More than 7.6 million people call Long Island home, making it the most heavily populated island in the country. And while most of the people who live here will move through life without any criminal charges being filed against them, others aren’t so lucky. Shoplifting charges are one of the most common types of charges in the penal system, but they can also be among the most damaging. Whether it’s a youthful mistake, a misunderstanding, or some other situation, shoplifting charges could have a major impact on your life.
Understanding some of the different ways that these charges can affect you is important. The specific charges and potential punishments will vary based on the nature of the shoplifting itself. If the value of the items stolen is $1,000 or less, only petit larceny charges will be filed. If it’s more than $1,000, grand larceny charges will be used instead.
With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the main ways your life may be impacted.
- Jail – Jail time can vary greatly. For property of one thousand dollars or less, jail sentences of up to one year may be imposed. If stolen items value between 1,000 and 3,000 dollars, jail time could reach 4 years. The higher the value of the items, the more jail time you could face – in severe cases reaching as much as 25 years.
- Fines – The same goes for fines. With petit larceny charges, fines will reach as much as $1,000. For higher value items, fines can reach $5,000 or double the sum the offender gained from the crime.
- Criminal History – Many people don’t realize how damaging a criminal history can be, but with more than 90% of employers running background checks on applicants, having larceny charges on your record could lead to difficulty finding good employment. As a result, shoplifting charges could impact your life for decades after you have repaid your debt to society.
The best step you can take following shoplifting charges is to find a competent New York attorney who can help defend you from the charges. These experts have spent years in the court system and will be able to talk to you about the different options that exist within your case. No two cases are the same, and the only real way to know more about what to expect is to talk to an attorney as soon as you can. They’ll be your greatest ally, and it’s vital that you find one to help you.