New York Penal Law Article 155 Larceny Sections
Raw statute pages like public legal-code directories can rank well because they are clear reference resources. This page is built to do that job while also explaining how the statute is defended in real cases.
| Penal Law | Offense | Level | Defense Page |
|---|---|---|---|
| PL 155.25 | Petit Larceny | Class A misdemeanor | View page |
| PL 155.30 | Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree | Class E felony | View page |
| PL 155.35 | Grand Larceny in the Third Degree | Class D felony | View page |
| PL 155.40 | Grand Larceny in the Second Degree | Class C felony | View page |
| PL 155.42 | Grand Larceny in the First Degree | Class B felony | View page |
| PL 155.43 | Aggravated Grand Larceny of an ATM | Class C felony | View page |
Core Article 155 Concepts
Intent to Deprive or Appropriate
Most larceny cases require proof that the accused intended to deprive an owner of property or appropriate it to himself, herself, or another person. Intent is often disputed through timing, communications, ownership history, business records, and witness accounts.
Property and Ownership
Article 155 uses broad property definitions. Ownership can be more complex than it first appears, especially with shared property, business property, disputed possession, leases, accounts, cards, benefits, and electronic data.
Value of Property
Value can determine whether the charge is petit larceny, grand larceny fourth, third, second, or first degree. Defense work should test market value, replacement value, repair proof, aggregation, depreciation, and whether prosecutors can prove the threshold beyond a reasonable doubt.
Method of Larceny
Article 155 includes theories such as trespassory taking, trick, embezzlement, false pretenses, false promise, extortion, acquiring lost property, bad checks, and other theft-related theories. Each theory has different proof issues.
Grand Larceny Value Thresholds
For many New York larceny charges, the value threshold drives the degree. Grand larceny in the fourth degree commonly starts above $1,000. Grand larceny in the third degree under PL 155.35 requires property value exceeding $3,000. Grand larceny in the second degree commonly requires value exceeding $50,000, and first degree requires value exceeding $1,000,000.
Defense Issues in Article 155 Cases
Value and Aggregation
Prosecutors may try to aggregate multiple items or transactions. The defense should examine whether aggregation is legally proper and whether each value figure is supported.
Intent and Good-Faith Claim
A lack of larcenous intent, mistake, permission, business dispute, claim of right, or repayment context may affect the defense strategy.
Identification and Records
Video, account records, store records, device records, benefit records, bank documents, and witness identifications must be tested carefully.
Immigration, Employment, and Licensing
Theft-related allegations can have consequences beyond the courtroom, including immigration, employment, professional licensing, and reputation issues.
Related Larceny and Theft Defense Pages
Official Legal References
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Talk to a New York Article 155 Larceny Defense Lawyer
If you are facing petit larceny, grand larceny, or another theft-related allegation, early defense work can affect charging level, restitution posture, negotiation strategy, and whether the case can be reduced, dismissed, or positioned for trial.