Article 165 Theft of Services | Penal Law 165.15

New York Theft of Services Lawyer

Theft of services can involve allegations related to transportation, lodging, utilities, restaurants, professional services, or other services allegedly obtained without payment. The defense may depend on intent, billing disputes, identification, communications, and whether the matter is being treated as criminal when it is actually civil or contractual.

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

• intent to avoid payment
• billing records
• service agreement terms
• identification
• communications
• civil dispute context
• statements to employees or police

Defense issues in these cases

• separating civil payment disputes from criminal intent
• challenging identification and proof of services
• reviewing records and communications
• seeking non-criminal or dismissal-oriented outcomes where available

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

• Theft Crimes
• Grand Larceny
• Fraud Defense
• Criminal Defense
• Contact Lebedin Kofman LLP

Frequently asked questions

Is every unpaid bill theft of services?

No. Prosecutors generally need proof of criminal intent, not just proof that a bill or dispute exists.

Can these cases be resolved without a criminal conviction?

Depending on the facts, record, county, and restitution issues, some cases can be positioned for dismissal, reduction, or another favorable resolution.

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.