New York Attorneys Represent Clients Accused of Shoplifting

Staten Island lawyers defend clients against retail theft charges

Shoplifting is a commonly prosecuted theft crime in New York, with potentially heavy penalties. The consequences of a shoplifting conviction can permanently impact many aspects of your life, including your career, educational options and creditworthiness. Gregg & Associates P.C. in Staten Island has represented clients in shoplifting cases since 1998. Our attorneys are skilled at raising all viable defenses to charges and at arranging acceptable alternatives to trial that lessen or avoid penal consequences. We ensure that your rights are protected at every stage of your case.

New York shoplifting penalties vary with value of goods involved

Shoplifting, a form of larceny, is the taking of merchandise from a retail store or other vendor with the intention not to pay for it. In New York, the degree of a shoplifting offense depends on the value of the allegedly stolen property. The penalties are as follows:

• Petit larceny — For goods valued at $1,000 or less, up to one year of jail time and a fine up to $1,000.
• Grand larceny in the fourth degree — For goods valued between $1,000 and $3,000, up to four years in prison and a fine up to the greater of $5,000 or double the goods’ value.
• Grand larceny in the third degree — For goods valued between $3,000 and $50,000, up to seven years in prison and a fine up to the greater of $5,000 or double the goods’ value.
• Grand larceny in the second degree — For goods valued between $50,000 and $1 million, up to 15 years in prison and a fine up to the greater of $5,000 or double the goods’ value.
• Grand larceny in the first degree — For goods valued at $1 million or more, up to 25 years in prison and a fine up to the greater of $5,000 or double the goods’ value.

Shoplifting is not limited to dashing out of a store with goods not paid for. It can also consist of swapping price tags, presenting phony receipts or using other means to defraud a merchant.

Defense strategies for shoplifting charges

We bring to the prosecutor’s attention all facts and circumstances available to show a lack of intentional theft. There may be a strong indication that the shopper acted forgetfully or that the merchant misunderstood the shopper’s actions. We can also challenge the prosecution’s evidence, such as surveillance camera footage that may be ambiguous or security personnel testimony that may be biased or unreliable. If possible, we will plea bargain to a lower-level larceny charge or a lesser offense such as disorderly conduct. In some cases, we seek an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal (ACD), which suspends your case during a period of good behavior followed by dismissal and sealing of the record.

Contact an experienced shoplifting defense attorney in Staten Island, NY

Gregg & Associates P.C. offers a free initial consultation at our Staten Island office. If you are facing a shoplifting charge of any degree, our criminal defense attorneys are ready to discuss and pursue your options. Please call us at 866-308-3353 or contact us online for a consultation.