Articles Posted in Larceny and Shoplifting

Individuals without criminal records arrested for misdemeanors in New York City are routinely charged by way of a Desk Appearance Ticket. Though individuals issued Desk Appearance Ticket do not spend twenty-four hours in prison awaiting arraignment like other defendants, their cases are no less serious than those misdemeanor cases pursued the “traditional” way (in which…

The Wall Street Journal has reported that 106 people will be arrested soon for allegedly committing social security fraud in connection with post-9/11 trauma and mental illness claims. According to reports, the prosecution’s theory will be that certain individuals provided false information in claims filings which led to huge, unjustified benefits receipts. Specifically, it appears…

An experienced New York state and federal criminal defense attorney explains the law in New York state as it relates to blackmail. Recently, late night talk show host David Letterman went to law enforcement authorities because he claimed that he was the victim of blackmail. Both state and federal law make it illegal to blackmail…

First-time offenders arrested for shoplifting at large department stores in New York (such as Sak’s Fifth Avenue, Century 21, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, or Uniqlo) typically receive Desk Appearance Tickets, or DATS, from the police. (For more on shoplifting and petit larceny arrests, click here and here.). However, many shoplifting defendants also soon receive letters from lawyers…

The short answer to the question above is: probably, but maybe not. If you have been issued a Desk Appearance Ticket in New York City, the chances are that your case is an unusual misdemeanor that required some investigation by the prosecutor, or you are first-time offender charged with shoplifting, theft of services (like jumping…

Departments stores like Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s are some of the most common places for petit larceny arrests to occur. Similar arrests are also commonplace in such retailers as Century 21 and Saks Fifth Avenue. Oftentimes a misunderstanding between a customer and overzealous security staff can lead to police involvement — even in cases where customers…

Of those who are arrested in Manhattan for shoplifting and directed to appear in Midtown Community Court in New York City, we often encounter clients who fail to take the situation they are in seriously. These clients are arrested and issued Desk Appearance Tickets (D.A.T.s) and then released without going through the unpleasant experience of…

Our nation’s recent economic difficulties have seemingly spurred an increase in financial-related crimes. One particularly common financial crime is embezzlement of corporate money by corporate officers, employees, or financial professionals. (Recently, we have also seen a number of incidences of embezzlement involving co-op/condominium associations, charities, religious groups, and social organizations). In New York, the majority…

One very common charge in New York for repeat shoplifters is Burglary in the Third Degree (Penal Law Section 140.20). A person is guilty of this Class D felony when he knowingly or unlawfully enters or remains in a building with intent to commit a crime therein. Penal Law Section 140.00[5] provides the definition of…

The arrest of a friend or loved one often happens unexpectedly. The majority of New Yorkers do not have any experience with the criminal justice system and are often thrust into a position of having to deal with the possibility of bail being set. This post will explain a few factors that go into a…