How Is the Crime of Shoplifting Classified?

Interviewer: We’ll talk about shoplifting. In New York State, is stealing an item from a store, called shoplifting or is it called larceny?

Shoplifting Can Be Classified as (Petit) Petty or Grand Larceny, Depending on the Value of the Stolen Items

Mike: The formal term is petit larceny, depending on the value, petit or grand larceny. But, it’s commonly referred to as shoplifting. And, to avoid pressing charges from the court of law you need help of an experienced shoplifting offenses attorney in Scarsdale

What Kind of Person Shoplifts?

Interviewer: What’s the background profile of someone that does this type of crime? Are they usually multiple offenders?

People from All Walks of Life Have Been Involved in a Shoplifting Charge

Mike: Not usually. As with DWI offenses, which we previously discussed in another call, they come from all walks of life. I’ve had investment bankers, multimillionaire individuals.

I can remember one particular case, the client had been charged with changing the price on a light bulb to save himself $0.60. The store still saw fit to bring a shoplifting charge against him. Here’s a multimillionaire with a $0.60 shoplifting offense.

Some People Have Been Forced to Shoplift Out of Necessity

As well as persons on public assistance, mothers, people fallen on hard times stealing food for their family. I’ve had lawyers who, for one reason or another, lose patience waiting in line and walk out with a small item and just say “The heck with it.” They get mad at the store and leave. It doesn’t follow any particular pattern in terms of the types of individuals involved.