Your Syracuse Larceny Attorneys

A larceny charge can have a catastrophic lifetime impact. Cambareri & Brenneck, your criminal defense team, can help.

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Syracuse Larceny Attorneys

Trust former prosecutors to handle your larceny case.
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What's the Difference between Petit Larceny and Grand Larceny?

At Cambareri Brenneck, we handle both grand larceny and petit larceny cases. Grand larceny charges are for theft crimes involving property valued at $1000 or more, while petit larceny charges are for theft crimes involving property valued below $1000, including shoplifting cases, which usually fall under this category.


While petit larceny is less severe than grand larceny, it still carries significant consequences. In New York, it is considered a class A misdemeanor

Explore your legal options with an experienced and knowledgeable former prosecutor before a plea deal is entered. We take all situations into consideration to get you the best results.

How are Larceny Charges Defended?

Cambareri Brenneck excels in defending petit larceny charges, including shoplifting. Factors like case strength, prosecutor’s workload, and effective negotiation impact the outcome. With our skilled attorneys, we analyze evidence, build a strong defense, and negotiate for your best result.

At Cambareri & Brenneck we regularly examine whether or not:

What are the Penalties?

Larceny carries significant penalties. The severity of the punishment depends on factors such as the value of the stolen property and the specific jurisdiction’s laws. Generally, larceny can result in fines, imprisonment, or a combination of both. The length of imprisonment and the amount of fines imposed vary based on the circumstances of the offense. Additionally, larceny convictions can have long-lasting consequences, including difficulties with employment, housing, and credit opportunities.


When it is appropriate, Cambareri & Brenneck will advocate for our clients’ eligibility for these programs. For more information on the allegations against you, the possible penalties, and what our team is prepared to do to secure the most favorable outcome possible, call our offices today.

Larceny Penalties

Close-up of hands in handcuffs, symbolizing larceny charges.

Understanding Larceny in Syracuse

The most common larceny charges:
Shoplifting

The act of stealing merchandise from a retail store without paying for it.

  • Bank fraud
  • Credit card fraud
  • Embezzlement
  • Identity theft
  • Health care fraud (Medicare/Medicaid fraud)
  • Insurance fraud
  • Money laundering
  • Mortgage fraud/real estate fraud
  • Securities fraud
  • Tax fraud
  • Mail fraud/wire fraud


A conviction for white-collar crimes can lead to severe consequences, including imprisonment, substantial fines, home detention, community confinement, and the payment of prosecution costs. Our firm is dedicated to providing expert legal representation for victims of white-collar crimes, ensuring their rights are protected and pursuing the best possible outcome.

Taking someone’s property directly from their person, such as pickpocketing or purse snatching.

  • Drug manufacturing
  • Drug trafficking
  • Continuing criminal enterprise crimes
  • Conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, or import illegal drugs
  • Distributing illicit drugs in prohibited locations or to individuals under 21 years old
  • Simple possession of controlled substances without a valid prescription
  • Investing drug profits from illegal drug sales in interstate businesses


Our firm is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal representation for individuals facing federal drug crime charges. We work tirelessly to protect our clients’ rights and pursue the most favorable outcomes.


For a second-time DWI offense within 10 years in New York, it is considered a Class E felony, which could result in fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, a jail sentence of up to 4 years, and a minimum one-year license revocation. The defendant may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in any vehicle they own or operate.


Additionally, having prior convictions can negatively affect the defendant’s standing in the eyes of the court and potentially limit their available defense strategies. For example, it might be more difficult to negotiate plea deals or qualify for diversion programs or other leniencies.

Stealing items from a parked or unattended vehicle, often by breaking into it.

  • Felony firearm possession
  • Carrying or using a firearm during a violent crime
  • False statements regarding firearm purchases
  • Offenses involving stolen firearms
  • Possession and sale of firearms with altered or removed serial numbers
  • Unlawful possession or transfer of machine guns


We are dedicated to providing strategic legal representation, protecting our clients’ rights, and working towards the best possible outcomes.

Illegally entering a building, residence, or structure with the intention to commit theft or another crime.

The theft of property valued below a certain threshold, typically set by law, which is considered a less severe form of larceny.
The theft of property with a value exceeding a certain threshold, typically set by law, which is considered a more serious form of larceny.

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Cambareri & Brenneck is a firm founded by and comprised of former prosecutors. Because our attorneys have experience on both sides of the courtroom, our clients can trust that their case will be effectively navigated through the criminal justice system. Every viable avenue toward a positive outcome will be exhaustively pursued.

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FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the difference between petit larceny and grand larceny in New York?
In New York, the distinction comes down to the value of the stolen property. Petit larceny involves property valued under $1,000 and is charged as a Class A misdemeanor. Grand larceny involves property valued at $1,000 or more and is charged as a felony — with multiple degrees depending on the value. Both carry serious consequences, and both are handled by Cambareri & Brenneck’s Syracuse larceny attorneys.
Yes. Shoplifting is prosecuted as petit larceny in New York when the value of the merchandise is under $1,000. While it may seem minor, a petit larceny conviction is a Class A misdemeanor and can appear on your permanent record, affecting employment, housing, and professional licensing. Do not assume a shoplifting charge will simply go away — speak with a Syracuse larceny attorney first.
Penalties depend on the degree of the charge. Petit larceny carries up to 364 days in jail and fines. Grand larceny — depending on the value of the property — can result in years of state prison time, substantial fines, restitution orders, and asset forfeiture. Beyond the sentence itself, a larceny conviction creates lasting obstacles with employment, housing, and credit.
New York has four degrees of grand larceny. Fourth degree (property over $1,000) is a Class E felony. Third degree (over $3,000) is a Class D felony. Second degree (over $50,000) is a Class C felony. First degree (over $1 million) is a Class B felony carrying up to 25 years in prison. The degree significantly affects sentencing, which is why early intervention by a Syracuse grand larceny attorney is critical.
Yes, in many cases. Our attorneys examine the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, whether your rights were violated during the investigation, whether the property valuation is accurate, and whether the indictment overreaches. Effective negotiation, evidence suppression, and challenging witness credibility can all lead to reduced charges, alternative programs, or dismissal.

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