Last Updated on: 27th July 2023, 06:38 pm

Caught in a Shoplifting Net?

Folks, let’s face it: a shoplifting charge, no matter how trivial, can tumble your world upside down. Whether it’s you or a loved one caught in the snarl, let’s walk you through the think of it and show you how our in-house lawyer Todd Spodek can help.

A Look at Shoplifting Charges

Shoplifting, under NY Penal Law Article 155, is officially cited as larceny. If you swipe goods worth $1000 or less, you’re slapped with a petit larceny charge, a Class A misdemeanor. And hey, don’t be fooled by the misdemeanor tag. This can attract an imprisonment term of up to a year, probation, and hefty fines.

For instance, if you shoplift goodies worth over $1000, you could be looking at a charge of grand larceny, translating to higher fines, lengthier jail time, and a felony charge stamp on your record. And folks, just five minutes of shoplifting could blow up your world in unimaginable ways.

The Role of an Adept Defense Attorney

That’s where the Spodek Law Group steps in, ready to pull you up from the struggle. In a shoplifting case, no matter how straightforward, you need a top-notch defense attorney on your side. Without one, you could easily land into all sorts of quagmires during your arrest or arraignment.

Understanding Shoplifting Arrest and Arraignment

If store employees, security agents, or the police catch you shoplifting, a confrontation unfolds, and you are often whisked to a backroom where you are searched, interrogated, and detained. They may coax you into penning a confession, signing documents that are legally binding, or paying fines.

Police officers, upon arrival, will take you to the station for a repeat of the interrogation. You will be fingerprinted, photographed and your details made public, often within days or even hours. They’ll also hand you a desk ticket directing you to appear before the court on a specific date for your arraignment, and should you skip this date, you could have a warrant issued for your arrest.

At your arraignment, they’ll read you your charges and rights. It’s crucial to have an attorney by your side at this time. You and your attorney will learn about the nitty-gritty of your charges and the prosecution’s evidence against you. At this point, your attorney can push for a dismissal, enter a plea or negotiate. The judge can set bail, dismiss the case or go along with the negotiations.

Shoplifting Charge Defenses

If you plead not guilty or don’t go for a plea bargain, the court is your next stop where your attorney will make defensive moves and arguments just for you. Here are some of the defenses:

Proving Intent

For shoplifting allegations to hold, the prosecution must demonstrate that you intended to steal and deprive the store of the items. Your attorney could argue that your actions were a result of ignorance, an accident or unintentional.

Challenging the Reliability of the Witness

An unreliable witness weakens the charges against you. Your lawyer could prove the witness was either not present during the incident or guilty of providing false information.

Negotiating a Plea Deal

Post-arraignment, the prosecution may throw a plea deal your way. If you don’t have a lawyer by your side at this point, be very cautious. Plea deals might seem enticing if they eliminate possible jail time, but remember the prosecution isn’t on your side. The deal may leave you with a criminal record and/or steep fines. Having Todd Spodek by your side is crucial, as he can capably represent your best interests.

Handling Shoplifting Charges

Shoplifting charges are far from child’s play. They need to be tackled professionally by an experienced attorney like Todd Spodek who’ll handle your case with the utmost diligence. Should you need to combat a shoplifting charge in New York City, we are here to help. We are home to a team of experienced, professional, and friendly attorneys ready to take your case.