Long Island Shoplifting Attorney Explains If You Can Go To Jail For First Offense Shoplifting

Shoplifting incidents are on the rise, with over 1 million incidents of shoplifting happening every day in the United States. The consequences for shoplifting vary greatly depending on a number of different factors based on individual cases. Some shoplifting cases carry fairly minor charges, such as the need to pay a fine and undergo community service. However, some shoplifting charges are considerably more serious and may end up with you spending some time in jail. How serious your charges are will ultimately depend on factors such as the total monetary amount of goods stolen, or how many previous offenses you have on your record. In either case, you will want to hire a Long Island shoplifting attorney to help you with your charges.

What is Shoplifting?

Put quite simply, shoplifting is the act of stealing merchandise without paying for, or intending to pay for, the items taken. It can refer to any type of items, from relatively inexpensive merchandise such as cosmetic products, to larger, more costly items like jewelry. No matter the expense of the item, removing it from the store with no intention to pay is shoplifting and is a crime.

If you are caught shoplifting, it’s likely you will face penalties, and the type of charge you receive will depend on the individual circumstance of your crime. You may be charged with petty theft for stealing smaller items, or a might face a more serious felony charge that will most likely result in jail time. If you have been caught shoplifting and have received a charge, it’s important that you contact a Long Island shoplifting attorney to discuss your options.

Long Island Shoplifting Attorney Explains What Makes Shoplifting a Felony?

A felony is the most serious type of shoplifting charge you can receive and will most likely end up with you spending some time in jail. Usually, the type of charge you receive will depend on the total value of the items that were shoplifted. What classifies as a felony for shoplifting will also depend on the state in which you are being prosecuted. If you’ve been accused of felony shoplifting, you need to speak with an experienced Long Island shoplifting attorney as soon as possible.

In New York, theft of items that are valued anywhere up to $1,000 is considered a Class A misdemeanor. Theft of items over $1,000 is classified as felony grand larceny. However, there are also levels of grand larceny that depend on the value of the stolen merchandise. For example, grand larceny in the fourth degree is considered a class E felony that carries a sentence of up to 4 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000 or double the amount of what was stolen. Grand larceny in the first degree happens when a person steals more than $1,000,000 and is classified as a class B felony with up to 25 years in prison.

Obviously, most shoplifting charges tend to be a class A misdemeanor, but this is still a crime you don’t want to have on your record and can carry jail time, particularly if you have previous theft charges on your record. Courts tend to take into consideration whether or not you have been charged with a shoplifting crime before prior to determining your sentence.

Regardless of whether you have been charged with shoplifting previously, or face only a misdemeanor charge, you should speak to a Long Island shoplifting attorney. A shoplifting attorney will have the knowledge and expertise to help you with your specific case. They may even be able to lessen your charges. Contact The Matera Law Firm today to find out more about how a dedicated Long Island shoplifting attorney can assist you with your shoplifting charges.

If you or someone you love is in need of an experienced criminal defense attorney, contact us today for a free confidential consultation. We proudly serve Suffolk County, Nassau County, Long Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx, Queens, and throughout New York State. With over 25 years of experience, let an experienced Long Island theft defense attorney help protect your rights and ensure your freedom.

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