Theft of Services, pursuant to New York Penal Law 165.15 (NY PL 165.15), may seem to be a relatively minor criminal offense compared to other crimes perpetrated in New York City and the surrounding communities. Unfortunately, such an assumption as to the severity of this crime could not be further from the truth. In fact, whether you are arrested in Manhattan or given a Desk Appearance Ticket in Brooklyn for NY PL 165.15, the charge of Theft of Services is no different in the eyes of the law than Assault in the Third Degree, Petit Larceny or even Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree. Arguably, to a teacher, financial services employee or any other professional, this "A" misdemeanor can be even more devastating. The collateral consequence of Theft of Service arrest should be discussed in detail with your criminal attorney when you are ascertaining how to best handle the allegations against you.
New York criminal lawyers throughout New York City routinely represent clients charged with Theft of Services. That is, police commonly charge this offense in a variety of scenarios. Sometimes a person intentionally decides not to pay for a cab ride, "jumps" a turnstile or runs out of a restaurant without paying for a meal. Alternatively, an individual attempts to use a stolen credit card for a service knowing that the credit card is in fact stolen.
- New York Penal Law 165.15(1) - Theft of Services - Stolen Credit Card
- New York Penal Law 165.15(2) - Theft of Services - Restaurant
- New York Penal Law 165.15(3) - Theft of Services - Cab or Subway
Regardless of the type of Theft of Services subsection charged, the crime is punishable in New York by up to one year in jail. As a practical matter it is highly unlikely any first time offender would see time in jail on a misdemeanor charge such as this in New York City. What is of greater concern is not potential imprisonment, but a conviction or lesser plea that will forever be present on an individual's record for future employers, certifying agencies, or the public to see.
Fortunately, if handled properly, an arrest for NY PL 165.15 or a Desk Appearance Ticket for Theft of Services in New York can be handled in such a way as to limit or even prevent re-occurring problems in the future. While no attorney can make a guarantee as to a particular result, we do take the time to vet your case, discuss the evidence and mitigate the allegations to determine the best defense in your particular case.