Petit Larceny Lawyer Brooklyn | SRIS, P.C.
Petit Larceny Lawyer Brooklyn — What Are Your Defense Options?
Petit larceny in Brooklyn is a Class A misdemeanor under New York Penal Law § 155.25, carrying up to one year in jail. A conviction can create a permanent criminal record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strong defense for theft charges in Kings County. If you are facing a shoplifting charge, contact a petit larceny lawyer Brooklyn for immediate help.
New York Petit Larceny Law
Petit larceny, defined in New York Penal Law § 155.25, is the theft of property valued at $1,000 or less. It is distinct from grand larceny, which involves higher values and is a felony. In Brooklyn, these cases are typically prosecuted in the Kings County Supreme Court or local Criminal Court. The prosecution must prove you intentionally took property belonging to another person without permission and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it.
Last verified: April 2026 | Kings County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, see New York Penal Law § 155.25 (official NY Senate site). Court information is available at the Kings County Supreme Court website.
Defending a Petit Larceny Case in Brooklyn
New York’s 2020 bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors like petit larceny, meaning most defendants are released on recognizance. An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is a common outcome for first offenses, where charges are dismissed after 6-12 months with no new arrests. A skilled misdemeanor theft defense lawyer Brooklyn can challenge the evidence of intent or value, negotiate for an ACD, or seek a reduction to a violation.
- Initial Consultation: Contact a defense attorney immediately after arrest or receiving a desk appearance ticket.
- Arraignment: Appear in Kings County Criminal Court, enter a plea, and address release conditions.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your attorney reviews evidence, including surveillance footage and witness statements, to build your defense.
- Negotiation & Motions: Your lawyer negotiates with the District Attorney’s office for a dismissal, ACD, or favorable plea deal.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial. Otherwise, the case is resolved per the negotiated terms.
Penalties for Petit Larceny in Brooklyn
In Kings County (Brooklyn), a petit larceny conviction is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail, three years of probation, and a fine of up to $1,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Larceny (Value ≤ $1,000) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $1,000 | Permanent criminal record, difficulty finding employment, immigration consequences for non-citizens. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your case. We understand the local procedures in Brooklyn courts and focus on protecting your future from the serious consequences of a theft conviction.
Case Results
While specific case results in Kings County are not listed, firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across our practice areas in VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Petit Larceny Lawyer Near Brooklyn
Our New York location serves clients with cases in Kings County (Brooklyn) courts. We represent clients from neighborhoods including Downtown, Williamsburg, Park Slope, DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, Bushwick, Crown Heights, Flatbush, Bay Ridge, Bed-Stuy, Bensonhurst, Coney Island, Brownsville, and Sunset Park.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for petit larceny in Brooklyn?
Up to one year in jail. Petit larceny is a Class A misdemeanor under NY Penal Law § 155.25, punishable by up to one year in jail, three years probation, and a fine up to $1,000. Most first-time offenders may be eligible for an ACD (dismissal).
Can a petit larceny charge be dismissed in Brooklyn?
Yes. For first-time offenses, an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is common. Charges are adjourned for 6-12 months and automatically dismissed if you have no new arrests. An experienced shoplifting charge lawyer Brooklyn can advocate for this outcome.
Do I need a lawyer for a shoplifting ticket in Brooklyn?
Yes. Even a desk appearance ticket for shoplifting is a serious misdemeanor charge that can result in jail time and a permanent record. A lawyer can seek a dismissal, an ACD, or a reduction to a non-criminal violation.
What is the difference between petit larceny and shoplifting?
Shoplifting is a type of petit larceny that occurs in a retail setting. Legally, both are prosecuted under the same petit larceny statute (NY PL § 155.25) if the value of the stolen property is $1,000 or less.
Will a petit larceny conviction show up on a background check?
Yes. A conviction for this Class A misdemeanor creates a permanent New York State criminal record that will appear on most standard background checks, affecting employment, housing, and professional licensing.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our New York Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist with related matters like Family Law in Brooklyn.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.