Whether you've been arrested or issued a New York Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT) in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Westchester, or anywhere in New York City, those accused of shoplifting can expect potentially severe consequences. Although not formally called the "shoplifting statutes," New York criminal defense attorneys and criminal defense lawyers often refer to the offenses of Petit Larceny, pursuant to New York Penal Law 155.25, and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fifth Degree, pursuant to New York Penal Law 165.40, as such. In simple terms, if you steal property or possess stolen property, regardless of the value, you may be guilty of these crimes and be punished by up to one year in jail. In the event that the value exceeds $1,000, you may be charged with the felony of Grand Larceny punishable in varying degrees up to twenty five years in prison.

If you are accused of stealing a sweater from Banana Republic, a jacket and slacks from Macys or an Ipod from the Apple Store, Petit Larceny (NY PL 155.25) and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 5th Degree (NY PL 165.40) are the "A" misdemeanors you will face. Make no mistake, if convicted of shoplifting you will have a criminal record forever that will not merely "go away." While first time offenders often get favorable offers to avoid a criminal record or incarceration, even avoiding a criminal record does not mean that you will avoid long term or permanent consequences of the arrest.

The New York criminal defense attorneys and former Manhattan prosecutors at Crotty Saland LLP routinely handle shoplifting cases representing physicians, lawyers, teachers, individuals in banking and finance, realtors, and college and graduate students accused of New York Penal Law 155.25 and / or 165.40. In these cases we have obtained tremendous resolutions for our clients and have analyzed and assessed our clients' unique needs on a case by case basis. It was imperative for these men and women, as it is for future clients, to understand that baring a dismissal or acquittal, every precaution must be taken to avoid the far reaching consequence of what was a terrible mistake. Regardless of whomever you decide will best represent your interests, ask that criminal defense attorney if he or she will repeatedly return to court to try to get the case procedurally dismissed no matter how long it will take or fight for an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal so the case can be dismissed in six months. Make sure your criminal defense lawyer takes the time to explain how even a violation may leave you with a permanent "scar" that future employers or associations approving your certification may be able to view for years to come. While no New York criminal defense attorney can guarantee a particular outcome even if he or she has a track record of success, we at Crotty Saland LLP guarantee we will pursue every legal angle to put you in the best possible position to reach an acceptable disposition and one that will limit future consequences to your career and livelihood.

For further information on shoplifting in New York, please review Crotty Saland LLP's blog at NewYorkCriminalLawyerBlog.Com. Review both the Theft Offense section and Desk Appearance Ticket section or search the term "shoplifting." For further information on the issuance of a New York Desk Appearance Tickets as well as the arrest process, please review the Desk Appearance Ticket and Arrest Process sections of the website as well.