Nassau County Petit Larceny Lawyer

Nassau County Petit Larceny Attorney

Facing petit larceny charges in New York can be stressful. These cases are typically Class A misdemeanors, which is the most serious level of misdemeanor you can get in New York. Navigating the legal process can be overwhelming and confusing on your own. It can be helpful to work with a Nassau County petit larceny lawyer instead of trying to represent yourself.

At Koch Law, PLLC, we take on a limited number of cases to ensure we can dedicate ourselves fully to each and every one of our clients. Our criminal defense team has experience building criminal defenses for all types of charges. We’re confident we can provide personalized representation that addresses the unique needs of your case.

A Quick Look at Larceny in Nassau County, NY

Nassau County is considered a fairly safe place to live overall, but the area still sees its fair share of property crimes and violent crimes. There were 214 serious crimes reported per 10,000 residents in Nassau County in 2022.

Grand larceny has consistently ranked as the county’s most common major crime, but cases have been on the decline recently, with more than 100 fewer cases being reported in 2025 compared to 2024.

While grand larceny incidents have been dropping, petit larceny has been on the rise. These types of crimes have gone up 27 percent in recent years. There were a total of 25,422 larceny-theft crimes reported in New York in 2023. The following year, there were 2,737 larceny crimes reported in Nassau County alone.

Petit larceny refers to the theft of property that is relatively low in value. A person is guilty of petit larceny if they steal property that has a value of $1,000 or less. In New York, any type of theft or larceny falls under the same section of New York Penal Law.

That said, petit larceny can apply to theft by:

• Embezzlement
• Extortion
• False pretenses
• Fraud
• Receipt of stolen property
• Shoplifting
• Tricking

Penalties for Petit Larceny in Nassau County, NY

Petit larceny is a class A misdemeanor in New York, and a conviction can have lasting effects on your life. It can be helpful to have knowledgeable legal representation on your side to help reduce your charges and ensure you go through a fair legal process. Consult with a Nassau County criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.

Typically, charges for petit larceny in Nassau County can include:

• Community service
• Fines
• Jail
• Restitution

Since petit larceny is a Class A misdemeanor, a conviction can result in up to one year in jail. A Nassau County petit larceny lawyer can present alternative options to keep you out of jail so you can continue living as normal a life as possible while you serve out your sentence.

You can expect your case to be handled by the Nassau County District Court. This court typically handles civil cases involving monetary damages up to $15,000 and small claims matters with damages up to $5,000.

Larceny vs. Other Similar Offenses in Nassau County

Larceny and petit larceny are covered under a separate statute from other similar offenses, such as burglary, identity theft, or robbery. These crimes typically involve some form of violence or another element that complicates the charges.
Larceny refers to the theft of any property, and petit larceny pertains to cases where the value of the property is under the $1,000 limit. This is how similar offenses are defined:

• Burglary: Unlawfully entering a building or remaining in a building with the intent to commit a crime.
• Identity theft: Knowingly assuming the identity of another person to cause financial loss or obtain goods, money, property, and more.
• Robbery: Forcibly stealing someone’s property. The use of force is an important distinction between robbery and larceny.

While petit larceny can be considered the least serious of the above charges, it can still have an impact on your life. It’s important to take these charges seriously so you don’t find yourself back in this same position down the road.

Meet Your Attorney

Lee A. Koch

Managing Attorney, Koch Law PLLC

Lee draws on his background as a former USAF intelligence specialist to bring precision and strategy to defending clients in New York City facing white collar crime charges. From fraud and embezzlement to insider trading and complex financial investigations, he builds defense strategies designed to challenge evidence, protect your reputation, and position you for the strongest possible outcome in court.

Call 866-640-2264

FAQs

How Do I Get Petit Larceny Charges Dismissed in Nassau County?

It’s possible to have your petit larceny case dismissed in Nassau County, especially if you work with a Nassau County petit larceny lawyer. An attorney can help gather evidence in your defense and find weak points in the prosecution’s case to fight for reduced charges or, hopefully, dismissal of charges. In cases where the value of the stolen property is fairly low, you may also be able to obtain an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal (ACD).

What Is an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal in Nassau County?

An adjournment in contemplation of dismissal (ACD) is a court procedure that dismisses your case if the defendant complies with certain terms and conditions. ACDs are only available for misdemeanors. They’re typically ordered for petit larceny cases where the stolen property was fairly low in value. Your case is dismissed and sealed, which means it won’t be a part of your permanent criminal record.

What Is the Penalty for Petit Larceny in Nassau County?

The penalty for petit larceny in Nassau County can vary depending on the specific details of your case. Petit larceny is a class A misdemeanor, which is the most serious type of misdemeanor in New York. Penalties can include community service hours, probation, and possible jail time. You also must take care of any related fines and pay restitution.

Does Petit Larceny Show Up on a Background Check in Nassau County?

Misdemeanors like petit larceny typically do show up on background checks, which means you can expect a petit larceny charge to be on there in most checks made by employers or law enforcement agencies. It is possible to seal your record, but you must meet all criteria set forth by New York law to do so.

Learn More From a Local Nassau County Petit Larceny Lawyer Today

Facing a criminal charge in New York can leave you feeling hopeless and unsure of what comes next. The good news is you don’t have to navigate the case following your charges alone. At Koch Law, PLLC, we have experience representing clients in complex criminal cases.

We’ve worked with people accused of grand larceny and felony robberies, so we’re confident we can help you with your petit larceny case. If you’re ready to discuss your case in more depth, call us to set up an appointment today.

Nassau County Petit Larceny Lawyer Reviews

Nassau County Criminal Law Resources:

• 3 Myths About White Collar Crime
• Advice for Spouses of White Collar Crime Defendants
• Types Of Robbery Charges In New York City