Long Island's Premier Criminal & DWI Defense Law Firm
Long Island Theft and Grand Larceny Lawyer (PL 155.25, 155.30)
A theft charge on Long Island can mean anything from a desk appearance ticket for shoplifting to a felony grand larceny or embezzlement case. Most first-time cases can be resolved without a criminal record, but only if they’re handled right from the first court date. Nassau cases start at the First District Court, 99 Main Street in Hempstead, and Suffolk cases at the First District Court in Central Islip. Richard Hochhauser of Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense, PLLC is a former Long Island prosecutor who defends theft charges in both counties.
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Former Prosecutor
Brings years of experience from both sides to every case.
Charged with theft or larceny?
Call before your first court date. We answer 24/7, and the first consultation is free, in person, by video call or by phone call.
Theft charges in New York, by value
New York charges theft as “larceny.” The degree, and whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony, mostly depends on the value of what was taken:
| Charge | Value of property | Level | Maximum sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petit larceny | $1,000 or less | Class A misdemeanor | 364 days |
| Grand larceny, 4th degree | More than $1,000 (or a credit card, firearm or property taken from a person) | Class E felony | 4 years |
| Grand larceny, 3rd degree | More than $3,000 | Class D felony | 7 years |
| Grand larceny, 2nd degree | More than $50,000 | Class C felony | 15 years |
| Grand larceny, 1st degree | More than $1 million | Class B felony | 25 years |
Theft cases we defend
Shoplifting
Retail theft desk appearance tickets from stores across Long Island, usually charged as petit larceny. Many end in an ACD after a theft-awareness class.
Petit larceny
Theft of property worth $1,000 or less, including cases involving employers, roommates and family members.
Grand larceny
Felony theft over $1,000, or of a credit card, firearm or property taken from a person.
Embezzlement
Taking money or property from an employer or client you were trusted with. New York charges it as larceny, often with falsifying business records.
Credit card & identity theft
Using a found or stolen card, or someone else’s identity, often charged as grand larceny or identity theft.
Related charges
Possession of a forged instrument · possession of stolen property · trespass
Got a letter from the store demanding money? Retailers often send a “civil demand” letter asking you to pay a penalty. It’s separate from the criminal case, and paying it doesn’t make the charge go away. Talk to us before you respond.
What’s at stake beyond the charge
Your job and license
Nurses, teachers, firefighters and other licensed workers can face discipline for a theft conviction. Keeping it off your record protects your career.
Immigration
Theft convictions can have serious immigration consequences for people who aren’t U.S. citizens. Tell us your status at the first consultation.
Future background checks
A larceny conviction shows up on background checks for years. A dismissal or ACD is sealed.
What happens after a theft arrest on Long Island
- Arrest or desk appearance ticket. Most shoplifting and petit larceny cases start with a desk appearance ticket and a court date. Don’t discuss the case with store security or police.
- Arraignment. The charge is read and a return date is set. Store video and receipts are often already in the prosecution’s file.
- Getting ahead of the case. Completing a theft-awareness class or paying restitution early often changes what the prosecution will offer.
- Discovery. We review the video, loss-prevention reports and statements. They don’t always show what the store says they show.
- Resolution. Many theft cases end in an ACD or a reduction to disorderly conduct, a violation, which keeps a criminal record off your name.
Recent Long Island theft results
Felony dismissed · Reduced to disorderly conduct
Grand larceny
Nassau County, July 16, 2026. A felony grand larceny charge was resolved with a plea to disorderly conduct, a violation, with community service and a conditional discharge.
Charge dismissed · Reduced to disorderly conduct
Petit larceny, career on the line
Nassau County First District Court, June 11, 2026. A client whose job depended on a clean record was charged with taking items from a home-improvement store. The case ended in a sealed disorderly conduct plea.
Dismissed & sealed
Petit larceny, $600 in merchandise
Nassau County First District Court, May 26, 2026. After the client completed a theft-awareness class, the case ended in an ACD: dismissed and sealed.
Dismissed & sealed
Employee accused of taking an item from work
Suffolk County District Court, 2026. A worker charged with taking a $200 item from a retailer received an ACD: dismissed and sealed.
