1. Criminal Defense Attorney New York | Client Background and Initial Allegation
The client sought assistance from a criminal defense attorney in New York after becoming the subject of a petit larceny investigation.
The allegation arose when the client noticed an unattended electric scooter near a bus stop and rode it to a social engagement without the owner’s permission.
Later that night, the scooter’s owner reported the incident to NYPD, triggering a formal charge under New York Penal Law §155.25.
How the Incident Occurred
The client discovered the electric scooter resting near a bus shelter.
Believing it was abandoned or mis parked, the client rode it for a short distance, intending to return it.
After the event, the client attempted to bring the scooter back but ultimately rode home due to time constraints.
The owner later located the scooter using GPS tracking and filed a police report.
Legal Framework: Petit Larceny Under NYPL
Under NY Penal Law §155.25 (Petit Larceny), a person is guilty when intentionally stealing property.
NYPD additionally considered Criminal Possession of Stolen Property §165.40, which requires knowing possession of property one “knows or has reason to know” is stolen.
The criminal defense attorney analyzed whether the client’s conduct demonstrated the statutory elements of intent or knowledge.
2. Criminal Defense Attorney New York | Attorney Strategy and Legal Positioning
This section explains how the defense team constructed a mitigation-based-strategy to obtain non prosecution.
The arguments centered on lack of intent, voluntary corrective conduct, and victim-focused restitution, factors that prosecutors consider under New York discovery and declination guidelines.
Demonstrating Lack of Criminal Intent
The attorney emphasized:
• The scooter was unlocked and appeared abandoned.
• The client believed it was temporarily misplaced rather than privately secured property.
• The client returned the scooter promptly once realizing the misunderstanding.
These factors undermined the prosecution’s ability to prove purposeful intent beyond a reasonable doubt.
Early Apology and Restitution Efforts
The client delivered a direct apology to the owner.
The criminal defense attorney New York prepared a structured restitution proposal covering minor wear and any inconvenience.
Voluntary repayment and acknowledgment of misunderstanding helped frame the event as a non-malicious error.
Completion of Voluntary Compliance Education
The client completed a community compliance education course focused on NY property laws and mobility-device regulations.
This demonstrated insight, remorse, and reduced risk of recurrence, key components of prosecutorial mitigation in NYC.
3. Criminal Defense Attorney New York | Evidence Review and Case Negotiation
With the evidence showing no forced entry, no damage, and no intent to permanently deprive the owner, the attorney engaged in a structured negotiation process with the assigned assistant district attorney.
Evidentiary Weaknesses Identified
• No proof of intentional theft
• Immediate return of property
• Cooperative behavior following NYPD contact
• No prior criminal history
These weaknesses made the case unsuitable for aggressive prosecution under NYPL §155.25.
Structured Negotiation with Prosecutors
The criminal defense attorney submitted a mitigation packet including apology letters, restitution proof, and compliance training documentation.
The ADA accepted the argument that the matter reflected a misunderstanding rather than true larceny conduct.
4. Criminal Defense Attorney New York | Final Outcome and Non Prosecution Decision
The case concluded with a formal declination of prosecution.
The DA’s Office determined that the elements of petit larceny could not be established and that the client demonstrated meaningful corrective action.
Result and Post Case Guidance
The client faced no criminal record and no court-imposed penalties.
The attorney advised the client on safe usage practices for mobility devices, emphasizing New York’s strict property crime standards.
The case underscores how early legal representation can prevent unnecessary criminal exposure.
08 Dec, 2025
