Need a Grand Larceny Lawyer in New York, NY? Talk to an Experienced Defense Attorney.

You’re standing in a holding cell at the Manhattan Criminal Court, 60 Centre Street, charged with grand larceny. The police allege you stole property worth more than $1,000. You could be facing a felony conviction and years in state prison. In that moment, the most important decision you make is who stands beside you in court. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys defend people charged with grand larceny throughout New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley. We focus on protecting your rights, challenging the prosecution’s evidence, and working toward favorable outcomes. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation with an experienced defense team. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

How We Approach Grand Larceny Defense

Every grand larceny case in New York hinges on the value of the allegedly stolen property and the circumstances of the taking. Our defense strategy examines whether the prosecution can prove the item’s market value at the time of the offense, whether you had a claim of right to the property, or whether police violated your constitutional rights during the investigation. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, brings over two decades of trial experience to the table, while the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute extensive combined legal insight. We prepare each case for trial, negotiating with the district attorney’s office from a position of strength while exploring diversion programs such as Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) for eligible first-time offenses.

What to Expect After a Grand Larceny Arrest in New York

Following an arrest, you are typically taken to central booking and held for arraignment, usually within 24 hours. At arraignment, the court advises you of the charges and considers bail or supervised release. Because of New York’s 2020 bail reform, cash bail is no longer set for most non-violent felonies, but pretrial detention remains possible for certain qualifying offenses. If the charge is a felony, the case proceeds to a grand jury for indictment and then to the New York Supreme Court Criminal Term for trial. Having an attorney involved before the grand jury can influence whether charges are reduced or dropped. Delays can stretch for months, and every procedural step presents opportunities to challenge the state’s case.

New York Grand Larceny Penalties — A Narrative Overview

New York Penal Law divides grand larceny into four degrees based on the value and type of property. The most common charge, grand larceny in the fourth degree (Penal Law § 155.30), applies when the property value exceeds $1,000 but is less than $3,000. It is a Class E felony, punishable by up to 4 years in prison, though first-time offenders may receive probation. Third-degree grand larceny involves property valued over $3,000 and is a Class D felony with a maximum sentence of 7 years. Grand larceny in the second degree and first degree, covering higher value thresholds, carry significantly longer prison terms. A conviction can also create a permanent criminal record, affecting employment, professional licenses, and immigration status. Our attorneys work to seek charge reductions, dismissal, or non-incarceration alternatives wherever possible.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who established the firm in 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His courtroom experience includes hundreds of criminal trials, and he testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, collectively, bring decades of additional legal experience to grand larceny and other serious criminal matters. When you work with us, you benefit from a multistate practice that understands both the local dynamics of New York courts and the broader strategies needed for complex felony defense. Reach our New York location at (888) 437-7747 to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum value for a grand larceny charge in New York?

In New York, grand larceny in the fourth degree requires that the value of the property stolen exceeds $1,000. Below that threshold, the charge is typically petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor. The valuation is based on the item’s fair market value at the time of the crime, not its replacement cost. Even a few dollars can separate a misdemeanor from a felony, which is why challenging the prosecution’s valuation is often a key defense strategy. For a specific evaluation of your case, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Can a grand larceny charge be dismissed through an ACD?

Yes, an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is available for many first-time grand larceny defendants in New York. Under an ACD, the case is adjourned for six to twelve months while you meet certain conditions, such as performing community service or attending theft-prevention classes. If you stay out of legal trouble during that period, the charges are automatically dismissed and sealed. The decision to offer an ACD rests with the prosecutor, and having an experienced defense attorney negotiate on your behalf can make the difference. Results may vary.

How does New York’s bail reform affect grand larceny cases?

Under New York’s 2020 bail reform, most non-violent felony charges—including grand larceny in the fourth and third degrees—are no longer eligible for cash bail. Judges typically release defendants on their own recognizance or impose supervised release conditions. However, certain aggravating factors, such as a prior felony conviction or an alleged theft from a vulnerable victim, may permit the court to set bail. This reform significantly reduces pretrial detention, but it remains critical to have an attorney present at arraignment to argue for the least restrictive terms.

What are the consequences of a grand larceny conviction beyond jail time?

A grand larceny conviction can lead to a permanent criminal record, loss of professional licenses, difficulty finding employment, and immigration consequences for non-citizens. Employers and licensing boards often view theft-related felonies with particular concern. If you are a non-citizen, a theft offense may be considered a crime involving moral turpitude, potentially triggering removal proceedings. We explore every option—trial, plea to a lesser charge, or diversion—to help you avoid the lifelong collateral damage of a felony conviction. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a lawyer for a first-time grand larceny charge?

Yes. Even a first-time grand larceny charge is a felony and carries the risk of state prison time, so having an experienced defense attorney is essential. A skilled prosecutor may push for the maximum penalty, and without a lawyer, you could inadvertently make statements that hurt your case. An attorney can investigate the evidence, challenge the valuation of the alleged stolen goods, negotiate plea reductions, and present compelling arguments for diversion or a lenient sentence. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

For a comprehensive statutory analysis of New York grand larceny laws, visit our firm’s resource page at srislawyer.com.

Additional primary sources: New York Penal Law | New York Court System

To speak with Mr. Sris or one of the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys about a grand larceny matter in New York, call (888) 437-7747 or schedule a consultation at our New York location.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.