Facing a Felony Theft Accusation Involving a Large Sum
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Reviewed & verified by A. Jason Velez, Esq.*
Managing Attorney, 1LAW · Last reviewed January 23, 2026
Legal Inquiry
Consumer Legal Issue
I am accused of theft.
I was told I. Accused of taking 15.000.
Attorney Answer
Do not speak to law enforcement or the person accusing you of taking the money without a lawyer present — that's the most important immediate step, regardless of whether formal charges have been filed yet.
At an alleged amount of $15,000, this would fall under third-degree grand larceny in New York: Penal Law § 155.35 classifies stealing property valued at more than $3,000 as grand larceny in the third degree, a class D felony (thefts of property worth more than $50,000 are charged as higher-degree grand larceny under separate provisions). Being told you're accused is not the same as being formally charged, and it is not a conviction — you're entitled to contest the allegations and to a fair process either way.
What you can do:
1. If no charges have been filed yet, avoid making any statements to investigators or to the person accusing you until you have a lawyer.
2. If charges have already been filed, focus with your attorney on the arraignment and bail process rather than trying to explain things informally.
3. Retain a New York criminal defense attorney immediately to find out your actual status and advise you before you interact with anyone involved.
4. Keep your own records of communications and transactions related to the alleged $15,000, but share them with your attorney rather than with investigators or the accuser directly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I speak to the person accusing me of theft to explain myself?
Generally, it's advisable to avoid discussing the allegation with the accuser or investigators without a lawyer present, since informal explanations can later be used against you.
How is theft classified based on the amount involved?
Many states grade theft or larceny offenses by dollar value, with higher amounts generally triggering felony-level charges. An attorney can confirm how a specific amount is classified.
What's the difference between being accused and being formally charged?
Being told about an allegation is not the same as formal charges being filed, and neither is a conviction — a person generally retains the right to contest the allegations.
