Arrested for Shoplifting: What to Expect

If the police arrested you for shoplifting in NYC, your lawyer may be able to quickly get your charges dropped, even if you are guilty.

Shoplifting is a very common theft charge in New York City, and fortunately skilled criminal defense lawyers can convince prosecutors to give first-time offenders a break.

This article discusses what to expect if you have a shoplifting charge in New York City. If you have a shoplifting charge in New York, contact NYC criminal lawyer Cody Warner for a free consultation. We can discuss your case and determine the best path to get your charges dropped.

Typical Shoplifting Arrest Charges

If you are arrested for shoplifting in NYC, the prosecution will likely charge you with Petit Larceny (P.L. 155.25). A person commits Petit Larceny when they steal property. Petit Larceny is a class A misdemeanor. Although technically a class A misdemeanor can result in a jail sentence of up to a year, it’s rare for a shoplifter to face jail time.

If the value of the stolen property is over $1,000, the prosecution can charge you with Grand Larceny, which is charged in varying degrees. Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, the lowest level of Grand Larceny, occurs when the value of the stolen property is more than $1,000 but no more than $3,000. Grand Larceny charges for shoplifting are rarely greater than Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, because most items taken from stores are under $3,000.

What Happens After a Shoplifting Arrest

If the police arrested you for shoplifting, the police likely gave you a Desk Appearance Ticket. When you get a Desk Appearance Ticket, you are ordered to appear in court several weeks later.

Your first court appearance is known as your “arraignment.” At your arraignment, the court will advise you of the charges against you. If the prosecution is willing to make you an offer, you may be able to resolve your case at your first court appearance.

If you have a Desk Appearance Ticket for shoplifting, an NYC shoplifting lawyer may be able to get your charges dismissed on or before your first court appearance.

Typical Shoplifting Case Outcomes

The two most important factors that affect the outcome of your case are

• The value of the stolen property; and
• Whether you have a criminal record

If you do not have a criminal record and the value of the stolen property is under $1000, an experienced criminal lawyer can possibly get the district attorney’s office to agree to drop the charges at your first court appearance.

Even if the value of the stolen property is over $1000, your lawyer may be able to convince the prosecution to immediately drop the charges or offer an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal.

Perhaps the most challenging situation is if you are arrested for shoplifting and already have a criminal record. In those situations, a skilled criminal defense lawyer can likely work out a deal so that you avoid a jail sentence. However, the charges may not be completely dropped. Of course, if you have a strong defense to the charges, then your lawyer may still be able to get your charges dropped.

Need Help?

If you were arrested for shoplifting in NYC, contact Cody Warner, P.C. for a free consultation. We can discuss your case and determine the best strategy to get your charges dropped as soon as possible.