Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York

Re: petit larceny... i need help!

If you have no criminal record this case should resolve itself with an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal("ACD"). An ACD gives you no criminal record(important for licensing and employment reasons) and means your case will be dismissed and sealed within 6 months if you have no further problems. Many jurisdictions may require community service as well. We handle alot of these cases so if you need help give us a call(914-243-5563)or e-mail us-MPMETZLAW.COM

Re: petit larceny... i need help!

You are in a serious situation. You are being charged with a misdemeanor which potentially can result in a jail sentance,however withno prior criminal history the courts generally take the approach that an alternative to jail such as community service would best serve both society and the alleged perpetrators needs I would suggest you do inform your parents and seek their assistance. You may if you wish call my office @718-834-0087 for more info.

Re: petit larceny... i need help!

Petit Larceny is a serious charge. It is a Class A Misdemeaner and the maximum penalties include: 1 year in jail, 3 years probation and/or a fine of up to $1000. As a first time offender, it is very important that this case be resolved without any jail time and without a criminal conviction on your record.

Your attorney will need to get the charge reduced to a Violation level charge, such as Disorderly Conduct or obtain an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD).

If you plead guilty to the Violation of Disorderly Conduct, the maximum penalties include: up to 15 days in jail,(this is very rarely imposed), fine up to $250, court surcharges, community service. The upside is that this WILL NOT result in a criminal conviction on your record. An ACD is the best possible result, because if you stay out of trouble for 6 months, the charge is Dismissed in full. Also, no criminal conviction. There is no fine, but some Courts do impose community service.

Most courts in Western New York require those charged with shoplifting to attend the "Stop Shoplifting School". It is a 3-4 hour program and the cost is $50.

The store can also impose a civil penalty against you. This is usually in an amount @ $75-150.

You do need a lawyer. You can call me @ (716) 865-4022 to retain me. Or you can call the County Bar association in your county and ask if they have a referral service. You can also ask the Court to appoint a lawyer for you if you cannot afford to pay. However, if you are under 21, most programs require information on your parents income to determine if you qualify. You will not qualify unless your family has a very low income.

Re: petit larceny... i need help!

I agree with Ms. Mattar's post. Keep in mind that it is HIGHLY unlikely that you would ever go to jail for something like this. Keeping your parents out of the loop is your decision, but if you decide to hire a lawyer it will cost some money, and foregoing competent counsel because you don't want to go to your parents for help may come back to haunt you later in life. Good luck. Call me if you need to discuss further.