Penalties for Theft in Albany
The penalties for these offenses depend on the specific charge. However, they can range from a maximum of one year in jail for misdemeanor level offenses and fines, to up to twenty-five years in prison for the most severe felonies. Fines are generally double the property taken or $5,000, whichever is greater.
There are Five Levels of Theft Charges
New York separates theft into five levels. Each of these levels is defined by the value of the stolen items or their identity. Our team of Albany theft attorneys have experience defending each of these charges.
Petit Larceny
This is simply stated as the theft of any property. When considered in the context of the other theft crimes, this counts as any theft under the value of $1,000. This is a class A misdemeanor.
Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree
This is a theft valued at between $1,000 and $3,000, but can also include theft of credit cards, items of a religious nature, or any public record. This is a class E felony.
Grand Larceny in the Third Degree
Here the value of the item allegedly stolen is between $3,000 and $50,000, or when a person steals from an ATM. A conviction here is a class D felony.
Grand Larceny in the Second Degree
The value of the items here range from $50,000 to $1,000,000. Alternatively, this applies when a person commits theft through the use of extortion. This is a class C felony.
Grand Larceny in the First Degree
The most serious allegation involving theft is a class B felony. All thefts valued at above $1,000,000 are first degree charges.
