Rockland County Shoplifting Attorney

Rockland County is home to a wide range of shopping options, including the Palisades Mall, which is one of the biggest malls in the United States. With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that the area is also prone to shoplifting. If you have been charged with shoplifting in Rockland County, you must retain quality legal representation because you may face significant penalties upon conviction. The Law Office of Carl Spector has proudly served clients facing criminal charges across the area for over 30 years. We can help protect you from a future burdened by imprisonment, overwhelming fines, and a criminal record. Contact a Rockland County shoplifting attorney from The Law Office of Carl Spector today to discuss your case.

Shoplifting in NY

Shoplifting is an often misunderstood crime. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to leave a store with a stolen item to be charged; you might be arrested, charged, and convicted of shoplifting for concealing an item on your person without leaving the store – even if you claim you intended to pay for it. The problem doesn’t go away if you return the item, either. Store owners in New York know their rights and will act aggressively to combat the practice of shoplifting by prosecuting individual shoplifters.

Penalties for Shoplifting in New York

For the most part, shoplifting charges are based on the value of the items that were stolen. The greater the value, the greater your penalties. The breakdown of shoplifting and theft offenses is as follows:

• Property valued at $1,000 or less is considered petit larceny, which is a class A misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000
• Property valued between $1,000 and $3,000 is considered grand larceny in the fourth degree, which is a class E felony and is punishable by up to 4 years in prison and a fine that is either up to $5,000 or double the offender’s gain, depending on which is greater
• Property valued between $3,000 and $50,000 is considered grand larceny in the third degree, which is a class D felony and is punishable by up to 7 years in prison and a fine that is either up to $5,000 or double the offender’s gain, depending on which is greater
• Property valued between $50,000 and $1 million is grand larceny in the second degree, which is a class C felony and is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine that is either up to $5,000 or double the offender’s gain, depending on which is greater
• Property valued at greater than $1 million is considered grand larceny in the first degree, which is a class B felony and is punishable by up to 25 years in prison and a fine that is either up to $5,000 or double the offender’s gain, depending on which is greater

You should also note that in any shoplifting situation, you may be subject to civil liability to the store owner who was negatively impacted by your actions.

Contact a Rockland County, NY Shoplifting Attorney

If you were charged with shoplifting or theft in Rockland County, you must retain the services of a legal team you can trust. The Law Office of Carl Spector has the skill and knowledge of the penal system that is necessary to effectively represent your interests. With so much of your future at stake, you can count on The Law Office of Carl Spector to protect you from the burdens that may lie ahead. Contact our office today to discuss your case.