In New York, Theft of Services is a criminal charge that applies when someone obtains or attempts to obtain services through unlawful or deceptive means. While some may dismiss these offenses as minor, the implications of a conviction can be severe, including a criminal record, fines, probation, and even jail time. For residents of Nassau County and Long Island, these charges can impact your career, immigration status, and reputation.
The R.M.L. Law Firm, PLLC, offers dedicated representation for individuals facing Theft of Services charges. With a background as a former Long Island Senior Prosecutor, Attorney Ramy M. Louis uses his extensive courtroom experience to fight for favorable outcomes. Whether you’re accused of fare evasion on the LIRR, tampering with utility meters in Nassau County, or leaving a restaurant without paying, contact our fraud crimes defense lawyers serving Long Island to get a strategic and aggressive defense tailored to your unique case.
What Services Can Lead to a Theft of Services Charge?
The types of services involved in these cases are broad and often include:
- Transportation: Subway turnstile jumping, unpaid taxi rides, or failing to pay for LIRR tickets.
- Hospitality: Leaving a hotel without paying for your stay or dining at a restaurant and leaving without settling the bill (commonly known as “dine and dash”).
- Personal Services: Failing to pay for a haircut, manicure, or other services at salons and barber shops.
- Utility Services: Cable, internet, water, gas, or electricity theft by tampering with meters or bypassing connections.
Each category carries its own legal nuances, and the manner in which services are unlawfully obtained can significantly affect the charges you face.
Understanding Theft of Services Charges
On Long Island and across New York, Theft of Services is governed by New York Penal Law Section 165.15. While some cases may result in a Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT), this does not mean the charges are insignificant. In fact, these charges should be taken very seriously as a conviction can lead to:
- A criminal record visible in background checks for jobs and housing.
- Up to 1 year in jail for misdemeanor offenses.
- Deportation risks for non-citizens or immigration status complications.
- Employment consequences and professional license suspensions, especially for those in regulated fields, such as law enforcement, nursing, teaching, and banking.
Even a minor incident, like being accused of riding the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) without a ticket, can escalate into more serious consequences if mishandled.
Examples of Theft of Services Offenses
Turnstile Jumping or Fare Evasion
Fare evasion is one of the most common Theft of Services offenses on Long Island. Examples include:
- Boarding a Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) bus without paying.
- Riding the LIRR from Garden City to Penn Station without a valid ticket.
While these offenses may seem minor, they are often classified as misdemeanors under New York law. A conviction can leave you with a permanent criminal record, impacting your ability to secure employment, housing, or professional licenses. Additionally, misdemeanor Theft of Services charges carry penalties of up to one year in jail, probation, and steep fines.
Even if jail time is unlikely for a first-time offender, the long-term consequences of a criminal record can create serious complications. An experienced Long Island criminal defense lawyer can help protect your future and work toward the best possible outcome in your case.
Dining and Dashing
Leaving a restaurant or bar without paying the bill, whether in Long Beach or Garden City, is considered Theft of Services. This offense can also apply to unpaid tabs at nightclubs or lounges.
Utility Tampering
Altering meters, bypassing connections, or using unauthorized equipment like decoders or jammers to access utilities can lead to Theft of Services charges. These cases often involve:
- Illegally tapping into water, gas, or electric lines in towns like Freeport or Westbury.
- Using a descrambler to access premium cable channels without payment.
Using a Stolen Credit or Debit Card
If someone knowingly uses a stolen credit card to obtain services, they can be charged with Theft of Services as well as other serious fraud-related crimes, such as possession of stolen property and identity theft.
For example, imagine a Nassau County resident books a high-end hotel stay in Mineola using a stolen card. Not only can they face Theft of Services charges for unlawfully obtaining lodging, but prosecutors might also add charges like credit card fraud or grand larceny. These compounded charges significantly increase the potential penalties, including the risk of jail time and long-term financial and professional repercussions.
Steps to Take If You’re Charged in Nassau or Suffolk County
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid discussing details of the incident with anyone except your attorney, as anything you say could be used against you in court.
- Preserve Evidence and Witness Information: Collect and secure any potential evidence, such as video surveillance or photos of the scene. Obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses who may support your account of events.
- Consult an Experienced Long Island Theft of Services Criminal Defense Lawyer Immediately: An attorney knowledgeable in Long Island Theft of Services cases can evaluate your situation, guide you through the legal process, and build a strong defense to protect your rights.
At The R.M.L. Law Firm, PLLC, we are ready to review your case and explain all your legal options during a confidential consultation.
Why Nassau and Suffolk County Residents Trust The R.M.L. Law Firm, PLLC to Defend Them
Our firm understands the stress and uncertainty Theft of Services charges bring. As a former Long Island Prosecutor, Defense Attorney Ramy M. Louis has handled cases from both sides of the courtroom, giving him insight into how prosecutors build their arguments. This advantage allows us to craft a strong, personalized defense.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Local Experience: With extensive practice in Long Island courts, including those in Hempstead, Mineola, and other towns across Long Island, we understand the nuances of the local legal system.
- Strategic Defense: Whether your case involves fare evasion on the LIRR or tampering with utility services, we identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and fight for dismissals or reduced charges.
- Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize open communication and tailor our strategies to meet your specific needs.
Get Trusted Legal Support for Your Long Island Theft of Services Case
Facing a Theft of Services charge in Nassau County or Suffolk County can be stressful and overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At The R.M.L. Law Firm, PLLC, we’ve successfully defended clients against charges ranging from subway fare evasion to utility theft, achieving favorable outcomes and protecting their futures. Plus, we offer low flat rates for these types of cases, ensuring quality legal representation at an affordable price.
Let us bring our experience and dedication to your case and fight to protect your freedom and future. Contact us today.
