Long Island's Premier Criminal & DWI Defense Law Firm
Suffolk County Theft Lawyer
Most theft cases in Suffolk County start with a desk appearance ticket from a store in Bay Shore, Huntington, Commack or another shopping area, and a court date at the First District Court in Central Islip. Felony grand larceny and embezzlement cases go to Suffolk County Court after indictment. A first-time theft charge can often be resolved without a criminal record. Richard Hochhauser is a former prosecutor who defends theft cases across Suffolk County.
Free
Consultation in person, by video call or phone call
24/7
We answer calls after an arrest
Former
Nassau County prosecutor
Charged with theft in Suffolk County?
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 Suffolk County
Shoplifting & petit larceny
Retail theft of $1,000 or less, a class A misdemeanor. Many first-time cases end in an ACD after a theft-awareness class.
Grand larceny
Theft of more than $1,000, or of a credit card or firearm. A felony, graded by value.
Employee theft & embezzlement
Accusations of taking money or merchandise from an employer, often charged as larceny.
Store civil demand letters
A letter from the store demanding money is separate from the criminal case. Paying it doesn’t make the charge go away.
For the full larceny-by-value table and more, see our Long Island theft lawyer page.
Which Suffolk court will my case be in?
Central Islip
First District Court
Misdemeanor cases and arraignments from Babylon, Huntington, Islip, Smithtown and Brookhaven. Cohalan Court Complex, 400 Carleton Avenue, Central Islip.
East End
Town & village justice courts
Arrests in Riverhead, Southampton, East Hampton, Southold and Shelter Island, plus some village arrests.
Felonies
Suffolk County Court
Felony grand larceny and embezzlement cases after indictment.
What happens after a theft arrest in Suffolk
- Desk appearance ticket. Most shoplifting cases start with a ticket and a court date in Central Islip. Missing it can lead to a warrant.
- Arraignment. The charge is read and a return date is set. The store’s video is often already in the file.
- Getting ahead of the case. Completing a theft-awareness class before the next court date often changes the offer.
- Resolution. Many Suffolk theft cases end in an ACD, which is dismissed and sealed.
Recent Suffolk County results
Dismissed & sealed
Second petit larceny charge
Suffolk County District Court, 2026. Even with a second petit larceny case, the client received an ACD: dismissed and sealed.
Dismissed & sealed
Two retail thefts totaling $330
Suffolk County District Court, 2026. The client completed a theft-awareness class before the next court date, and the case ended in an ACD.
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 & sealed
Items not scanned at checkout
Suffolk County District Court, 2026. A client with no record charged after items weren’t scanned at a big-box store received an ACD.
More results: Long Island theft results · our successful cases.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Areas we serve in Suffolk County
Our offices are in Hempstead and Garden City. Suffolk clients can meet with us in person, or skip the drive with a free video call or phone call. We answer 24/7.
- Amityville
- Babylon
- Bay Shore
- Brentwood
- Central Islip
- Commack
- Coram
- Deer Park
- Huntington
- Islip
- Lindenhurst
- Patchogue
- Riverhead
- Ronkonkoma
- Shirley
- Smithtown
- Southampton
- West Babylon
- Wyandanch
Suffolk theft charges: frequently asked questions
Is shoplifting a crime in Suffolk County?
Yes. Shoplifting is usually charged as petit larceny, a class A misdemeanor, even for small amounts. Many first-time cases end in an ACD, which is dismissed and sealed.
Can I get an ACD on a second theft charge?
Sometimes. It depends on your record and the facts, but we have resolved second petit larceny cases in Suffolk with an ACD.
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.
How much does a Suffolk County theft lawyer cost?
It depends on the charge and how far the case goes. We charge 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...
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