Anti-Shoplifting Attorney

Shoplifting Arrests

Shoplifting is one of the most common criminal offenses in New York City. Although many offenders are non-violent, if confronted, many shoplifters are prepared to blame the store for violating their rights or use physical force to get away. It starts with a confrontation. This confrontation may be ambiguous where they pretend they don't know why you are confronting them even after they are told they are suspected of theft. This process of acting confused or surprised may continue throughout their arrest. Next, they may be brought to another room where they may be searched. During this search, a store employee may go through their purse, bags, and pockets looking for store merchandise.  Many people are then turned over to the police but will the police do anything? If the police refuse to make an arrest such as because they are too busy, the shoplifter may be released and back at it in no time.   Even if they are arrested, they may be released with little more than a slap on the wrist, a clean record,  and they may not have even been required to repay your business for the time and annoyance spent apprehending them, or damage to store property. Even if the same shoplifter has hit your store several times, they might still have a clean record because the District Attorney often dismisses shoplifting cases.  Because they keep getting their case dismissed, each time they hit your store is viewed (mistakenly) as their first time stealing from you and so they may continue to get special treatment in court.  Unfortunately, the police, District Attorney, and court have little incentive to make sure that your business is not repeatedly victimized by shoplifters or employee theft. Who can your business turn to? 

Worse, shoplifters often accuse store employees of exaggerating, lying, or deceiving them during their arrest. This might be followed by the police who might seem bothered to deal with a low priority arrest. These individuals have motives and incentives that conflict with those of your store. To put it simply, the shoplifter and the criminal justice system don't care about your bottom line. Shoplifting and employee theft, if not handled properly, could result a serious hit to your store's profitability.  

Although this may be your first struggle to get a handle on shoplifting , it isn't ours. We have successfully litigated shoplifting issues throughout New York. Regardless of your situation, Attorney Lance Fletcher is on your side and will fight to help your business.