Shoplifting is often looked at as a kind of ‘no big deal’ crime. Out of the more than 7 million residents who call Long Island home, more than a few may make the bad decision to shoplift. Of those, the majority will certainly be caught and charged. In many cases, misdemeanor charges will be filed, and you won’t do ‘hard time’. But here at the Law office of Naiburg, Obedin, and Weissman, we want to make it clear that while it sounds like it’s no big deal, the reality is that shoplifting is indeed much more serious than most people think.
Shoplifting charges are very common, and make up a large number of criminal charges throughout the country each year and in the Long Island area as well. But while they’re common, they’re not without consequences. Potential sentences for these crimes include:
- Jail times of as much as 4 years for minor theft, and as much as 25 years in more serious cases.
- Fines can reach $1,000 or more, and could actually be determined to be double the amount of money an offender earned from the act of shoplifting.
The specific penalties will depend on your criminal past as well as on the value of the items being shoplifted. Items valuing less than $1,000 will usually only bring misdemeanor petit larceny charges, while shoplifting items worth more than $1,000 could bring felony grand larceny charges and much harsher penalties.
Beyond the initial penalties is something else – a criminal history. Larceny charges on your history will make it much harder to find employment later in life. With more than 90% of employers now running background checks on those applying for a job, having a single shoplifting charge could mean that your future isn’t as bright as it should be.
You need to take these charges very seriously, because they’re very serious and could impact your life in negative ways for years to come. As a result, it’s important to speak to a good New York attorney as soon as you can. They’ll help explain your options and give you an idea as to just what steps you need to take in order to defend yourself.