What Are the Consequences for Felony Theft Convictions in New York?

The consequences of a felony theft conviction can be severe. Theft is the unlawful taking of property without consent from the owner. Depending on the severity of the crime you may be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. There are many factors that are taken into account when determining how to prosecute. Felony charges will result in much harsher consequences than a misdemeanor. If you or someone you know is in need of legal assistance related to felony theft charges, contact a Rockland County criminal and municipal attorney for help.

When is Theft a Felony in New York?

The difference between misdemeanor theft and felony theft is largely determined by the value of the stolen property. Generally, the higher the monetary value of the items stolen, the more severe your charges will be. For the most part in New York, theft will be considered a misdemeanor if the value of goods is less than $1,000. The following is a general guideline of how felony charges are determined in New York.

• Class E Felony: property valued between $1,000 and $3,000
• Class D Felony: property valued between $3,000 and $50,000
• Class C Felony: property valued between $50,000 and $1,000,000
• Class B Felony: property valued over $1,000,000

Other aspects of the crime could result in a felony charge even if the item is worth less than $1,000. For example, stealing a car or credit card is always considered a felony.

What Penalties Can I Expect?

Penalties for felony charges can greatly vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. Typically the prison sentences associated with each degree of felony will be as follows.

• Class E Felony can result in up to 4 years of jail time
• Class D Felony can result in up to 7 years of jail time
• Class C Felony can result in up to 15 years of jail time
• Class B Felony will result in a minimum of one year of jail time, up to 25 years

Each sentence may also be accompanied by a variety of fines, restitution, mandatory community service, and probation. The amount of time and money that each of these penalties will require will depend on your specific situation.

Can a Lawyer Help With My Theft Charge?

Hiring an attorney will be a great asset when dealing with any theft charge, whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony. A lawyer will have dealt with cases similar to yours and have the experience necessary to negotiate for the best possible outcome. If your attorney is able to negotiate your charges down to a misdemeanor or any lower degree, it can have a significant impact on the penalties you are charged with. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible after being arrested for theft.