Shoplifting
Criminal Defense & Theft Crimes Lawyer in Brooklyn
Shoplifting is a form of
larceny or
theft that specifically involves taking property from a storefront or merchant.
Many incidents of shoplifting amount to petit larceny, as items taken
are generally valued under $1,000. This criminal violation can still be
charged as a class A misdemeanor, carrying a potential penalty of $1,000
fine and up to 365 days in state prison, though.
If you have been accused of shoplifting to any degree, then you need to
seek criminal defense representation as soon as you can. Even being accused
of stealing a few food items from a grocery store can lead to immense
penalties. Call
718.395.2067 to connect with the Law Offices of Lowell J. Sidney and our Brooklyn criminal
defense attorney and
schedule a free consultation to learn more about what you can do to protect your rights.
Additional Penalties in Shoplifting Cases
As with most any criminal violation in New York’s criminal statutes,
shoplifting will be penalized with escalating sentencing punishments depending
on the severity of the crime. It is even possible to be charged with a
class B felony for shoplifting an item or items with a total value greater
than $1 million. In such a situation, the punishments could include
25 years of imprisonment and a fine likely reaching at least $5,000. Shoplifting penalties are somewhat unique, though, in that the accused
can be further penalized with restitutions and liability in resulting
civil cases.
If you are convicted of shoplifting in New York, then you could be further
penalized:
- You may need to pay between $75 and $500 in restitutions to match the value
of the stolen merchandise. This amount is calculated by multiplying the
value of the merchandise by 5.
- You may be sued by the merchant for an amount up to $1,500 if the merchandise
is not returned in favorable, usable, or sellable condition.
It is worth noting that the parents or guardians of minors who shoplift
can be sued by merchants instead. The best way to combat a merchant’s
lawsuit in civil court is to protect your rights in criminal court. If
there is no conviction, then it will be difficult for them to build a
viable claim in civil court.
Secure Representation for Your Shoplifting Defense Case Now
Has a merchant accused you of stealing from their store? Get our Brooklyn
theft crimes lawyer on your side and start building your defense. Using
our extensive criminal defense experience, we can craft a strategy unique
to your case. We know how to secure and use evidence to your advantage,
like closed-circuit security camera footage that allegedly shows the act.
Learn more about our legal services by
contacting us at 718.395.2067 now.