Michael Kramer, Attorney at law

1311 Mamaroneck Ave
Suite 340
White Plains, NY 10605
mk@michaelkramerlaw.com

Call for a Free, 20-min,
Traffic Ticket Strategy Session

(914) 709-7161

Michael Kramer, Attorney at law

Interviewer: Is there a particular way in which people steal? Do they usually conceal items in their clothing and walk out?

The Method Used Can Count Against You during the Disposition of a Shoplifting Case

Mike: You know the more creative the better. There’s no particular way. Items are usually concealed in a bag or a purse. If it becomes more and more sophisticated, for example, using false-bottom bags and various places to conceal items on your person that show premeditated intent. However, these actions usually go harder against you in terms of the disposition of the case.

Usually, the more common charges are the spontaneous type of case where someone just puts an item in a bag and tries to walk out with it, and to avoid jail term for these charges you need access to a skilled shoplifting offenses attorney in Hartsdale.

Can It Be Difficult to Prove Intent to Shoplift?

Interviewer: If you put something in your bag, but you don’t walk out, you continue shopping, have you shoplifted?

Mike: Not unless it can be proven that you formed the intent to steal. It’s the intent that’s important. What is looked at is if you conceal an item in a way that shows you formed the intent even though you are still in the store.

You Can Be Detained While You Are Still Inside the Store

Even though you haven’t passed the open cash registers to get outside, technically, you’ve formed the intent and you could be arrested. Most people think that they can’t be arrested unless they actually leave the store. That’s not necessarily true.

Interviewer: What about if you’re walking around a grocery store and you pick up an apple and bite it and start eating it. Would that be a problem if you end up bringing it to the register?

Mike: That’s an interesting question. I guess it depends upon how many bites of the apple you took. I’m kidding. I have never had such a case. But technically, if you’ve taken that apple, so it can’t be resold, I imagine, technically, they could bring a case against you. It would surprise me if they ever did. I would probably be guilty of it, too.

Michael Kramer, Esq.

Call for a Free, 20-min,
Traffic Ticket Strategy Session
(914) 709-7161