Theft Crimes

The legal system in our state is tough on anyone convicted of a theft crime, with penalties including time in jail or prison, hefty fines and probation. If you have been charged with any form of theft, you can find dedicated support and legal representation by coming to The Law Office of John M. Cromwell for a confidential consultation about your case. I have more than 24 years of experience defending the rights of people in your position, and I can discuss your charges in Spanish or English. Retaining a White Plains criminal defense attorney to represent you early after your arrest can dramatically improve your chances of a favorable outcome.

Varying Degrees of a Misdemeanor

State law recognizes several types of theft. Petit larceny is a misdemeanor, occurring in cases of simple theft such as shoplifting, while the charge is increased to grand larceny in the fourth degree for property valued at over $1,000. The charge continues to increase towards first degree larceny in proportion to the value of stolen goods, and the maximum punishment is 25 years in state prison.

Burglary is charged when the defendant is accused of unlawfully entering or remaining in a building with the intent of committing a crime, while robbery is defined under state law as forcible stealing. Both these felonies will receive enhanced sentences in situations where the perpetrator was carrying a deadly weapon at the time or has been accused of causing injury to a victim. Each case is unique, and successful criminal defense requires an exhaustive study of the evidence to determine the most effective approach for fighting the charges.