Everyone makes mistakes—especially when they’re young. One poor decision should not define the rest of a person’s life.
Recently, The Law Office of Siara Ossa, PLLC successfully represented a recent high school graduate charged with Petit Larceny in violation of Penal Law § 155.25 in Suffolk County District Court, 400 Carleton Avenue Central Islip, New York 11722, after she was accused of stealing several hundred dollars’ worth of merchandise from a retail store.
Instead of allowing this incident to become a permanent obstacle to her future, we negotiated an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 170.55, ensuring that the charge will be dismissed so long as she remains out of trouble during the adjournment period.
What Is Petit Larceny?
Under New York Penal Law § 155.25, a person commits Petit Larceny when they steal property belonging to another person or business.
Petit Larceny is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, making it a criminal offense—not simply a ticket or civil matter.
A conviction can carry serious consequences, including:
- A permanent criminal record.
- Up to one year in jail.
- Up to Three Years Probation.
- Fines and court surcharges.
- Difficulty obtaining employment.
- Obstacles to college admissions, internships, professional licensing, and certain financial aid opportunities.
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens.
For a young person just beginning adulthood, even a misdemeanor conviction can create lasting barriers.
A Young Adult Deserving of a Second Chance
Our client had recently graduated from high school and was preparing to begin the next chapter of her life. Like many young adults, she made a mistake that could have had lifelong consequences if not handled properly.
Rather than allowing a single lapse in judgment to permanently affect her future, we worked to obtain a resolution focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
What Is an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD)?
An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal, commonly known as an ACD, is authorized under Criminal Procedure Law § 170.55.
An ACD is not a conviction and does not require a guilty plea; in fact, it requires that nothing be said at all by the Defendant. In Court, the attorney for the Defense will make an application to adjourn the matter in contemplation of dismissal, and the People of the State of New York will consent to the adjournment.
Instead:
- The criminal case is adjourned for a specified period of time, usually six months for a non domestic violence matter.
- The defendant must remain arrest-free and comply with any conditions imposed by the court.
- If those conditions are met, the charge is automatically dismissed at the conclusion of the adjournment period, with no need to return to court.
For many first-time offenders, an ACD provides an opportunity to move forward without carrying a criminal conviction for the rest of their lives.
Preserving Her Future
This resolution means our client can continue pursuing her education and career goals without the burden of a criminal conviction.
By obtaining an ACD, we helped protect:
- Her ability to attend college or trade school.
- Future employment opportunities.
- Professional licensing opportunities.
- Scholarship and internship applications.
- Her reputation and criminal record.
- Her ability to move forward from one isolated mistake.
Young people deserve to be judged by who they become—not solely by one poor decision made at the beginning of adulthood.
Why Early Representation Matters
Retail theft cases are often viewed as “minor” offenses because the value of the property is relatively low. In reality, the criminal consequences can be significant.
An experienced criminal defense attorney can:
- Evaluate whether diversionary dispositions are available.
- Advocate for alternatives to a criminal conviction.
- Negotiate favorable resolutions such as an ACD.
- Work to preserve a client’s record and future opportunities.
The earlier an attorney becomes involved, the greater the opportunity to pursue outcomes that minimize the long-term impact of a criminal charge.
Facing a Petit Larceny Charge in New York?
If you or a loved one has been charged with Petit Larceny or another theft offense, it is important to remember that an arrest does not mean a conviction is inevitable.
At The Law Office of Siara Ossa, PLLC, we understand that good people sometimes make mistakes. Our goal is to protect your future, your record, and your opportunities while pursuing the best possible outcome in every case.
In this case, one mistake did not become a lifetime of consequences. Instead, a recent high school graduate was given what every deserving young person hopes for—a genuine second chance.