
Petit larceny cases are a misdemeanor theft offense in New York, which is the least serious theft charge you can get. Even so, petit larceny charges are far from insignificant. A conviction can lead to fines, jail time, probation, and additional penalties, depending on the details of your case. It’s critical that you understand your rights and legal options when facing charges. It’s helpful to work with a Suffolk County petit larceny lawyer who understands New York petit larceny laws.
Koch Law, PLLC, has years of experience navigating complex criminal cases, including larceny. We can create and develop a strong defense that gives you a fighting chance for a favorable sentence.
Larceny simply refers to the act of stealing someone else’s property. You can be charged with petit larceny in New York if you steal property that is valued at $1,000 or less. It’s considered a Class A misdemeanor, which can result in hefty fines and imprisonment for no more than one year.
Suffolk County ranks in the 57th percentile for safety, which puts it just above average when compared to safety in other counties. The theft rate in the county is 11.63 per 1,000 residents.
New York combines all theft and larceny acts under a single section of the New York Penal Law. There were 96,011 petit larceny cases reported by the NYPD in 2024. As of November, there have been 92,765 in 2025. You can be charged with petit larceny for crimes such as the following:
It’s important to note that theft of property that is valued over $1,000 is no longer petit larceny. Instead, you can be charged with grand larceny, which is a Class E felony instead and comes with more severe penalties.
Even though petit larceny is the least serious charge you can receive, it’s still possible to fight against it and have the charges dropped altogether. A Suffolk County petit larceny lawyer from Koch Law, PLLC, can evaluate your case and help you build a solid defense against your charges.


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.
If you’re facing a petit larceny charge in Suffolk County, it’s imperative that you act quickly to protect yourself. Navigating New York’s petit larceny laws can be difficult, especially if you’re trying to do it on your own. Fortunately, a Suffolk County petit larceny attorney can help you navigate your charges and work on a defense.
The prosecution has the burden of proof in petit larceny cases, which means your job is to build a strong defense that establishes enough reasonable doubt in the prosecution’s claim. There are various possible defenses you can use against petit larceny, and an attorney from our firm can help you determine which defense is most advantageous for your situation.
Suffolk County is divided into 10 towns and is home to around 1,523,170 residents. Koch Law, PLLC, is proud to serve local residents throughout the region, representing them through countless complex petit larceny cases. We’ve earned many 5-star ratings from happy clients over the years, as well as industry accolades, such as:
We’re familiar with navigating cases in the Suffolk County District Court system, as well as in the federal courts. No matter the nature of your charges, you can count on Koch Law, PLLC, to guide you through your case and work with you to build a strong defense.
If you’ve been charged with petit larceny in Suffolk County, New York, it may be possible to have the charge dropped. Even though petit larceny is the least serious type of theft crime you can commit in New York, a conviction can have a lasting impact.
It’s important to understand your legal options when it comes to defending yourself. A Suffolk County petit larceny lawyer can help you strategize and gather the resources and evidence you need to present a solid defense.
There are many different defenses you can present in a petit larceny case. The details of the defense you develop to fight your charges are going to depend on the specifics of the charges against you and the overall complexity of your case. Some common defenses used against these types of charges include claim of ownership, duress, entrapment, lack of evidence, lack of intent, mistake of fact, and mistaken identity.
You’re not legally obligated to hire a petit larceny lawyer to assist with your case, but it’s widely recommended that you do. A Suffolk County petit larceny attorney can help you understand your charges and legal options moving forward to give you a chance at a more favorable outcome to your case.
They can also launch their own investigations and gather the information needed to build a strong defense, negotiate plea deals on your behalf, and represent you in court.
Working with a Suffolk County petit larceny attorney can have different costs, depending on the complexity and severity of your charges. When you hire a petit larceny attorney from Koch Law, PLLC, you can expect to pay either a fixed or an hourly rate based on the services you require to get through your case. We also offer initial consultations to discuss your needs in more detail before you even commit to working with us.
Facing criminal charges in New York is a big deal, even if it’s a less serious misdemeanor like petit larceny. A Suffolk County petit larceny lawyer from Koch Law, PLLC, can help you understand your legal options and get you through your case. Get in touch to set up an appointment with a trusted New York lawyer today.
★★★★★
“Lee and Paola are like a Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen Duo. They are the best in the game. Quick replies, always there for you, honest and care about their clients. It’s more than just business for them, they really want to see you do well and give the best service possible. I would recommend them to anyone needing legal help as they are not just great at their job but also very good people. Was a pleasure working with them.” – Billy Pavlou
★★★★★
“Lee was a lifesaver! He helped me through a very difficult legal situation and explained things in a way that made it easy to understand. His impressive knowledge as an attorney is matched only by his compassion for people as human beings. If you are going through a tough time and looking for a lawyer who’s the best, Lee Koch is your ONLY choice!” – John Alexander
★★★★★
“Lee has an incredible ability to put you at ease, even in the toughest situations. He’s patient, thorough, and does an excellent job of explaining his thought process. I can’t recommend him highly enough!” – Matthew Firing