Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York

petit larceny

I was arrested for petit larceny and have a court date for 11/18/08. This is a huge misunderstanding. The items in question (valued at less than $300) have been returned and this is a first time offense. Should I hire a lawyer ahead of time or wait for my court appointed one? I am hoping this will be dismissed. I'm just looking for help/guidance as I have never been in this situation before. Thank you.


Asked on 10/18/08, 4:05 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Robert Evans Robert S. Evans esq.

Re: petit larceny

If you can afford a private attorney,you will get more personal attention as well as perhaps a better result. Petit larceny is a misdemeanor which carries a possible jail term of up to 1 year in addition to a criminal recford. A competent criminal defense attorney should be able to help you definitely avoid jail and likely also a permanent criminal recprd. I handle matters such as yours on a regular basis and will be happy to have a free phone consultation. Please call my office @7188340087.

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Answered on 10/19/08, 9:42 am
Christopher Hoyt The Law Offices of Christopher W. Hoyt

Re: petit larceny

Depending on your financial circumstances a judge may or may not appoint an attorney to represent you. If the judge refuses to do so he or she should give you time to retain an attorney. One of the benefits to retaining a private attorney is that they will contact the prosecutor ahead of time and try to resolve this case or at least let you know exactly what is going to happen in court before you get there. Petit larceny carries a penalty of up to one year incarceration, although for a first arrest you should be able to resolve this without jail time and hopefully without any sort of criminal record. Please feel free to contact my office if we may be of any assistance in this matter.

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Answered on 10/18/08, 4:51 pm
Carlos Gonzalez Gonzalez Legal Associates PLLC

Re: petit larceny

if you hire al awyer beforehand they would be able to communicate with the DA's office from early on and as a result owuld be able to give you a better result than someone just walking in and meeting you for the first time...

if you would like a free consultation contact us at 212.709.8303 during normal business hours

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Answered on 10/18/08, 6:55 pm


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