Dismissed & sealed
Two retail thefts totaling $330
Suffolk County District Court, July 10, 2026. The client completed a theft-awareness class before the next court date, and the case ended in an ACD.
Dismissed & sealed
Petit larceny, no prior record
Nassau County First District Court, May 27, 2026. A first-time client charged with shoplifting at a warehouse store received an ACD: dismissed and sealed.
Felony dismissed · Reduced to a sealed violation
Grand larceny, credit cards from a found wallet
Nassau County, June 5, 2025. A client who found a wallet and surrendered to detectives was charged with felony grand larceny for the credit cards. The felony was dismissed and the case resolved with a sealed plea to disorderly conduct and a class.
Charge dismissed · Reduced to a sealed violation
Two petit larceny charges
Nassau County District Court, January 14, 2026. A client charged in two separate shoplifting cases had both petit larceny charges dismissed and resolved them with a single sealed plea to disorderly conduct after a theft-awareness class.
Dismissed & sealed
Theft of services
Nassau County District Court, June 25, 2025. A theft of services charge ended in an ACD: dismissed and sealed.
More results: our successful cases.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Where your case will be heard
Hempstead & Mineola
Nassau County
Petit larceny and shoplifting cases at the First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead. Felony grand larceny in County Court, Mineola.
Central Islip & East End
Suffolk County
Cases from the western towns at the First District Court in Central Islip. East End cases in town and village courts.
Theft and larceny: frequently asked questions
Is shoplifting a crime in New York?
Yes. Shoplifting is usually charged as petit larceny, a class A misdemeanor, even for small amounts. Many first-time cases can be resolved with an ACD, which is dismissed and sealed.
What is the difference between petit larceny and grand larceny?
Petit larceny is theft of property worth $1,000 or less and is a misdemeanor. Grand larceny is theft of more than $1,000, or of certain items like a credit card or firearm, and is a felony.
Do I have to pay the store’s civil demand letter?
The civil demand is separate from the criminal case, and paying it doesn’t make the charge go away. Talk to a lawyer before you respond to it.
Can a theft charge be dropped or sealed?
Often, yes. First-time theft cases frequently end in an ACD or a reduction to disorderly conduct, and both are sealed. Completing a theft-awareness class early can help.
I’m a nurse, teacher or licensed professional. Will this affect my license?
It can. Licensing boards may take action after a theft conviction. Resolving the case with a dismissal, an ACD or a sealed violation gives your career the most protection.
How much does a theft lawyer cost on Long Island?
It depends on the charge and how far the case goes. Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense, PLLC charges a flat fee, quoted after your free consultation.
Talk to a former prosecutor today
Free consultation in person, by video call or by phone call. We answer 24/7. The earlier we start, the more options you have.
Our Offices
Garden City Office
1225 Franklin Ave #325
Garden City, NY 11530
Phone: (516) 939-1529
Appointments Only
See What Our Clients Are Saying
During what was one of the scariest times of my life, he gave me all of the knowledge and support possible to help me get through it. Not only did I end up getting a great outcome for my case, but Richard helped make it a very smooth process and was always there when I had...
Mr. Hochausser worked hard on my behalf.. so hard that he achieved what seemed impossible. He always communicated with me honestly and earnestly, which is rare in any profession these days. He was prepared and forthright every step of the way. I hope to never need his services...
Best Criminal Attorney in New York. Richard explains each detail slowly and carefully so it’s easily understood. He handles each case as if it’s the most important. Highly recommend!
Best DWI lawyer in New York!
Mr. Hochhauser was incredible. I was consulted immediately after the first call. Richard was easy to keep in touch with and would answer all of my emails, phone calls, and even texts regarding my concerns. Guided me through the whole process, made sure I understood everything...
Richard explained the matters of my case thoroughly and was professional and effective in dealing with the charges I was facing, ultimately getting the docket dismissed in its entirety. I would highly recommend procuring his services.
Was in a bad spot but Richard Hochhauser got me great results on my DWI case in Nassau County. Highly Recommend!!!
Can't thank Richard enough. He went aobve and beyond for me. Never had any issues with the law before and he made sure I had no record. Great Criminal Attorney!!!
Was never really in trouble before. And just googled best criminal attorney near me. Feel so lucky that Richard was the one I called. He really fought for me was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend!!
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