What Should I Expect at My First Court Date for a Petit Larceny Charge in the Bronx?
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Reviewed & verified by A. Jason Velez, Esq.*
Managing Attorney, 1LAW · Last reviewed January 1, 2026
Legal Inquiry
Consumer Legal Issue
I'm facing a petty larceny charge with a court date on May 21. I don't have a lawyer, and this is my first time being arrested. I don't know how to proceed or what to do or say.
Attorney Answer
Petit larceny in New York is a class A misdemeanor, and going to your May 21 court date without a lawyer yet is common, especially for a first arrest, but you should try to line one up beforehand if at all possible.
Petit larceny under New York Penal Law § 155.25 generally covers taking property worth $1,000 or less without permission and intending to keep it. As a class A misdemeanor, it can carry up to 364 days in jail, though for a first arrest with no prior record, prosecutors and judges often resolve these cases short of jail time, sometimes through a conditional discharge, an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal (ACD), or a plea to a lesser violation.
Before your court date:
1. Call the Legal Aid Society, The Bronx Defenders, or another free public defense office that serves the Bronx as soon as possible. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you have a right to a free, court-appointed attorney, and the court can assign one, often right at arraignment if you have not already found your own. 2. Do not discuss the facts of the incident with police, store staff, or prosecutors before you have a lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you. 3. Bring identification and any paperwork you received from the arrest, such as a desk appearance ticket. 4. Arrive early. Courthouses can be confusing, and you do not want to risk being marked absent.
What usually happens at the first appearance: the judge will read the charge, you will enter a plea, often "not guilty" while you sort out representation, and the judge may set conditions or a next court date. If this is truly your first arrest, tell your lawyer that clearly. A clean record is often the single biggest factor in getting a favorable resolution like an ACD, which can lead to the case being sealed if you stay out of trouble afterward.
Most important: show up to court on May 21 no matter what. Missing a criminal court date in New York can result in a bench warrant for your arrest, which makes everything harder to resolve.
This is general legal information, not legal advice. A Bronx criminal defense attorney, including a free public defender, can review the specific facts of your case and advise you on the best way to handle it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between petit larceny and grand larceny in New York?
Petit larceny generally involves property valued at $1,000 or less, while grand larceny applies to higher amounts or certain other circumstances. Grand larceny is a felony, while petit larceny is a misdemeanor.
Can I get a public defender for a petit larceny charge?
Yes. If you cannot afford a lawyer, New York courts must appoint one for you, often through the Legal Aid Society or a local public defender's office, at or before arraignment.
What is an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal (ACD)?
An ACD is a common resolution for lower-level, first-time charges in New York where the case is adjourned and later dismissed and sealed if you avoid further trouble during that period. Whether it's offered depends on the prosecutor and the specific facts.
