At The Blanch Law Firm, our experience with theft crimes covers everything from felonies such as grand larceny to misdemeanors such as theft of services.  We are one of New York’s premier criminal defense firms, providing our clients with top-notch legal services for all criminal litigation.

At The Blanch Law Firm, our criminal defense attorneys possess a successful track record of defending all types of theft crimes because we employ a “results driven” approach to defense.  We assign five or members of our criminal defense attorney team to every case, assuring a comprehensive review of each case and the best results possible for our clients.  If you were charged with theft of services, contact The Blanch Law Firm today at (646) 706-7722 for your initial consultation.

Theft of Services

A “Theft of Services” crime can also be called “Passive Theft.”  This Theft of Services Charge is often a misdemeanor, but can lead to serious jail time, fines and other severe consequences.  There is also a public shame factor involved, where different retail outlets, restaurants and other businesses will post photos of the alleged thief.

Various trade organizations have lobbied hard on the state and federal levels of government to get laws passed which have heavy Fines for theft of services.  The National Cable and Telecommunications Association is just one of these organizations, and they actually have a hotline where an individual can report their neighbor for cable theft.

Types of Passive Theft

It is estimated that theft of services costs retailers, restaurants and other companies billions of dollars in revenue every year.  In fact, the cable industry alone claims to lose over $6 billion annually due to passive theft and intentional cable theft. 

Below is a list of some of the types of passive theft (theft of services) that you can be charged with:

• Stealing Cable – This is a common crime which occurs throughout New York.  It can happen by stealing cable from your neighbor, or by buying a particular type of cable box.
• Stealing Drinks – Restaurants and bars make a majority of their revenue from serving alcohol, and will press charges against anyone who allegedly skips out on a bill. 
• Turnstile Jumping – This is a crime which occurs at subway stations and train stations throughout New York and the tri-state area.  The New York City Transit authorities define turnstile jumping as “fare evasion” and applies these laws rigidly.  Even if you paid the fair ahead of time on a metro card, New York City Police Officers will ticket you for fare evasion.
• Taxi Fare Evasion – Also known as a “runner,” dodging a taxi fare can lead to fines, and possibly jail time.  As defined by the Crimes Act of 1958, taxi fare evasion is “gaining a financial advantage by deception” and cabbies themselves will often take the law into their own hands if they have to.  In fact, the Transport Regulations of 1994 made under the Transport Act of 1983, empower cab drivers to help prosecute those guilty of taxi fare evasion.
• Dine N’ Dash – A “dine n’ dash” is when you eat a restaurant and leave without paying.  Other terms used are “dine and ditch”, “chew and screw”, or “running the check.”

Contact The Blanch Law Firm

If you have been charged with any of these theft crimes, Contact The Blanch Law Firm today for your initial consultation at (646) 706-7722.