A Long Island Shoplifting Lawyer will tell you that the crime of Shoplifting is extremely common in New York. The actual term for Shoplifting is Petit Larceny, and is defined in NY Penal Law 155.25. The crime of Petit Larceny involves the taking of property that has a value of $1,000. or less. If the items have a value over $1,000., the crime is then Grand Larceny. Petit Larceny is a misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 1 year in jail. If you or a loved one has been arrested for Shoplifting, speak with a Long Island Criminal Lawyer from our team. You could be facing significant penalties that can include fines, jail, and probation.
If you have been detained by store security, a Long Island Shoplifting Lawyer would strongly advise you to never sign anything, or confess to anything. Store security will often try to get you to confess, and will tell you that if you sign a confession you will be released. This is not the case.
When you are arrested, the police can do one of two things. They can book you and hold you in custody, until your arraignment. They can also issue you a desk appearance ticket and release you. The information regarding the time and place of the arraignment will be on the desk appearance ticket.
Each of the two counties that make up Long Island, Nassau County and Suffolk County both has district attorney’s offices that prosecute petite larceny cases aggressively. Therefore, they have a significant number of convictions. Most people aren’t aware that a criminal conviction can follow you for your whole life. In fact, the record of the conviction is public. This record can be attained by anyone doing a simple background verification. That’s why it’s so important to be represented by an experienced Long Island Shoplifting Lawyer to ensure that your rights are protected at every stage of the legal process.
If you have been arrested for Shoplifting, you know that is an embarrassing and scary experience. The consequences of this crime if you are convicted can be serious. Contact a Long Island Shoplifting Lawyer from Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC. We will prove you with legal counsel and a free consultation. We have offices throughout New York City, in locations such as Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island. Call us today to schedule your free consultation at 800.696.9529.