UTICA - Local attorney Mary Helene Hamlin, who's accused of grand larceny for allegedly stealing $357,000 from a former client, was in Oneida County Court.

Hamlin stood in court with her lawyer, George Aney, who asked that the case to be moved back. The judge agreed pushed it back to late January.

Hamlin and Dorene Dorn face grand larceny charges for allegedly stealing more than $300,000. Prosecutors say the money was stolen from John Hatfield senior between February 2003 and December 2004. Hatfield has since died.

The defense says this case is mainly paper-generated, so there is plenty of information to be examined in preparation for the next proceeding.

"I'm in no position to make any kind of prediction at this time," Aney said. "Because I just haven't had a chance to get into it as deeply as I must in order to advise her."

Aney said the Oneida County District Attorney's Office had extended a plea offer. The attorney was unable to release its details. Hamlin is due back in court January 28.