New York City Shoplifting Attorney
Are you facing criminal charges connected with shoplifting?
Shoplifting, or retail theft, is one of the most common crimes charged in New York City. Generally, this offense refers to taking items from a retail establishment without paying for them. Shoplifting can be charged when store merchandise is picked up and hidden from view. This means that the accused shoplifter is often confronted before leaving the store. Shoplifting may be charged as petit larceny and possession of stolen property, both Class A misdemeanors, if the goods were less than $1,000 in value. Goods stolen in excess of $1,000 in value are generally charged as felonies, grand larceny and felony possession of stolen property. A shoplifting arrest may be conducted by bringing the accused shoplifter to central booking where he or she waits to see a judge or by the issuance of a desk appearance ticket which directs the accused to return to court to be officially charged. Whether you are given a desk appearance ticket or held in central booking, your first appearance in New York City Criminal Court is for an arraignment. The arraignment is when you are brought before a criminal court judge, formally accused with committing a crime or crimes, and subjected to possible jail, bail, or release while the case is pending. Whether you are released from the arraignment depends greatly on whether you are deemed a flight risk and the circumstances of your case. Being charged with shoplifting subjects you to a possible criminal record, jail (up to 1 year for a misdemeanor), probation, forced DNA database inclusion, international travel consequences, civil penalties, fines, a damaged credit history, and other consequences.
If you or someone you know is subject to a criminal investigation into shoplifting or if you are facing charges through a Desk Appearance ticket, we strongly recommend that you contact the Law Offices of Lance Fletcher for experienced legal counsel. We offer a confidential consultation with a New York City shoplifting attorney who can advise you on what you are up against and how our firm can help you. Attorney Lance Fletcher has years of experience in defending clients in criminal cases; our firm's successful track record reflects his depth of knowledge and legal skills in criminal defense.
What can a Shoplifting Attorney do?
A lot. An experienced attorney will know how to prepare a thorough and potent defense regardless of the facts and circumstances of your case. If the store or police rushed to judgment or made mistakes during your arrest, this can be identified and raised as an issue in court. Although this may be your first time going through this, Lance Fletcher has successfully handled hundreds of shoplifting cases in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester, Long Island, and upstate New York. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Fletcher can often find errors committed by the police or store security. Additionally, Mr. Fletcher is prepared to push for a quick and successful outcome or fight up to and including trial, if necessary.
Shoplifting Cases in New York City
A shoplifting arrest can have long-lasting consequences. A criminal conviction will give you a permanent criminal record, which may negatively affect job prospects, career advancement, immigration status, professional licenses, and even your ability to rent an apartment. In New York, most shoplifters are charged with two misdemeanors, petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen goods. A shoplifting desk appearance ticket can also lead to a civil demand in which the retailer threatens legal action unless you pay them damages in connection with the alleged offense. These damages often substantially exceed the value of the merchandise. A shoplifting arrest and/or conviction may also cause you to be included in a national retailers theft database which was discussed in detail in a April 2013 New York Times article. Avoiding conviction and having your criminal records sealed or destroyed is the best possible outcome and may significantly lessen the many negative consequences of this type of arrest.
Because of the adverse consequences of a theft conviction, you should avail yourself of an experienced New York City shoplifting lawyer who has effectively defended countless individuals throughout the metropolitan area. Your future may depend on it.
Contact a New York City shoplifting attorney at the firm to discuss your case in a consultation today.