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Property Crimes in Nassau County, NY

The term “property crime” encompasses a variety of offenses involving the taking or destruction of the property belonging to another person. Examples of property crimes include shoplifting, petit larceny, grand larceny, criminal mischief, burglary and arson. In the State of New York, property crimes are treated seriously with harsh criminal penalties.

If you have been accused of a property crime in Nassau County or Long Island, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the Law Office of Stephanie Selloni. Call today at (516) 972-1212  to discuss the allegations against you and possible defenses to the charges. We represent clients on a variety of different crimes against property including both misdemeanor and felony offenses. 

Stephanie Selloni represents clients charged with property crimes in Nassau County, Long Island, including the cities of Garden City, Mineola, Hempstead, New York. She also represents clients throughout Suffolk County in Long Island, and all of the five boroughs of New York City.

Information on Crimes of Theft and Property Damage

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Different Types of Crimes Against Property

Different types of property crimes can include:

  • Larceny (often called “theft” or “stealing”) is generally defined as the wrongfully taking of property that belongs to another. Most larceny charges involve shoplifting items from a retail establishment. More serious grand larceny charges involving allegations of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Different types of larceny include extortion, theft of property, and theft from a person.
  • Trespass is an allegation that a person knowingly entered or remained upon a premises. The degree of the violation or crime depends on where the trespass occurred. A criminal trespass occurs when the trespass is in a building or a dwelling. Criminal trespass can be charged in the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree.
  • Criminal Mischief involves an allegation that having no right to do so (or no reasonable ground to believe that he or she had such right), that person intentionally or recklessly damages or tampers with property of another. The penalties and classification of the charge depend on the value of the property and how the damage occurred.
    • If the value is less than $250, then the charged is criminal mischief in the fourth degree.
    • If the property is valued at more than $250 to $1,500, then the charge is criminal mischief in the third degree.
    • If the value of the property is more than $1,500 then criminal mischief in the second degree can be charged.
    • Criminal mischief in the first degree involves an allegation of intentionally damaging another person’s property by using an explosive device.
  • Reckless endangerment of property is a class B misdemeanor which can be charged when it is alleged that a person recklessly engages in conduct that creates a substantial risk of damage to the property of another person in an amount exceeding $250 dollars.
  • Burglary is an allegation that a trespass occurred in a building or a dwelling with an additional requirement that the person who committed the trespass also entered with the intention to commit a crime therein. Burglary can be charged in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree. The penalties depend on a variety of factors including whether a deadly weapon was used or physical injury to another person occurred.
  • Possession of Burglar’s Tools occurs when a person possesses any tool or instrument designed or commonly used to commit a forcible entry into a premises, or offense involving a burglary or burglary related offense such as larceny by physical taking, or theft of services under circumstances evincing an intention to use (or with knowledge that another person will use) the tools for the commission of a burglary related offense. The charge of possession of burglar’s tools is a class A misdemeanor.
  • Tampering with a Consumer Product can be charged in the first degree under Penal Law § 145.40 or second degree under § 145.45. A “consumer product” is defined to essentially include any item sold to a person for use in or on the human body. When the more serious first-degree version is charged it must also be alleged that the tampering created a substantial risk of “serious physical injury.” Elements of the offense include:
    • having no right to engage in such conduct and no reasonable grounds to believe that the defendant had such a right;
    • intent to cause “physical injury” or had an intent to instill in another a fear that he will cause such physical injury;
    • altering or otherwise contaminating a consumer product. 
  • Making graffiti under Penal Law § 145.60, unlike “criminal mischief in the third degree,” does not require proof of damage, only an intent to damage property by painting, drawing upon or otherwise placing of a mark upon public or private property with intent to damage such property.
  • Possession of graffiti instruments under Penal Law § 145.65 is a class A misdemeanor that involves possession of the instrument under circumstances showing an intention to use the instrument to place graffiti upon property or otherwise damage property.
  • Arson charges involved burning or catching property on fire intentionally or recklessly. The charges are more serious when another person is present, when another person is injured, or when an incendiary device is used.
  • Under New York law, the crime of “robbery” can be charged in the first degree, second degree or third degree. The elements of this felony involve an allegation of forcibly stealing property from another. The charges are more serious when physical injury results or a person displays a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon.
  • The misapplication of property is a form of conversion of property that was obtained lawfully from the owner initially. Types of misapplication of property include personal property received by agreement, refusing to return rental property or leased property.
  • Unauthorized use of a vehicle can be charged in the first, second or third degree. Many people referred to this charge as “joy-riding” because the person intends to use the vehicle temporarily without the owner’s knowledge or consent and then return it to the rightful owner.

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Resources for Information on Property Crimes in Nassau County, NY

Crimes Against Property Squad of the Nassau County Police Department – This specialized detective unit oversees investigations for burglary cases and the recovery of stolen property in burglary cases in Nassau County, NY. It also leads investigations into investigation of computer crimes, grand larcenies, frauds against banking institutions and governmental agencies, auto theft, forgeries, and cases involving fraudulent checks and credit cards.

Crime Rate in Long Island, NY –  Crime statistics for Nassau and Suffolk County for a variety of property crimes including burglaries, thefts, auto thefts, and arson. Information also includes a crime map and comparisons over the last 10 years of crime statistics in Nassau County compared with the national averages.

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Finding an Attorney for Crimes Against Property in Nassau County

If you were accused of a crime against property such as trespass, burglary, petit larceny, grand larceny, criminal mischief or possession of stolen property, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the Law office of Stephanie Selloni.

We fight for clients charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses throughout Nassau County including Garden City, Hempstead, and Mineola. Stephanie Selloni also represents clients for property crimes in Suffolk County, and all of Long Island. Contact us today at (516) 972-1212 and schedule a free consultation with a dedicated criminal defense attorney.