Last Updated on: 26th July 2023, 10:11 pm

Got Caught in a Shoplifting Pickle? Todd Spodek can Help

So you’ve found yourself in a messy shoplifting situation? Hey! It happens. But now you’re faced with an aggressive accusation where some employee has you cooped up in a dingy room, rootling through your stuff and thrusting unreadable documents under your nose and telling you to sign. You might even be promised release if you cough up some bucks right there and then! And then, bam! You’re handed over to the boys in blue. Hours of no food, water or restroom access later, you’re being interrogated, mug-shotted, and fingerprinted. Before you know it, you’re walking away from the station with a Desk Appearance Ticket. And the gravy train doesn’t stop there. That friendly store employee might’ve tricked you into legal liabilities, and to add a cherry on top, your arrest could become public record! Todd Spodek and the Spodek Law Group can guide you through this web of legal intricacies without you being tripped up.

Why Legal Representation is Key After a Shoplifting Arrest

Once arrested, you will receive a Desk Appearance Ticket requiring you to be present in court on the ticket date. I cannot stress enough the importance of having a legal representation at this stage for ensuring a smooth run. Remember, this ticket is on you because they didn’t want to run the hassle of sending you to the Central Booking station. If you play hooky on this date, an arrest warrant is headed your way.

What Happens Next in a Shoplifting Criminal Case

Arraignment: You’ve been arrested, the first step is the arraignment. Here, the charges, your rights, and the prosecution’s evidence are laid out. It’s not a trial, more of a preliminary information hearing at which your Spodek attorney takes the opportunity to understand the case. It is at this juncture that crucial decisions – like negotiating, entering pleas, or pushing for dismissals – are made. Sans attorney, a guilty plea could see you convicted instantly, and facing the harshest penalty permitted under New York law.

Post-arraignment: The arraignment could end in three ways – dismissed, convicted, or adjourned. Should it be adjourned, your attorney has the chance to regroup, negotiate, file motions, or prepare for trial, as needed. The idea of taking a deal could be tempting but tread carefully, because it might not always be in your best interest.

What Shoplifting Entails

More often than not, it is employees who land in hot soup with shoplifting accusations, with businesses like Walmart losing about 3-4 billion a year in employee theft. On the aftermath of such accusations, stores easily send civil demands, which essentially are threats of civil lawsuits, thus adding financial burdens to the accused. Not paying could lead to collection lawsuits but remember New York General Obligation Law Section 11-105 lets stores do this unscathed. This is where Todd Spodek could guide you in protecting your rights.

The Variety and Severity of Shoplifting Charges

Shoplifting can take various forms – the usual snatch and grab, concealing items, group shoplifting, or “sweethearting”, where a store cashier slip-items for a friend or family member. Depending on the type and severity, charges range from misdemeanors to fourth-degree felonies, the latter being serious offenses depending on the value of goods stolen. If found guilty, it would mean a permanent criminal record, potential employment, travel, or immigration issues, or even deportation for immigrants.

How to Get Shoplifting Charges Sealed

Just because you’ve been charged with shoplifting doesn’t mean it signals the end of the road or your dreams. Depending on your jurisdiction’s rules, you could have your shoplifting charge expunged or sealed. This will save you the discomfort of revealing your conviction to employers or anyone who performs a background check on you. If you are unsure about how sealing works, Spodek Law Group can walk you through the process.

Shoplifting Immigration Consequences

If you are an immigrant and have been caught shoplifting, you could face serious immigration consequences. As per immigration laws, a criminal conviction could change your immigration status and even lead to deportation. Hence, make sure you get advice from Spodek Law Group to protect your rights.

Out of State/Country Shoplifting Legal Help

Remember, a shoplifting case resolution might need multiple court appearances, but if you are living outside NYC or in another country, this could be a significant issue. Never fear, Spodek Law Group can assist.

How Todd Spodek Can Help

While you might view shoplifting as a harmless misdemeanour, this perception won’t fly with New York’s prosecutors. Under the New York penal code, shoplifting charges can range from Petit Larceny (theft of items valued at $1,000 or less) to Grand Larceny (theft of items valued between $1,000 and $3,000 with higher levels for higher-value items.). While the former can give a year in jail and a fine of $1,000, the latter can serve you a four-year jail term and a whopping $5,000 fine or double the value of the stolen goods.

With punishments like these, tagging shoplifting as minor would be nothing short of foolhardy. Also, carrying a conviction stigma can be a lifelong burden. This is where Todd Spodek steps in to prevent your ‘one-time offense’ from snowballing into a lifelong issue. He can explore defenses to your charges, argue for reduced penalties upon conviction, or even negotiate Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) agreements which would wipe out your criminal records after six months, given you don’t find yourself in any other legal issues.

At the end of the day, Todd Spodek’s vast experience and track record in handling shoplifting cases are your best bet in New York.

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Shoplifting is a crime that can have serious consequences, such as fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced shoplifting attorney can help you navigate the legal process and potentially reduce the penalties you face. An attorney can explore various defenses, like false accusations or lack of evidence, and fight for a dismissal of charges. If dismissal is not possible, the attorney can work on negotiating a plea arrangement to minimize the negative impact on your future. It is crucial to have legal representation in court to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.