Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York

Re: Petit Larceny

You certainly don't need a lawyer to plead guilty to a crime. You can do that all by yourself. The reason why you hire a lawyer is to protect your rights. It is not whether you are innocent or guilty, it is whether they can prove the case against you.

My office has handled hundreds and hundreds of these types of cases.

A lawyer can negotiate for the charges to be lowered or dismissed.

If you plead guilty you will have admitted the crime which is a misdemeanor and you will automatically have a criminal record for the rest of your life. Try finding a job, or going on in your education if you have a criminal record. You may not even have the ability to travel to Canada under the circumstances.

An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal means that the case is adjourned for six months, and if you stay out of trouble for that period of time, then the matter is dismissed.

However, this is not a plea of guilty. It is accomplished between your lawyer and the District Attorney, with the approval of the court.

If you would like our help, please feel free to contact us.