Suffolk County Criminal Defense Attorney Jason Bassett Explains Key Differences Between Petit and Grand Larceny in New York

Suffolk County criminal defense attorney Jason Bassett is helping New Yorkers better understand the critical differences between petit and grand larceny under New York law. At the Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C. (https://jbassettlaw.com/what-is-the-difference-between-petit-and-grand-larceny-in-new-york/), Attorney Bassett defends individuals accused of theft crimes in Riverhead, Central Islip, and communities across Long Island. With larceny charges carrying serious consequences, from jail time to lasting criminal records, Attorney Bassett emphasizes the importance of knowing how state law classifies and prosecutes theft-related offenses.

A Suffolk County criminal defense attorney, Jason Bassett, explains that the primary factor distinguishing petit from grand larceny is the value of the property taken. "If the value of the stolen property is $1,000 or less, it's considered petit larceny and charged as a misdemeanor. If it's more than $1,000, it's grand larceny and charged as a felony," Bassett states. But value isn't the only factor. Certain items, like motor vehicles, firearms, or credit cards worth $100 or more, trigger felony charges automatically, regardless of market value.

Attorney Jason Bassett, a Suffolk County criminal defense attorney, handles theft cases at every level, including those heard in the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip and the Suffolk County Court in Riverhead. He explains that larceny involves the intent to permanently deprive someone of their property. "Intent is key," he says. "Even if a person throws the property away, if it prevents the owner from getting it back, prosecutors may still pursue a larceny charge."

Petit larceny is defined by New York Penal Law 155.25 as the theft of property valued at $1,000 or less. As the most common theft charge in New York, it is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, carrying a maximum penalty of one year in jail and fines up to $1,000. Suffolk County courts often handle these cases swiftly. In some cases, particularly those involving items worth under $100, first-time offenders may be eligible for an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal, which can lead to the charge being dismissed and sealed if the person avoids further legal trouble.

In contrast, grand larceny is always a felony. New York law divides grand larceny into four degrees based on the value of the property stolen. According to Jason Bassett, grand larceny in the fourth degree begins when property exceeds $1,000 in value and includes specific categories like credit cards and firearms, regardless of value. It is a Class E felony and can result in up to four years in prison. Third-degree grand larceny involves property worth over $3,000 and is a Class D felony with a potential seven-year sentence. Second-degree covers thefts above $50,000, and first-degree applies when stolen property exceeds $1 million-both carrying significantly longer prison terms.

As a Suffolk County criminal defense attorney, Jason Bassett highlights how the prosecution's value of the stolen property can significantly impact the charge. Under Penal Law 155.20, value is determined by the market price at the time and place of the crime. If that can't be established, replacement cost is used. If neither is possible, the default value is less than $250. Disputes over value can lead to reduced charges, making it a vital point of defense in many cases. "Stores sometimes include taxes or inflated prices when calculating value," says Bassett. "We review receipts and evidence carefully to ensure the correct valuation is used."

Larceny charges are not only about jail time. A conviction, especially for grand larceny, can have long-term consequences. As Bassett notes, "Larceny is considered a crime of moral turpitude. It can affect immigration status, job prospects, and professional licenses. The impact extends far beyond the courtroom."

Defendants charged with larceny may raise several defenses. One of the most common is the lack of intent to deprive the owner of the property. Mistaken identity, false accusations, and valuation challenges also play a significant role in defense strategy. "We've seen cases where store employees misidentified suspects, or the person accused was falsely blamed by someone with a personal grudge," says Bassett.

If charged with larceny, Bassett urges avoiding speaking to police without legal representation. "You have the right to remain silent. Use it," he advises. Returning property in an attempt to make the charges disappear can backfire, often being used as evidence of guilt.

The Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C., handles cases across Suffolk County, including in towns such as Babylon, Huntington, Smithtown, Islip, and Brookhaven. With years of courtroom experience in the local courts, Jason Bassett works to challenge the prosecution's evidence and seek the most favorable possible outcome for his clients.

Facing larceny charges, whether petit or grand, can feel overwhelming. Understanding how New York law applies to every situation is the first step toward protecting rights. Whether the charge stems from a misunderstanding, mistaken identity, or a questionable valuation, every detail counts. Jason Bassett offers a clear path forward for individuals navigating the legal system, providing strong legal guidance tailored to the specifics of each case.

About Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C.:

The Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C. represents individuals accused of criminal offenses across Long Island, with a focus on Suffolk County. Attorney Jason Bassett defends clients against misdemeanor and felony charges, including petit and grand larceny. He has handled cases in district and county courts throughout the region and is committed to providing straightforward legal defense for those facing serious allegations.

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Email: bassettlaw@live.com

Website: https://jbassettlaw.com/

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Company Name: Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C.
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Phone: (631) 259-6060
Address:320 Carleton Ave # 4200
City: Central Islip
State: New York 11722
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Website: https://jbassettlaw.com/

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