Bronx Shoplifting

A Bronx Shoplifting Lawyer often sees the crime of Shoplifting committed in New York. This crime is termed as a “quality of life crime” because it is the bane of not only law enforcement but the legal system as well. The crime of Shoplifting is legally called Petit Larceny, which is defined in New York Penal Law 155.25. Generally, this crime involves the taking of property of another that is valued at under $1,000. It is categorized as a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 1 year in jail. If you have been arrested for Shoplifting or another theft crime such as Credit Card Fraud, robbery or even Grand Larceny, you should contact Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC for guidance.

If you are caught Shoplifting, any Bronx Shoplifting Lawyer would strongly advise you to not confess to anything, or sign any paperwork. Store security make it their mission to get you to confess, and will employ various methods to get you to do so. They often will tell you that if you sign their paperwork, they will let you go. This is not the case, so it is important you do not fall for this tactic. You should always say as little as possible and insist that you speak to your Bronx Criminal lawyer.

When you are arrested, the police may hold you in custody until you are arraigned by a judge. This could mean that you will be in custody for up to 24 hours. Often with Shoplifting offenses however, you may receive a desk appearance ticket (DAT). This ticket will enable you to avoid jail. Rather you will be told when and where to appear for your court hearing (arraignment).

Because each county in New York each has their own District Attorneys Office, they can determine how aggressively they wish to prosecute certain crimes. The Bronx has become increasingly more aggressive when it comes to prosecuting petite larceny. It is important that you are represented by a Bronx Shoplifting Lawyer at all stages of your legal proceedings. If your case results in a criminal conviction, the record that attaches to you may last the rest of your life. Further, since the record is public, it can be seen by those doing background searches. It is important to fight back and aggressively defend the allegations charged against you. Thus, you need to be represented by a qualified Bronx Shoplifting Lawyer so that you obtain the best result possible with your proceedings.

If you have been charged with a theft crime, including Grand Larceny, robbery, burglary or Shoplifting, it is important to speak with legal counsel right away. Theft crimes can result in not only criminal, but civil penalties as well. There are specific statutes that enable to the victim of a theft crime to sue the defendant in civil court for up to 5 times the value of the property taken. Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC will create a strong defense on your behalf, and ensure that your rights are protected. When you come in, we will also provide you with a free case evaluation. We have office locations in New York City to serve you including Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island. We also have locations in Westchester County, and both Suffolk County and Nassau County on Long Island. Call us today at 800.696.9529.