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  1. #1
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    Sep 2014
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    Default How Long After Stealing Can a Shoplifter Be Prosecuted Based on Video Evidence

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: NEW YORK

    Here is my story. Last year when I was in college I was always strapped for money. As a design student I easily made a bag with a hidden bottom where I could stash groceries while shopping at the local supermarkets. I would stash the expensive items in the hidden bottom and then pay for the cheaper items that I would leave on top in the open.

    For about a year, until I graduated in May I stole about $50 of groceries a week from two stores nearby. I realize my stupidity in that I frequented the same stores, and also even worse, paid for the rest of the groceries with my debit card which leads them directly to me. That being said, I was never caught, and upon graduating I got a job and promptly stopped stealing.

    Just recently I went into on the stores (I still shop there as I live nearby, but I never steal anymore) and it felt like every employee was looking at me. This horrible feeling of doom lingered around me as I shopped, so I quickly paid for my items (in cash this time as I was paranoid) and left.

    I haven’t loss the feeling of paranoia that in the past months since May they have finally realized their loss and begun to back track and try and track down the thief. I realize now that the amount I stole accumulates to a very large sum, and they might go to all means to hunt me down, even months after.

    I am terrified that one day I will be arrested this year for the shoplifting I did while I was in school and ruin my life. Can I be arrested solely on video proof? I have never been caught red handed at the store, but was very greedy about it and I don’t doubt that they could easily find video proof.

    Is that enough? I know they can find my name from my debit card, but can they learn my address that way as well?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
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    19,901

    Default Re: How Long After Stealing Can a Shoplifter Be Prosecuted Based on Video Evidence

    I'd stop revisiting the scene of the crime. They may indeed suspect you of shoplifting and if you continue to go there and look suspicious they might go back over the tapes. However, I suspect that's a long shot. Yes, the video evidence is going to be plenty compelling to convict you. If they've already seen you on the tapes your arriving at the store to shop may prod them to inquire (or otherwise determine) your identity.

    They have a year from the time you committed the crime to initiate prosecution.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
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    Massachusetts
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    24,521

    Default Re: How Long After Stealing Can a Shoplifter Be Prosecuted Based on Video Evidence

    I don't hear any remorse for stealing. I'm not sensing anything anywhere in your post that you have any understanding that you did wrong. You're not even claiming it was an impulse act - you deliberately set out to steal and made plans for how to do it. You're not sorry - you're only worried that you might have to take responsibility for what you did.

    I really, really hope that they do look at the tapes, arrest you, and throw your ass under the jail.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
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    18,340

    Default Re: How Long After Stealing Can a Shoplifter Be Prosecuted Based on Video Evidence

    Quote Quoting sbutters
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    I am terrified that one day I will be arrested this year for the shoplifting I did while I was in school and ruin my life. Can I be arrested solely on video proof?
    Yes.

    Cameras are excellent witnesses.

    Quote Quoting sbutters
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    I know they can find my name from my debit card, but can they learn my address that way as well?
    Yes, they can learn your address. Very easily.

    Quote Quoting sbutters
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    I am terrified that one day I will be arrested this year for the shoplifting I did while I was in school and ruin my life.
    It's possible that cumulative offenses can reach the felony level which often gives the authorities up to 5 years to prosecute.

    You've got a lot more sweatin' to do, thief.

  5. #5

    Default Re: How Long After Stealing Can a Shoplifter Be Prosecuted Based on Video Evidence

    Since you made a bag to aid you in your thefts - it's not shoplifting. It's burglary.

  6. #6
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    Sep 2010
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    Default Re: How Long After Stealing Can a Shoplifter Be Prosecuted Based on Video Evidence

    REALLY? In New York? Burglary requires being in a place you have no license to be with the intent to commit a crime. Unless he's been trespassed out of the store I don't see how that would apply. What he could very well be cited for is possession of burglary TOOLS for having shoplifting gear, but this is still a misdemeanor.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
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    441

    Default Re: How Long After Stealing Can a Shoplifter Be Prosecuted Based on Video Evidence

    Don't know the NY statute of limitations. In Ohio, we have 2 years to file against you, and can elect to do so anytime within that time frame.

  8. #8
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    Sep 2010
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    Default Re: How Long After Stealing Can a Shoplifter Be Prosecuted Based on Video Evidence

    Quote Quoting DeputyDog
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    Don't know the NY statute of limitations. In Ohio, we have 2 years to file against you, and can elect to do so anytime within that time frame.
    As I stated in the first reply, the NY SOL is ONE YEAR for misdemeanors. This is a misdemeanor with the possible exception that the aggregate theft could add up over $1000 (or it was of certain things such as firearms or certain religious artifacts).

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
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    441

    Default Re: How Long After Stealing Can a Shoplifter Be Prosecuted Based on Video Evidence

    Fine. Then they have up to a year to file from the time of the LAST recorded theft.

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