How much is your reputation worth? A shoplifting arrest poses a serious threat to your reputation.
According to WHEC TV in Rochester, New York two women in Ontario County were arrested Tuesday, January 2, 2013 after attempting to steal $300.00 in merchandise and in the process also damaged an additional $165.00 in merchandise from Macy’s in Eastview Mall.
Deputies arrested Sasha Smith and Chastity Campbell. Deputies say that Ms. Smith had a bag that was modified to aid in shoplifting and a tool commonly used to remove the security sensors that are applied on clothing. The women were charged with petit larceny, which in New York refers to stealing property. There is no minimum value set for this crime and you can be arrested and prosecuted for stealing a penny’s worth of merchandise. Ms. Smith was also charged with possession of burglar’s tools, which is a class A misdemeanor.
Both women were arraigned and remanded to Ontario County Jail in lieu of bail. Imagine again all this for stealing $300.00 of merchandise. In a situation like this you should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
So I ask you again, what is your reputation worth? Your name and photo can appear in the paper for all your family and friends to see. You can be arrested and placed in jail. The embarrassment for stealing $300.00 in goods can affect your personal life, ability to get a good night‘s sleep, and interfere with basic concentration. And let‘s not forget that it could lead to a record that will follow you for the rest of your life and affect your future. Don‘t go to court alone. Be sure to hire an attorney who can get you the results that you need.