Grand Larceny New York

Being charged with grand larceny in New York is one of the most serious situations you can face. Unlike petit larceny, which is a misdemeanor, grand larceny is always a felony that can result in years in prison, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that follows you for life.

Whether you've been accused of embezzlement, credit card fraud, shoplifting expensive merchandise, or theft by deception, the consequences of a grand larceny conviction extend far beyond criminal penalties. Your career, professional licenses, immigration status, and personal reputation are all at stake.

At the Law Offices of Matthew Cohan, we have successfully defended clients against grand larceny charges throughout New York, achieving dismissals, reductions to non-criminal offenses, and favorable plea agreements. As a former prosecutor, I understand how theft cases are built and, more importantly, how to dismantle them.

What Is Grand Larceny Under New York Law?

Under New York Penal Law Article 155, larceny is the wrongful taking of another person's property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. The crime becomes grand larceny when the value of the property exceeds $1,000 or involves certain specified types of property, regardless of value.

The key elements the prosecution must prove are:

1. You took property belonging to someone else
2. Without permission or legal right to do so
3. With the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it
4. The property's value or type meets the statutory threshold for grand larceny

It's important to understand that grand larceny doesn't require force or breaking into a building. Even sophisticated financial schemes, unauthorized credit card use, or employee theft can result in felony grand larceny charges.

The Four Degrees of Grand Larceny in New York

New York law divides grand larceny into four degrees based primarily on the value of property involved. Each degree carries increasingly severe penalties:

Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (Penal Law § 155.30)

Class E Felony

You can be charged with fourth degree grand larceny when the value of the property exceeds $1,000, or the property consists of a credit card, debit card, public record, firearm, or is taken directly from another person (pickpocketing).

Penalties: Up to 4 years in prison, probation, fines and restitution, permanent felony record.

Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (Penal Law § 155.35)

Class D Felony

This charge applies when the value of property stolen exceeds $3,000 but does not exceed $50,000.

Penalties: Up to 7 years in prison, probation, substantial fines and restitution, felony record.

Grand Larceny in the Second Degree (Penal Law § 155.40)

Class C Felony

Second degree grand larceny involves property valued over $50,000 but not more than $1,000,000.

Penalties: Up to 15 years in prison, mandatory minimum sentences for repeat offenders, significant fines and full restitution.

Grand Larceny in the First Degree (Penal Law § 155.42)

Class B Felony

The most serious grand larceny charge applies when property stolen exceeds $1,000,000 in value. This is typically charged in large-scale embezzlement cases, securities fraud, or sophisticated financial crimes.

Penalties: Up to 25 years in prison, mandatory prison time for those with prior felony convictions, massive restitution orders.

Common Examples of Grand Larceny

We regularly defend clients accused of:

• Employee theft and embezzlement
• Credit card and bank fraud
• Retail theft (shoplifting merchandise valued over $1,000)
• Identity theft schemes
• Check fraud
• Theft by false pretenses or deception
• Insurance fraud
• Real estate fraud

Many of our clients have no prior criminal history. A financial crisis, poor judgment, or even a false accusation can result in felony grand larceny charges that threaten everything they've built.

Possible Defenses to Grand Larceny Charges

A skilled defense attorney will carefully review the evidence to build a strong defense. Common strategies include:

Lack of Intent: You did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of the property.

Claim of Right: You genuinely believed the property belonged to you or that you had permission to take it.

Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution cannot prove value, ownership, or intent beyond a reasonable doubt.

Mistaken Identity: You were wrongly accused or misidentified as the perpetrator.

At the Law Offices of Matthew Cohan, we thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence and build the strongest possible defense.

Collateral Consequences of a Grand Larceny Conviction

Beyond prison time and fines, a grand larceny conviction creates lifelong obstacles:

Employment: Most employers conduct background checks and view theft convictions as disqualifying, particularly for positions involving financial responsibility or positions of trust.

Professional Licenses: Lawyers, accountants, nurses, doctors, teachers, and other licensed professionals face disciplinary action, suspension, or permanent license revocation.

Immigration: Non-U.S. citizens face deportation, denial of naturalization, and inability to reenter the United States. Grand larceny is considered a crime involving moral turpitude with severe immigration consequences.

Housing: Landlords routinely deny rental applications from individuals with felony theft convictions.

A theft conviction is particularly damaging because it's classified as a crime of "moral turpitude" or dishonesty, which employers and licensing boards view as especially serious character flaws.

Alternative Resolutions and Plea Options

Depending on the strength of the evidence and your criminal history, we may be able to negotiate favorable alternatives:

Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD): Charges are adjourned for six months to one year, and if you stay out of trouble and meet certain conditions, the case is dismissed entirely with no criminal record.

Reduction to Petit Larceny or Violation: We often negotiate reductions from felony grand larceny to misdemeanor petit larceny or even to a non-criminal violation, avoiding a felony record.

Conditional Discharge or Probation: In cases where conviction cannot be avoided, we work to keep you out of prison by negotiating probation, community service, and restitution in lieu of incarceration.

Youthful Offender Status: If you're under 19, we may be able to obtain youthful offender treatment, which seals your record and avoids a criminal conviction.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Matthew Cohan

Grand larceny defense requires specific expertise and aggressive advocacy. When you hire our firm, you get:

Former Prosecutor Experience: As a former prosecutor, Attorney Matthew Cohan has handled theft cases from both sides. This insider knowledge is invaluable in identifying weaknesses in the prosecution's case and negotiating favorable outcomes.

Proven Track Record: We have successfully obtained dismissals, ACDs, reductions to violations, and acquittals for clients facing grand larceny charges throughout New York.

Personalized Strategy: Every case receives individual attention. We develop defense strategies tailored to your specific situation, goals, and circumstances.

Aggressive Advocacy: We negotiate forcefully with prosecutors and are fully prepared to take your case to trial when necessary.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

If you've been arrested, are under investigation, or have been contacted by law enforcement about a theft allegation, time is critical. Early intervention by an experienced attorney can prevent charges from being filed, preserve crucial evidence, and position your case more favorably for negotiation.

Many people make the mistake of waiting too long to hire an attorney. By the time they seek legal help, critical opportunities have been lost.

Contact the Law Offices of Matthew Cohan Today

If you're facing grand larceny charges or are under investigation for theft anywhere in New York, don't wait another day to protect your future. We have successfully helped countless clients facing felony theft charges achieve dismissals, reductions, and favorable outcomes.

Call (516) 375-1107 now or complete our contact form below for a free, confidential consultation.

We represent clients throughout New York City, Long Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, and surrounding areas. Don't let a grand larceny charge destroy your life. Let us fight for you.