Theft Related Cases Should Always Be Taken Seriously
There are a number of theft-related charges in New York ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Even something as seemingly harmless as shoplifting can result in a criminal conviction that can include jail time and can make finding future employment difficult.
Because of the potentially severe consequences, it is important that you speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to minimize the potential penalties. Some of the penalties can include suspension of your driver’s license, fines, incarceration and loss of reputation and career opportunities.
Islip theft lawyer Michael Schillinger represents clients accused of theft crimes and fraud crimes. He understands the severity of the charges you’re facing, and will fight aggressively to get you the best results possible. Avoid prison, fines and other penalties by working with a trusted criminal defense attorney like Mike.
Common Theft-Related Offenses
Larceny – Larcenies can range in severity from misdemeanors to felonies, and the penalties for these crimes can range from months of incarceration to years depending on the severity of the larceny committed. A shoplifting case is also considered a larceny and can be either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the value of the items that are alleged to have been stolen.
Vehicle theft – Vehicle theft can be charged in two ways in New York, either as an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, which is a misdemeanor, or as grand larceny, which is a class E felony. The penalties therefore can vary greatly depending on what you are actually charged with.
Credit card theft – Stealing a credit card in New York is a serious offense and is charged as grand larceny in the fourth degree, a class E felony. Depending on your prior criminal history, this can potentially lead to a sentence of multiple years of incarceration.
Robbery – One of the most serious theft-related offenses in New York, robbery involves taking property from another individual by force. Depending on the severity of a person’s conduct, whether they injure the other person involved, whether they act with an accomplice, and whether they use a weapon in the commission of a robbery, the penalties of the crime can vary. However, all robbery crimes are felony offenses and carry the possibility of serious jail time. The most serious of these includes robbery in the first degree, which is a class B violent felony and, even if it’s your first offense, carries a mandatory minimum period of incarceration of five years.
If you believe you or a loved one is a suspect in a theft-related case, it is important to contact an experienced attorney who can represent your interests during a lineup procedure and any discussions you may have with the police. It’s also important to give your attorney all the facts so that they can begin investigating your case as soon as possible. Evidence such as surveillance video can sometimes be deleted within just a few days of a recording, so it’s important to obtain the evidence that supports your side of the story as soon as possible.
Fight Back Against Your Charges with a Theft Attorney in Islip
Contact Mike Schillinger today or fill out the online contact form to schedule a meeting. Mike will help you and explain your rights and options in the process. Call today for a free initial consultation.