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  1. #1

    Default Arrested for Shoplifting in New York City, First Offense

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: New York.

    I am 20 years old and got caught having un purchased merchandise in my bag at K mart. They where 2 items and where totalled up to $9 with tax maybe $10. I was going to get let go and nothing was going to be held against me but I didn't have a New York State ID so they had to get the cops involved. I don't get in trouble, I'm a good girl and I never got arrested before in my life. The cops that arrested me guided me through the process and I want to make sure it's valid because I look at other post on here and sites, and they scary me more then what the cops made it sound. The cops told me to go to court, look nice, apologize for what I have done, the judge will order that I have to stay out of trouble for 6 months, and if I do then this will be dismissed off my record. Someone else (whom didn't arrested me) told my boyfriend the same process as well. It's just freaking me out how people are saying to get a lawyer when the cops clarified to me to get one if after the 6 month period the charges are still up against me. Then, I read that I have to pay for court? No one told me that. They said it's possible that I may have to pay a fine but not the court and I didn't get notified (as well) that I will get a notice from the store to pay them back. I only got (I believe) is I can't come back to the store ever again. Please help me understand this because everyone is making things sound scary but the cops made things sound like they will be nice, easy, and able to get passed this since it's the smallest crime and it doesn't do any damaged since it's the smallest crime from what I heard the cops say.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
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    98,846

    Default Re: Arrested for Shoplifting in New York City, First Offense

    When you choose to commit a crime, you can anticipate having to pay fines as part of the disposition of the criminal charge.

    The store may send you a civil demand; that has nothing to do with the criminal case.

    Shoplifting does a lot of damage -- it makes it difficult for some stores to stay in business, and it raises the prices for those of us who actually pay for what we want.

  3. #3

    Default Re: Arrested for Shoplifting in New York City, First Offense

    I get some things but it doesn't help answer the questions. Should I also add, which I forgot to mention in my post that I had the merchandise placed into my bag by my boyfriend. He tried taking the hit and got his godfather to do the same and try to put all the charges on his case since his godfather knew he was the one who had stolen the items but the store didn't hear him out. I don't steal things at all, I pay for what I want. I don't got the courage to steal. Should I mentioned this during my court date or what? I'm so confused and I suffer from anxiety and emotional problems so it's hard for me to deal with everything at the moment. I need the most help I can get and also since I never got into trouble for things. I'm an honors student, sweet, nice, etc. So I don't know what to exspect or how the judicial system of nyc will work upon my case.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Posts
    441

    Default Re: Arrested for Shoplifting in New York City, First Offense

    It sounds to me like in NYC or in your part of NYC shoplifters without previous records are automatically put into a diversion program from what you say the police said.

    It's not a mystery; the court isn't there to fool you. Go to court and observe what happens with everyone else there for shoplifting. When you get up to the judge/magistrate, ask what it takes to get into a diversion program. Would it involve pleading guilty and admitting guilt or does one first plead not guilty and diversion is discussed with the prosecutor at pre-trial? It varies by court. Either way, the judge or magistrate will tell you what your legal options are. Then you can decide whether to get an attorney or not. If they can offer you diversion with the charges dismissed in 6 months, I wouldn't bother with a lawyer; that diversion deal is likely the best a lawyer could do for you as well. I'd get the diversion done and put this behind me with no record.

    Oh, and QUIT SHOPLIFTING.

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