short shrift?

Ensure you align with advocates selective about accepting new clients so they can devote sufficient attention to mounting each defense.

Gauge Lawyers’ Accessibility and Responsiveness

Facing criminal charges compounds stress exponentially. You need confidence you can promptly reach your lawyer with pressing questions or case updates.

Discuss with prospective counsel how quickly they return calls, emails, and texts from anxious clients. Secure commitments to maintaining open lines of communication.

Unresponsive lawyers heighten frustration when fighting for your future. Make sure retaining one who makes you feel heard.

Find an Attorney Who You Feel is in Your Corner

Some lawyers just represent clients. But you need to feel like your counsel is passionately in your corner. Look for fierce advocates who take injustice against the accused personally.

The right lawyer exudes palpable determination to fight for you and speaks about clients with empathy. Avoid anybody treating defending you as just another assignment. Seek a genuine partner zealously championing your cause.

Arrested for Theft in NYC? T.O.D.D. Will Fight For You.

If you or somebody you love faces theft accusations in New York, the prospect of battling the justice system alone feels terrifying. But with an experienced criminal defense lawyer guiding you, the odds tilt back in your favor.

At Spodek Law Group, defending against theft charges is partner Todd Oppenheim’s specialty. For over 35 years, his mastery of New York theft laws and ruthless litigation have spared countless clients from unjust consequences. He’s on a mission to protect the accused from prosecution overreach.

Don’t let hostile prosecutors and judges intimidate you into submission without a fight. With T.O.D.D. in your corner, we have the expertise and grit to dismantle their case against you. From demolishing shaky evidence to negotiating strongly for reasonable pleas or even winning complete trial acquittals, our record of victories commands respect.

Facing allegations of stealing? Contact our top-rated defense firm immediately online or call (212) 300-5196 for a free case review and ironclad counsel. The sooner we start work, the sooner we start winning.

T.O.D.D. and Spodek Law Group – defending against theft charges is our specialty. Let’s beat this case together.