How are shoplifting penalties decided?

Shoplifting is a charge that can result in various penalties. This can also be called larceny. When individuals are charged with shoplifting, it can vary depending on the value of the property that was stolen. Everyone knows that taking someone else’s property is against the law. With these charges, you can face misdemeanor charges. The penalties for shoplifting greatly depend on how much the stolen property values at. By adding up the value of the property, it can add up to more consequences.

What charges can include jail time?

Larceny charges can include jail time depending on how much the property costs. If the property is valued at a higher price, there may be more risk for harsher charges and more consequences. With a felony charge, it can include jail time for the individual that was charged. A first degree offense is when property is valued to be over $1 million. When individuals are charged with this form of grand larceny, it is a class B felony. It can include up to 25 years of imprisonment. A felony charge can be more serious than a misdemeanor. Due to this second degree charge, the penalties can be harsher, including a longer prison sentence. Another felony charge can include property that is valued over $50,000. This can be considered to be a class C felony. Jail time can reach up to 15 years while fines can become even more overwhelming.

Another felony charge can include stolen property valued between $3,000 and $50,000.  With this amount of stolen property, it can be considered a third degree offense. Individuals may face overwhelming fines due to this class D felony. They can include imprisonment for up to seven years. When merchandise is stolen and valued between $1,000  and $3,000, it may result in a fourth degree offense for a felony charge. The individual can face a fine up to $5,000 or up to double the offender’s gain from the act. Jail time can be given for up to four years for individuals with this charge.

When is a charge considered a misdemeanor?

Felony charges can be more serious and cause more penalties than a misdemeanor charge. For a misdemeanor charge, the stolen property is valued at a lower price. When the stolen property is valued at $1,000 or less, this can be called petit larceny. This can be considered to be a class A misdemeanor. Fines can be up to $1,000 and there may be a possibility of jail time for up to a year.

Kevin T. Conway has over 30 years of experience as a Spring Valley criminal attorney handling DUI, DWI, traffic violations, violent crimes, sex crimes, illegal gun possession, shoplifting, and juvenile crimes. Attorney Conway is also experienced in commercial law matters, zoning law, and estate planning. If you need a Rockland County criminal lawyer, contact our Spring Valley office for a free consultation.