Article 165 Stolen Property | Penal Law 165.54
New York Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the First Degree Lawyer
Criminal possession of stolen property in the first degree is among the highest-level stolen-property charges in New York. The defense may require a detailed investigation into valuation, ownership, account records, business records, forensic accounting, search warrants, and whether prosecutors can prove knowing possession.
Lebedin Kofman LLP represents clients in New York theft, larceny, stolen-property, fraud, and vehicle-related property cases. The firm focuses on early intervention, charge analysis, evidence review, and defense strategy designed to protect the client from both criminal penalties and long-term collateral consequences.
Call 646-663-4430 or contact the firm for a confidential consultation.
What prosecutors may focus on
- very high alleged value
- forensic accounting
- ownership records
- business records
- digital evidence
- search warrants
- asset seizure or forfeiture exposure
- sentencing mitigation
Defense issues in these cases
- challenging value and ownership
- using forensic review where needed
- contesting knowledge and possession
- coordinating criminal defense with asset and restitution strategy
In theft and property cases, small factual differences can change the charge, the potential punishment, and the best defense path. The value of property, whether the client knew property was stolen, whether there was consent, and whether the matter is really a civil dispute can all become central issues.
Early defense work may include contacting prosecutors before indictment, preserving video or digital records, reviewing police body-camera footage, analyzing receipts or account records, preparing for grand jury issues, and building a record for dismissal, reduction, acquittal, or a carefully negotiated resolution.
Related defense pages
Frequently asked questions
What makes first-degree stolen-property possession different?
It generally involves the highest alleged value level, which can make records, valuation, and asset issues central to the defense.
Can asset forfeiture become an issue?
Yes. High-value property cases can overlap with seizure, restitution, or forfeiture issues, so asset strategy may need to be addressed early.
Contact Lebedin Kofman LLP
If you are under investigation or have been arrested for a theft, larceny, stolen-property, or related charge, speak with counsel as early as possible. Call 646-663-4430 or contact Lebedin Kofman LLP.